FAQ
TL;DR: For 24/7 room monitoring, 720p H.264 at 2 Mbps uses ~21 GB/day; "1 day will take you about 21GB." Choose SD or FTP-to-PC for cheap, searchable storage. [Elektroda, nowicjusz50, post #16926376]
Why it matters: You want always-on recording with easy date/time playback without paying for pricey cloud plans, on a tight budget.
Quick Facts
- Storage need: 720p, 25 fps, ~2 Mbps ≈ about 21 GB per day; size scales with bitrate. [Elektroda, nowicjusz50, post #16926376]
- Example uplink cited: 6 MB/s upload is ample for a single ~2 Mbps stream. [Elektroda, Ronon4949, post #16905365]
- Easiest budget path: camera recording to microSD for 24/7 capture. [Elektroda, yvv, post #16907122]
- “Cloud-like” saving without a subscription: camera uploads to an FTP server you run on your PC. [Elektroda, zibq, post #17350301]
- Budget models mentioned: EZVIZ C6T (pan/tilt); other 2 MP options include Techage and Unitopek. [Elektroda, Hurtowniakamer, post #17351959]
What’s the cheapest way to record a room 24/7 without live view?
Use an IP camera that records locally to a microSD card. It continuously writes video and lets you review by time. This avoids monthly cloud fees and works during internet outages. For simple, always-on capture, users recommended SD recording specifically for this scenario. [Elektroda, yvv, post #16907122]
How much space does 24 hours at 720p need?
With H.264 encoding at 1280×720, 25 fps, and about 2 Mbps bitrate, a full day computes to roughly 21 GB. Increase bitrate or frame rate and storage rises proportionally; decrease them and it falls. This estimate comes from a practical guidance post in the thread and is a solid budget-planning figure. "1 day will take you about 21GB." [Elektroda, nowicjusz50, post #16926376]
Can I record straight to my computer through my router?
Yes. Run an FTP server on your PC, then configure the camera to upload clips or continuous segments to that FTP. This gives “cloud-like” off-camera storage using your existing network and keeps files searchable by timestamped filenames and folders. As one user put it, set up FTP on the computer and “you’ve got what you want.” [Elektroda, zibq, post #17350301]
What does “cloud recording” mean for low-cost cams?
On budget gear, “cloud” often means uploading to a service or to your own FTP. Many low-cost models skip paid cloud entirely but can push files to FTP or email. For continuous recording and easy retrieval by date/time, FTP-to-PC is the practical choice. [Elektroda, zibq, post #17350301]
Is my 6 MB/s upload enough for cloud uploads?
A single stream at around 2 Mbps needs far less than 6 MB/s, so your uplink is comfortable for one camera. You can also lower bitrate to reduce bandwidth and storage. If your internet drops, the camera can keep writing to SD and resume uploads later. [Elektroda, Ronon4949, post #16905365]
Which affordable pan/tilt camera should I consider?
The EZVIZ C6T was recommended as a budget-friendly pan/tilt option. Pair it with microSD for continuous capture, and optionally enable FTP uploads for off-camera backups. This combo delivers cheap, searchable storage and remote access when needed. [Elektroda, Hurtowniakamer, post #17351959]
Are there low-cost 2 MP cameras worth a look?
Yes. Users called out Techage and Unitopek 2 MP IP cameras as current budget-friendly picks. Use onboard SD for continuous recording, then add FTP for redundancy. Always verify supported recording methods in the datasheet before buying. [Elektroda, Strumien swiadomosci swia, post #17352035]
How do I estimate storage for other resolutions or bitrates?
Use a “monitoring calculator” and plug in codec (e.g., H.264), resolution, fps, and bitrate. The calculator returns per-hour/day storage so you can scale cards or disk size. This saves guesswork when tuning 24/7 retention windows. [Elektroda, niebieskipolo, post #16907351]
Can I search recordings by date and time later?
Yes. With SD recording, the camera indexes clips by time. With FTP-to-PC, files are typically named or foldered by timestamp, which makes date/time lookups direct. This setup fulfills the thread’s goal of entering a specific playback time. [Elektroda, zibq, post #17350301]
What if my camera only records to an SD card?
Some budget models offer live preview and SD-only recording with no built-in cloud. In that case, add FTP-to-PC if available in settings, or rely on SD and copy files off periodically. A user noted owning a model limited to SD recording. [Elektroda, koragreg, post #17350271]
How do I set up FTP recording in three steps?
- Install and start an FTP server on your computer, creating a dedicated folder.
- In the camera’s web/app settings, enter the PC’s FTP address, user, and target folder.
- Choose continuous or scheduled upload; confirm files appear and are timestamped. [Elektroda, zibq, post #17350301]
I don’t need live view—does that change my setup?
Yes. Skip NVRs and subscription clouds. Choose a simple IP camera with SD recording and optional FTP. That meets the requirement of 24/7 capture and later playback by date/time while keeping costs minimal. The original request emphasized recording over live viewing. [Elektroda, Ronon4949, post #16903120]
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