What is the Best Storage Option for Security Cameras?

When selecting a security camera system, a key consideration is the method of storing video footage. The appropriate storage solution can significantly impact the safety, accessibility, and cost-efficiency of your data.

In this guide, we will examine the best storage for security cameras, considering traditional storage options and comparing them with a more advanced, hub-based system.

Traditional Storage Methods

1. On-Camera Storage (Local SD Card)

Storing footage directly on the camera using an SD card is a straightforward and budget-friendly option, especially for home security setups. It requires minimal installation effort and offers a localized solution.

However, its limitations are notable: SD cards have restricted storage capacity and are vulnerable to theft or damage. If the camera is compromised, the footage stored on it may be permanently lost.

2. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage has gained popularity due to its convenience and accessibility. Users can access footage from virtually any location with an internet connection. Furthermore, storing data off-site mitigates the risk of data loss from physical damage.

However, cloud storage requires ongoing subscription fees and relies heavily on stable internet connectivity. Privacy concerns also exist, as data is stored on third-party servers, potentially giving service providers access to your footage.

Curious about how long your camera stores footage? Read our guide on How Long Do Security Cameras Keep Footage? for an in-depth look at storage and retention times.

3. NVR/DVR Systems (Network Video Recorder/Digital Video Recorder)

NVR and DVR systems are often used in larger installations where footage from multiple cameras is centrally managed.

These systems offer substantial storage capacity and convenient access to recorded video. However, they require additional hardware, including complex network cabling, which can be both challenging and costly to install.

Although storing footage locally at home can enhance security, NVR/DVR systems still face certain vulnerabilities. They typically use protocols like RTSP, which lack strong encryption, making them more susceptible to unauthorized access within local networks.

Moreover, their reliance on such protocols can lead to slower speeds and reduced convenience for remote access compared to more modern, secure solutions.

Advanced Hub + Camera System

The advanced hub-based camera system is designed to offer an optimal balance of security, privacy, and scalability, improving upon the limitations of traditional storage options.

Here's how it works:

1. Built-in and Expandable Storage

The hub features built-in local storage, providing a secure and centralized location for all recorded footage. Additionally, storage can be expanded by connecting external hard drives, allowing users to scale their storage as needed. This ensures that storage capacity is never an issue while maintaining data security within the home, even if the camera is stolen, as the data remains safely stored on the hub.

2. Enhanced Privacy and Security

Unlike cloud-based storage, the system ensures that all footage remains securely within your home. This eliminates potential third-party access to your data, giving you complete control over your privacy.

The hub utilizes SafeRTC technology—an enhanced version of WebRTC—ensuring secure connections for remote viewing. Additionally, a hub-based system includes end-to-end encryption (E2EE), ensuring only you and authorized users can access the video footage.

By choosing a camera with E2EE, such as Safemo 2-Camera & Hub Set P1, you ensure that your data stays private, giving you peace of mind.

3. Cost-Efficient and Streamlined Viewing

The system is designed to optimize data flow within your local network, reducing internet bandwidth usage. Viewing footage locally is seamless, and remote access is securely enabled via SafeRTC, offering smooth performance even on public networks.

This approach combines the convenience of cloud storage with the cost-efficiency of local storage, without recurring fees or dependence on constant internet access.

Hacking Prevention: Traditional vs Hub Storage

Security cameras with traditional storage methods face several hacking vulnerabilities.

Cloud-stored footage can be compromised through data breaches on third-party servers. Even locally stored footage on SD cards isn't immune – if a camera is hacked, attackers can access both live feeds and stored content.

Hub-based systems address these vulnerabilities through a fundamentally different approach:

1. Local Storage Control: Instead of relying on third-party servers, all footage remains within a secured local hub
2. Closed Network Architecture: The system operates on a proprietary, closed network, eliminating vulnerabilities associated with common protocols
3. Advanced Encryption: End-to-end encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable to unauthorized parties
4. Secure Remote Access: External connections are limited to specific, encrypted channels designed for safe remote viewing

Safemo: Hub-Based Security, Smarter Protection

Our AI-smart, 4K resolution cameras use advanced encryption and employ a proprietary, closed system for enhanced security. All data stays locally under your control, eliminating the third-party server risks of cloud storage.

The only connection to the outside world is through SafeRTC, our highly secure channel for remote access. This unique architecture ensures your data remains safe from external breaches while maintaining complete user control.

Conclusion: Why Choose the Hub-Based Solution?

Selecting the right storage solution is critical to ensuring your security system operates effectively. While traditional storage options offer their own advantages, they often involve compromises in terms of privacy, complexity, or cost.