Choosing where to store video surveillance footage affects how recordings are accessed, protected, and managed. Businesses can keep footage locally on an NVR, DVR, server, or other storage device, store it off-site in the cloud, or combine both approaches.
Neither approach is better in every situation. Local storage can provide reliable on-site recording and direct control over storage hardware, while cloud storage keeps footage off-site and provides access through a cloud platform. A hybrid setup can combine elements of both. This guide compares these options to help you decide which approach fits your surveillance system.
What Is Local Video Surveillance Storage?
Local video surveillance storage means that recorded footage is stored on hardware located at the monitored site or within the organization’s own infrastructure. Depending on the surveillance system, recordings may be stored on an NVR or DVR, a local server, a NAS device, or storage built into the camera, such as an SD card.
Because the footage is kept locally, recording does not necessarily depend on an active internet connection. Storage capacity is limited by the available hardware, so longer retention periods may require additional or larger drives.
What Is Cloud Video Surveillance Storage?
Cloud video surveillance storage means that footage is transferred over the internet and stored on remote infrastructure managed by a cloud service provider. Authorized users can then access available recordings through the cloud platform without being physically connected to the storage hardware at the monitored location.
Cameras can connect to cloud storage in different ways. Some send video directly to the cloud, while other systems use an NVR, gateway, or software to transfer footage. Storage capacity and retention are typically determined by the cloud service and selected configuration rather than by the capacity of a local hard drive.
Cloud vs Local Storage: Key Differences
The main difference between cloud and local storage is where surveillance footage is stored, but that choice also affects how recordings are accessed, protected, expanded, and maintained.
Remote Access
Cloud storage gives authorized users remote access to available recordings through the cloud platform, which is useful when cameras are spread across multiple locations or footage needs to be reviewed away from the monitored site. Local storage does not necessarily prevent remote access, but the available options depend on the surveillance system and network configuration. If footage is mainly reviewed on-site, direct local access may be sufficient.
Storage Capacity and Scalability
Local storage capacity is determined by the recording hardware and installed drives, so storing more footage or extending retention periods may require additional or larger drives. Cloud storage can typically be expanded through the service without installing additional storage hardware at each monitored location, making it easier to accommodate more cameras or longer retention periods. Additional cloud storage and longer retention may, however, increase ongoing service costs.
Internet Requirements
Local storage can continue recording when the internet connection is unavailable, as long as the cameras and local recording system remain operational. This makes it a practical option for locations with unreliable or limited connectivity. Cloud storage requires an internet connection to transfer video off-site, as well as sufficient upload bandwidth for the number of cameras and their video settings. During an internet outage, footage may not reach cloud storage until the connection is restored, although the exact behavior varies by system configuration.
Security and Data Protection
Local storage keeps footage within the organization’s own infrastructure, giving businesses direct control over the recording hardware and its protection. However, footage stored only on-site can be lost if the recorder or storage device is stolen, damaged, or fails without a separate backup. Cloud storage reduces this physical risk by keeping footage off-site, but introduces other security considerations. When evaluating a cloud solution, businesses should look at encryption, access controls, account security, and the provider’s security practices.
Maintenance
Local storage requires the business or its service provider to maintain the recording and storage hardware. Hard drives may need to be replaced or expanded over time, and problems with an NVR, DVR, or server have to be handled locally. With cloud storage, the provider maintains the infrastructure used to store footage off-site. Cameras, networks, and any local components connecting the surveillance system to the cloud still require maintenance, but the business does not have to manage the cloud storage hardware itself.
Cost
Local storage often requires an upfront investment in recording hardware and storage drives, followed by costs for maintenance, replacement, or expansion when needed. Cloud storage typically shifts more of the cost toward recurring service fees, which may vary based on the number of cameras, storage requirements, retention periods, and the provider’s pricing model. Rather than comparing only the initial price, businesses should consider the total cost of storing and managing footage over the expected lifetime of the surveillance system.
Can You Add Cloud Storage to an Existing Local Surveillance System?
Yes, in many cases cloud storage can be added to an existing video surveillance system without replacing all of the cameras or local recording equipment. Compatibility depends on the cameras, NVR or DVR, supported connection methods, and the cloud platform being considered.
A business may, for example, keep its existing local recording setup while adding cloud storage or access for compatible cameras. Before making changes, identify the cameras and recording equipment already installed and check whether they can be integrated with the chosen cloud service.
What About Hybrid Cloud and Local Storage?
Hybrid video surveillance storage combines local recording with off-site cloud storage. A business can keep footage on an NVR, DVR, server, or another local device while also storing footage in the cloud. How the recordings are divided between local and cloud storage varies by system and configuration.
The main advantage is that the two storage methods can cover different needs. Local recording can remain available during an internet outage, while footage stored in the cloud remains off-site if the local recorder is stolen or damaged. When planning a hybrid setup, consider which footage needs off-site protection, how long recordings need to be retained, and whether the available upload bandwidth can support the cloud portion of the system.
Cloud vs Local Storage: Which Should You Choose?
Your priorities and existing surveillance infrastructure can help determine which storage approach makes the most sense. Consider how important internet-independent recording, remote access, off-site protection, storage expansion, and existing equipment are for your system.
Local storage may be a better fit if:
- Reliable recording during internet outages is a priority.
- You want footage to remain within your own local infrastructure.
- You are prepared to manage and maintain local recording hardware.
- Your existing storage hardware has enough capacity for the number of cameras and retention period you need.
Cloud storage may be a better fit if:
- You need convenient remote access to footage.
- You need to access footage from cameras across multiple locations.
- Off-site storage is important in case local equipment is damaged or stolen.
- You want to expand storage without adding storage hardware at each location.
Hybrid storage may be a better fit if:
- You want to continue recording locally while also keeping footage off-site.
- Your existing NVR or other local recording system is still useful and compatible with a cloud solution.
- You want local recording to continue if the internet connection is interrupted.
- Different footage or locations have different storage and retention requirements.
The choice does not always have to be strictly local or cloud. If both approaches address different requirements, a hybrid setup can allow businesses to keep useful local infrastructure while adding cloud storage where it provides value.
Add Cloud Storage to Your Existing Video Surveillance System
Camlocus enables compatible existing security cameras and CCTV systems to connect to the cloud for video storage and remote access, so adding cloud capabilities does not necessarily require replacing the surveillance equipment already in place.
Check whether your existing cameras and recording setup are compatible with Camlocus and can be connected to the cloud.