Calculator
Camera storage (NVR) calculator
See how much recording storage your security cameras need. Set your camera count, resolution, retention, and recording mode for an instant estimate and a recommended drive size.
H.265 roughly halves storage vs H.264. Motion-based recording saves more, but actual savings depend on how busy the scene is.
Estimated storage needed
4.7 TB
for 8 cameras over 30 days
Recommended drive
6 TB
includes ~15% headroom
Estimate only. Real usage varies with frame rate, scene activity, and camera settings. We size NVRs with the right RAID and headroom.
Camera storage questions
How much storage do security cameras need?
It depends on camera count, resolution, compression, and how many days you keep footage. As a rough guide, eight 4MP cameras recording on motion with H.265 for 30 days land around 4 to 6 TB. Continuous 24/7 recording roughly doubles that.
Does H.265 really save storage?
Yes. H.265 (HEVC) typically uses about half the bitrate of H.264 for the same image quality, so it roughly halves your storage needs. Most modern cameras and NVRs support it.
Continuous vs motion-based recording?
Continuous records 24/7 and uses the most space, but never misses anything. Motion-based only records when something happens, often cutting storage by half or more in quiet areas, though busy scenes save less.
Should I just buy the biggest drive?
Not necessarily. We size NVRs with the right capacity plus headroom and RAID redundancy so a single drive failure doesn't lose your footage. Reach out and we'll spec the system properly for your site.