How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage?

In today's fast-paced world, where security concerns are more important than ever, businesses must decide how far into the past they’ll keep security footage and how they’ll store it.

Deciding on the optimal duration for storing security footage isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. It involves a delicate balance of technological capabilities, legal requirements, and practical necessities.

So, how do you navigate this complex landscape? Let's dive into the world of security cameras and unravel the mystery behind footage retention.

What’s the Ideal Timeframe for Security Cameras to Keep Footage?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a general rule of thumb is for businesses to retain footage for one to three months, although some systems store footage for just 24 hours and others for a year or more.

Short-Term Storage: The 24-Hour Cycle

Some security systems are designed for short-term storage, typically overwriting footage after 24 hours. These systems are often ideal for businesses that need to monitor activities in real-time, such as retail stores during business hours, but don't require long-term archival.

Short-Term Storage: Loop Recording

Loop recording is a common feature in many security camera systems. In loop recording, old footage is overwritten once storage is full. This method ensures continuous recording without manual intervention to clear space.

The duration before footage is overwritten can vary based on recording quality and storage capacity.

Lower resolution settings, lower frame rates, and motion-activated recording can all extend the time before storage is full or overwriting occurs.

Long-Term Storage

Systems with large storage capacities or cloud-based solutions are ideal for businesses requiring extended footage retention. These can store footage for weeks, months, or even years.

In fact, many industries are required to store footage for set amounts of time.

Banking and Finance

Banks and financial institutions are often mandated to retain surveillance footage for at least 90 days. This requirement is to ensure a reliable record for investigating fraud or security breaches.

Casinos and Gaming

In the casino industry, regulations typically demand that surveillance footage be kept for a minimum of 30 days, with some jurisdictions requiring longer periods. This is crucial for monitoring gaming operations and preventing cheating or theft.

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and healthcare facilities usually need to keep their security camera footage for at least 30 to 90 days, in line with patient privacy and safety regulations. This helps monitor sensitive areas and ensure compliance with healthcare standards.

Storage Devices and Video Storage

Camera settings affect the amount of video data produced, whereas storage devices affect the amount of data that can be stored before running out of space.

DVRs (Digital Video Recorders)

DVRs are traditional recording systems that connect to analog cameras and convert their signals into digital data for storage.

DVRs can be a cost-effective video storage option for small to medium-sized businesses that don’t require high-resolution video or extended storage.

NVRs (Network Video Recorders)

NVRs work with digital IP (Internet Protocol) cameras and are more advanced than DVRs.

They support greater storage for high-quality digital footage and longer retention of video data.

VMS (Video Management Systems)

VMS offers a comprehensive solution for digital video storage and management. They’re compatible with most cameras and can be integrated with additional security systems, such as those for access control and fire detection.

VMSes provide high-end, AI-based video management and storage, making them ideal for large organizations with complex security needs.

The Cloud

Cloud-based storage solutions represent the latest in security camera technology. They offer virtually unlimited storage capacity because, rather than using on-site devices, they use the Internet to store video data off-site (in “the cloud”).

While cloud storage can be costly for high-resolution and long-term storage, it’s a scalable, flexible, and reliable storage solution.

Camera Settings and Video Storage

Image Quality

Here's the lowdown: Higher-quality footage takes up more space. Think of it as a trade-off—the clearer the image, the more storage you'll need.

Recording Time

If your cameras are recording 24/7, they’ll fill up storage faster than cameras set to record only when they detect motion.

Frame Rate

Frame rate, often measured in frames per second (fps), refers to the frequency at which consecutive images, or frames, appear in a video.

It's like the speed of a flipbook: the higher the frame rate, the smoother and more fluid the motion appears in the video.

The frame rate significantly impacts storage duration because the more frames captured per second, the larger the file that must be stored.

Security Tailored to Your Needs

At Mammoth Security, we understand that navigating security systems and the many choices they present can be daunting, but we’ve got your back. We’re here to help you figure out the perfect system for your unique security needs.

Mammoth Security is Connecticut's one-stop shop for commercial-grade security systems. Whether it's cutting-edge cameras, robust access control, or reliable fire and intrusion alarms, we approach your security as if it were our own—with seriousness, commitment, and attention to detail.

So, if you’re looking to build or upgrade a commercial-grade security system for your property, don't hesitate to reach out. We’re offering free site surveys and security assessments to businesses that contact us. Just click on the contact link and fill out the form.