Do Security Cameras Record All The Time?

Security cameras are installed for the purpose of securing and protecting our families, homes, and properties, so it's important to address the question "Do security cameras record all the time?" And that's the topic of this article.

Security cameras can also help solve crimes and other issues if caught on camera and recorded. Now this is one of the catch – If recorded. Today’s modern security cameras, however, can either record continuously, or only when motion is detected

How sure are we that our security cameras are recording all the time? Are they really doing that? I mean, recording all the time?

How do security cameras keep recording all the time? How do you record images and footage? These are just some of the questions which continue to pop into our minds when talking about the issue of security camera recordings.

Let us find answers to these questions through this post.

Options for Recording a Security Camera

NVR/DVR Recording All the Time

Using a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder) is one of the best ways to record a security camera.

DVRs and NVRs are equipped with built-in HDD. Furthermore, an external hard disk drive (HDD) may be also installed. This is possible through the e-SATA on the DVR/NVR for additional storage.

This option of recording a security camera to DVR and/or NVR indicates video recording to the HDD. How long you can record on the video or if you can record for 24/7 is greatly influenced by the capacity of the HDD.

If you want to get your security camera record video and voice all the time, then get a PoE (Power Over Ethernet) security camera NVR system.

This type of security system has a proprietary network to transmit videos.

In other words, they do not use up much bandwidth and will not mess up with your network. It will only access your Internet when you do live streaming or remote viewing on your mobile phone.

Devices compatibility

Another important thing to remember is to get the right DVR or NVR. 

Different brands might have compatibility issues as most standalone DVR or NVR are effective only when they work with the same brands.

Recording a security camera through DVR or NVR is a more reliable way to address this issue. This is the reason why most companies settle for this option.

Use the correct hard drive

Video and voice recording to the DVR or NVR hard disk drive is a simple task.

Make sure you know how to choose the best hard drive for DVRs and NVRs.

You need to connect the security cameras to the NVR first. This is to make sure that the NVR and the security camera can communicate properly.

After connecting the NVR and security camera and ensuring the availability of power supply, connect the NVR to a monitor. 

An HD TV is also an option. The setting screen will then be displayed on the monitor. Go to the video recording settings and set up the recording.

Setup your DVR or NVR for recording

You can choose round the clock recording, or only when the camera detects motion. You can set up settings depending on your needs and preferences.

Now your security camera is ready to record, using the digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR).

Aside from recording all the time, you also have the opportunity to playback the video at a later time.

This is to check and see what the happenings are in the area during the times that you are away. Videos may also be exported and transferred to where you want to save them.

Remote viewing is also possible. You can do this with the use of your mobile phones. All you have to do is connect the NVR to your network.

But make sure that the NVR is connected to the router. This way you can monitor your property even if you are away.

Using an FT Server to Record Security Cameras 24/7

Setting up an FT server is another option to record security cameras remotely.

This is a less expensive way of recording security cameras, as most security cameras are allowed to record footage remotely to an FT server.

Using SD Cards

A lot of security cameras are equipped with SD cards. However, they only record motions. There are also security cameras that come with an SD card slot.

For instance, Reolink Argus 2. It has an SD card slot, therefore allowing you to use your own Micro SD card for motion recording.

The drawback of using SD cards, though, is it has limitations when talking about storage capacity. SD cards come in 16GB, 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB size variety.

It may work well until it reaches its full capacity.

To record security cameras using SD cards, make sure that the device either has an inserted SD card or has an SD card slot.

After doing this, connect the security camera to the network. Then using the same network, run the surveillance camera application or software.

After connecting the camera to the software, make your desired settings.

This process is normally a default setting. However, you still need to make sure if this setting option has been selected. The best thing about this option is the recording of footage to the SD card is still possible even if the network is down.

Recording security cameras in the cloud

Recording your security camera to the cloud is another option. However, this is probably the most expensive way of doing it.

Cloud storage means paying to avail of its full benefit. Meaning, if you want more storage to save footage, then you need to shell out a certain amount to pay for your cloud storage. And this is quite expensive.

However, there are more affordable ways of availing cloud storage. You can also refer to the Internet for information on how you can get cloud storage at affordable prices such as the service offered buy Angelcam.

Cloud storage may be expensive, but they provide us with more storage.

If you want heavy monitoring and surveillance, then cloud storage is something you should think about. Its storage service has no limit, provided you can afford to pay for it.

Recording security cameras on a PC

Another option is 24/7 recording security camera footage online on a laptop or personal computer. This is probably the less expensive way to record a security camera. If you find it out of your budget to purchase a DVR or NVR, then try out this option. This may be done into a Mac computer or Windows PC.

The footage will be recorded into the hard drive of your computer. You can then use a flash drive to record the security camera to it.

However, to have a 24/7 recording, your computer or laptop must be kept running all the time using a lot of resources and storage space.

Importance of Recording Security Cameras

Other people would probably wonder is recording security cameras is really important. Well, yes it is important. One thing we have to bear in mind. The main reason why we install security cameras in our homes, properties, and businesses is to keep it protected, safe, and secure.

In cases where crimes happen, recordings are a big help to solve the crime. Recordings can capture events and goings-on and the possibility of it capturing the incident is very great. Therefore, making identification of perpetrators and resolving the crime possible and fast.

To Wrap Up

Security cameras are important to us. They give us peace of mind, with the thought that our family, properties, and businesses are kept safe and secure.

That is, even if we are away. However, we must make sure that we know the ins and outs of security cameras so we can achieve its full benefits.