How Long do Security Cameras Keep Footage?

Jon Jones ● Mar 7 ● 15 min read

Security cameras are a vital part of security systems for businesses and other organizations. They deter crime and can provide evidence in the event of a break-in or other incident. But how long do security cameras keep footage? In this article, we’ll go over how long security cameras keep footage as well as some options for your security system.

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage: Storage Options

Before answering the question, “how long do security cameras keep footage?”, we’ll turn to which cameras even offer onboard storage options.

Local Storage

Local storage refers to when video recordings are kept on-site. While some systems still use an older architecture (with a centralized NVR/DVR setup), contemporary IP cameras frequently have onboard storage. While this method has certain downsides in terms of sharing film and remote access, it has some advantages in terms of convenience and connectivity. Because the recordings are not transported over networks (that may have unreliable connectivity and restricted bandwidth availability), storing the recordings locally reduces logistical difficulties. However, it complicates access to the film, necessitates a large storage capacity, and poses a danger of data loss if the device’s hard disk fails or is otherwise destroyed.

Solid-State Drives

The evolution of modern video cameras has resulted in improved storage options. Local storage has transitioned from analog VHS tapes to high-capacity hard drives that can store weeks or months of video recordings. While traditional spinning hard drives remain the market norm, Solid State storage has arrived and, in many respects, represents the best available local storage solution. Solid State Drives (SSDs) have the advantage of not having the moving parts of regular drives, making them far more durable and less likely to fail. This significantly enhances their reliability and life expectancy while also making them quicker and more efficient.

Hybrid Cloud Solutions and Cloud Storage

Even more significant has been the next significant storage revolution: cloud storage and hybrid cloud solutions. The development and popularity of IP camera cloud storage has, in many circumstances, turned local storage from a need to a secondary alternative. The benefits of the cloud (including affordability, security, scalability, and disaster recovery) have made it the favored retention method, as with most data storage. 

 However, large video files may make it challenging to promptly and safely send recordings to the cloud, especially if you are in a place with restricted bandwidth, intermittent connectivity, or repeated network downtime. These issues are major reasons why local storage remains crucial for many organizations and why a hybrid cloud solution that employs both approaches is being used by an increasing number of businesses. You can rest assured that your video footage is well protected with Verkada’s hybrid cloud solutions. 

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage

So, how long do security cameras keep footage? The answer depends on the type of security camera and the storage system. In other words, the amount of footage stored depends on the size of the camera’s hard drive and the amount of traffic that the camera records.

It’s also important to note that the video characteristics, like resolution and frame rate, have a significant impact on file size and how soon local storage space is used up. For example, a camera with a 1TB hard drive can store about 2 weeks of HD footage. If the camera is recording lower quality footage, it can store more footage.

Moreover, some security cameras don’t even have internal storage and merely transfer video to a separate NVR or DVR storage hub where the recordings are kept. Because of all of these issues, a lower-tier security camera may only be able to record for a few days. A modern, full-featured camera, on the other hand, may store three months’ worth of recordings — or perhaps more.

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage: Verkada Surveillance Cameras

How long do security cameras keep footage? The answer depends on a number of factors. Here at Monarch, though, we are able to guarantee high-definition footage with Verkada devices that are capable of recording video in standard quality for at least 30 days. However, customers have the option of selecting a camera with standard, inbuilt storage capacity of 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 365 days.

It is also important to note that Verkada’s cameras are capable of concurrently recording video in both a regular quality stream and a high quality stream. When Verkada cameras detect motion within the area, the footage is also saved in high resolution to the onboard solid state media. During the entirety of the retention period, Verkada ensures that the video’s standard quality is preserved. The remaining space on the onboard storage is devoted to storing high-quality video and audio recordings (if they are enabled), together with analytic data (if enabled). This enables our customers to achieve their needed retention standards without having to perform any calculations. This approach of video retention is known as recording in adaptive quality.

How Does Verkada’s Adaptive Quality Video Retention Work?

High-quality video takes up to five times the space that standard-quality video does. As a result, if the camera is placed in a high-traffic area, such as a crowded foyer, the storage space intended for high-quality footage may become full. If this happens, the oldest high-quality video available gets cycled out to make room for the most recent motion-based content. In such cases, even if the previous film is in high motion, it will only be maintained in standard quality. The standard quality video retention is unaffected by motion and records continuously up to the designated retention of 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 365 days.

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage: Verkada for Security Solutions

At Monarch, we will collaborate with you to develop the most suitable security solutions for your business. We’ll work together to create, implement, and manage a security system that prioritizes both protection and comfort.

Verkada devices stand out from the rest because they provide an advanced, AI-driven security environment. Consider the following features that make all cloud-based devices of Verkada unique:

• Solid-state Storage (SSD): No NVR, DVR, or server is required. This means you pay for what you use – and that’s all. This reduces any extra overhead operations and the associated expenses,
• Regular, Automatic Software Updates: No need to worry about if your devices are working properly or are up-to-date with our Verkada devices.
• Simple Plug-and-Play Install: Just a standard Ethernet cable is required for the cameras to be brought online and fully operational within minutes.
• Unlimited Storage on Camera and Cloud: Reduce your organizations’ liability risk with unlimited cloud archiving offered by Verkada cameras.
• Unlimited Users Allowed: You can easily authorize admins access to an unlimited number of users.
• AI-Based Video Analytics: Face detection, person of interest detection, and license plate detection are all available.
• Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: Access archived or live feed videos on any device or browser
• Live Alerts: Receive instant alerts in any meaningful event
• Shareable Live Feeds: Share your live feed via SMS. This is useful as you can send it to first responders in case of an emergency for dramatically reduced response time.
• Infinitely Scalable: No matter how large the facility is, we can help you keep everyone on the same page. 
• 10-Year Warranty: Rest assured that your money is well protected

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage: Verkada Hybrid Cloud-Based Cameras

Verkada offers technology that is secure and easy to use for users. The set-up is simple: once a device is installed, it is online and fully operational within just a few minutes.

Other features of our security cameras include the following:

• AI-Based Video Analytics: Face detection and person of interest detection. You can easily receive alerts when a person of interest re-enters your business.
• Smart Filters: Search for specific people, vehicles, and objects without having to spend too much time scrubbing through footage.
• License Plate Recognition: Identify license plates of interest in your parking lot.
• Shareable Live Feeds: Share your live feed via SMS. This is useful as you can send it to first responders in case of an emergency for dramatically reduced response time.
• Time lapse: Watch a day of footage in under 30 seconds with timelapses.
• Floor Plan: Quickly respond to incidents with real-time motion plotting. 

Additionally, Verkada offers security cameras that are thoughtfully designed. The cameras have a durable design, firmware signing, and can detect tampering. Furthermore, you won’t have to wonder how long do security cameras keep footage with Verkada. You can keep footage up to 365 days. Choose the security cameras that fit your needs and ensure safety.

Verkada’s Cameras for Security Solutions

We offer a variety of options to meet your security needs including: the Verkada Indoor Dome Series, the Verkada Outdoor Dome Series, the Verkada Bullet Series, the Verkada Mini Series, and Verkada Fisheye Series.

Verkada Indoor Dome Series

The Verkada Indoor Dome Camera is designed for indoor, high-traffic areas. It is the perfect general-purpose security camera. There are three versions of this camera: CD42, CD52, and C62.

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series is both weather- and tamper-resistant.  Its capabilities function well even in areas with limited bandwidth and connectivity. They are perfect for monitoring the parking lot and the exterior of buildings (e.g., to capture key license plates). There are three versions of this camera: CD42-E, CD52-E, and C62-E.

The Verkada Bullet Series

The Verkada Bullet Series is ideal for long range, outdoor surveillance. It is built to withstand harsh environments. The Verkada Bullet camera is available in two lens types: wide angle and telephoto. There are four versions of this camera: CB51-E, CB61-E, CB51-TE, CB61-TE

The Verkada Mini Series

The Verkada Mini Series offers both flexibility and enhanced resolution for clear footage. The Mini Camera is a compact size that can fit any space, anywhere indoors. There are three versions of this camera: CM41-S, CM41, and CM41-E.

The ​Verkada Fisheye Camera

The ​Verkada Fisheye Camera provides a panoramic view of the entire property – both indoor and outdoor. This camera allows for total surveillance coverage.

The Verkada Fisheye Camera (CF81-E) is an ideal security camera for security solutions. With the option to switch between circle, ePTZ, 2-view, 3-view, or 4-view modes on the CF81-E, you can do away with the need for multiple camera installations. You can also take advantage of features like digital pan-tilt-zoom to increase coverage and lessen blind spots.

Three different view modes are supported by the CF81-E. You can customize the view mode to meet the requirements of the install location.

• 180° Panoramic: A wide-angle view that is ideal for an open area or a corridor.
• Four-way split: Use a single camera to watch four distinct fields of view.
• Pan-tilt-zoom (ePTZ): Provides a panoramic, all-encompassing view of your environment.

Panoramic

Panoramic is the first view mode of the fisheye camera. The camera will have a 180° horizontal field of view in this mode. The camera can be tilted to adjust the fields of view to your preferences.

Four-Way Split

Four-Way Split is the second mode of the fisheye camera. You can monitor four distinct areas all at the same time using the Four-Way Split mode. It’s especially useful for monitoring an outdoor corner, a hallway intersection, or when replacing multiple cameras with one. Site administrators can adjust the Four-Way Split’s angles to better suit their needs and maximize the fields of view.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ)

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) is the third, adaptable mode of the fisheye camera. You can choose to display the video feed in Pan-Tilt-Zoom as a 360° view, a tiles view with various angles, or by using your digital PTZ functionality to pan, tilt, and zoom around the image.

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage: Benefits of Security Cameras

Overall, there are many benefits to having security cameras at your facilities. Consider the following: 

• Deter Theft and Robbery: Cameras help security officials prevent crime such as vandalism, assault, theft, or other malicious behaviors.
• Remote Access: Security and surveillance teams can keep tabs on the facilities from anywhere on any device with security cameras.
• Incident Resolution: Footage captured by surveillance cameras allow security teams and the authorities to quickly investigate crimes if they do occur. Security cameras can help them track any inventory loss. 
• Protection of Staff and Guests: With security cameras, the risk of an incident decreases. This boosts employees’ sense of safety.
• Continuous Monitoring: Security cameras can capture all activity and incidents – even outside of working hours. This ensures that no critical footage is missed or lost.
• Storage up to 365 Days: With Verkada cameras, you won’t have to worry about how long do security cameras keep footage

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage: No Worrying with Continuous Security Monitoring

Remote security monitoring is a process that allows security professionals to keep an eye on your property and assets from afar 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are many benefits of using remote security monitoring for your organization including deterring crime, catching criminals in the act, providing evidence for criminal prosecution, and peace of mind. Additionally, since someone will remain surveilling your location, you won’t have to worry too much about how long do security cameras keep footage.

• Deter Theft, Vandalism, and Crime: Security systems with remote security monitoring can be an effective deterrent to criminals. If potential criminals are aware that their activities are being actively monitored, their likelihood of committing a crime decreases.
• Identify Criminals in Real-time: Security systems with remote security monitoring can also help catch criminals in the act. This type of system provides a proactive approach to security by alerting security personnel to potential risks as they are happening, rather than after the fact.
• Provide Evidence: Remote security monitoring can also provide evidence for prosecution in the event of a crime. This ensures that criminals are apprehended and prosecuted, and it may protect your company or organization from a repeat offense.
• Peace of Mind: Remote security monitoring can provide peace of mind for business owners. Knowing that your property has round-the-clock protection in the event of an emergency can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.

How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage: The Steps in Remote Security Monitoring

Not all security systems include a remote monitoring component. Consequently, it is essential to actively seek out security systems that provide around-the-clock monitoring by trained security personnel. With the Alarm license and security cameras from Verkada, you can rest assured that your business, facility, or organization is continuously and remotely monitored for security threats. So, how does Verkada’s remote security monitoring function?

First, you choose which cameras you’d like monitored and when. Then, Verkada’s sophisticated AI analytics notify our round-the-clock monitoring agents whenever a human is detected in the scene. Other Verkada devices, such as access control or intrusion sensors, can also generate alarms for review.

Second, as soon as an alarm is triggered, monitoring personnel will examine the associated video footage to determine if anyone or anything is in imminent danger. Finally, the monitoring agent will immediately get in touch with the customer’s call list if there is a real threat. Customers can also request that representatives call emergency services on their behalf. By dismissing the incident if there is no immediate danger, the agent reduces the likelihood of false alarms.

Essentially, the Verkada agents that run your building’s remote security monitoring (1) identify strange activity, (2) examine the situation, and (3) take initiative if there is an emergency at hand. 

No Worrying about How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage with Verkada 

Overall, Verkada offers a remote security monitoring feature that provides unlimited event-based monitoring for real-time threat detection and response. You can feel at ease once you secure your location(s) with round-the-clock expert monitoring. 

To enable continuous security monitoring by a group of qualified agents based in the US, you just have to click a button!