Calculating the exact storage required for a CCTV surveillance system depends on camera count, resolution, frame rate, compression codec, and recording schedules.
Key Storage Drivers Explained
- Resolution: A 4K (8MP) camera requires roughly 4 times the storage of a standard 1080p (2MP) camera.
- Compression Codecs: Modern H.265+ compression reduces required bandwidth and disk space by up to 50–70% compared to legacy H.264 without losing image clarity.
- Frame Rate (FPS): For general security surveillance, 15 FPS provides smooth, natural motion while saving up to 50% storage compared to 30 FPS.
- Motion vs 24/7 Recording: Event-driven motion recording saves substantial storage on off-peak hours while capturing all activity.
Standard Storage Formula
Storage (GB) = [Bitrate (Mbps) / 8] × 3600 sec/hr × Hours/Day × Days × Number of Cameras
Recommended Retention Benchmarks
| Environment | Recommended Retention | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Stores & Tills | 30 to 45 Days | High resolution on registers & points of entry |
| Commercial Warehouses | 60 Days | Perimeter monitoring & loading bays |
| Residential Properties | 14 to 30 Days | Driveways, entryways, boundary fences |