CCTV cameras are everywhere, from big corporations to our homes, giving us peace of mind and acting as a deterrent to opportunists. But how long does CCTV footage last, and how long should you store it for? If you’re considering a CCTV installation in Swindon, we have the answers.
How long does CCTV footage last?
How long your CCTV footage lasts depends on factors like storage capacity and your installation. For instance, high-resolution footage requires more storage space than low-resolution, and multiple cameras will quickly use up your storage space.
If you’re considering CCTV installation Swindon, ask your installer about compression technologies that can store your footage for longer.
What does the law say?
Data protection laws, such as 2018’s Data Protection Act and GDPR, govern how footage is stored and processed.
The law is similar for businesses and larger organisations. Your company should keep any footage only as long as necessary, generally 30 to 90 days, unless it’s part of an investigation.
Popular storage options for CCTV
Local DVR storage: Using local storage means you’re not internet-dependent. However, storage capacities are generally small, and the footage can be lost if your camera is stolen.
Cloud storage: Footage stored in the cloud can be accessed via the internet from anywhere with an internet connection. Although it can’t be damaged or stolen, you may have to pay a monthly subscription.
External hard drives: These are highly portable and cost-effective. However, they are prone to damage over time.
SD Cards: This is a low-cost storage solution if your home camera supports SD cards. Unfortunately, SD cards have limited capacity and aren’t suitable for long-term storage.
NAS storage: Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices have a large storage capacity that’s easy to access remotely. The downside is the higher cost.
Ultimately, the best solution for your home or business balances legal requirements with cost and ease of access.