Buyer's Guide

How to Choose a 24/7 Security Camera (System)

Updated on by

If you are interested in 24/7 security cameras, or if you are going to buy one for 24 hours monitoring and recording, you've GOT to read this guideline first.

Content:

Part 1. What is a 24/7 Security Camera (System)

When we say a camera is a 24/7 security camera, or a system is a 24/7 security video system, we mean that it not only works for 24-hour nonstop to offer live feed video streaming (24/7 video security surveillance), but also works day and night to do 24/7 recordings.

So you can see live streaming at any time to monitor the place, even when you're not there, and play the recordings later for anytime you want.

Take Reolink RLC-410 as an example. It offers 24 hours live feed and also records onsite events during day and night if you put an SD card into it.

Reolink RLC-410

PoE Bullet IP Security Camera with Audio

5MP/4MP Super HD; Outdoor/Indoor Protection; 100ft Infrared Night Vision; Audio Recording; Mobile Remote Access & Control.

Learn More

These security cameras can do 24/7/356 surveillance and provide live video streaming with weatherproof designs, if powered on in the right way and signal transmitted correctly.

For example, a wireless WiFi security camera (system) should be powered on and connected to WiFi, and a PoE security camera (system) should be connected to network to get power supply and video signal transmission with an Ethernet cable.

24/7 Security Camera

However, not all security cameras can do 24/7/365 recordings. The premise to do 24/7 recording is the storage.

That is, the camera is doing the live streaming and there must be a storage to store and save the feed (this feed in this way is called the recording).

For example:

1. A security IP camera connected to a computer for storage (see how) is a 24 hour video surveillance camera (dome or bullet);

2. An NVR system (with several cameras and an NVR) is a 24/7 security system with 24 hour recorder;

3. A DVR system (with several cameras and a DVR) is a 24 hour recording security camera system;

4. A camera that comes with a cloud storage is a 24/7 security camera.

Also see Five Options to Record Footage for 24/7.

Another key point for a 24/7 security camera or live feed security camera systems is that you can remotely access and control it no matter where you are and when it is, because it's on the 24/7 service day and night.

When you are in the second floor of your house, in your work office far away from your home, or on a trip travelling to another city or country, you can see what's happening in and around your home or business via your smartphone or computer.

Part 2. How to Choose a 24/7 Security Camera (System) – Top Things You Need to Consider

Choosing a best or high quality 24/7 security camera (system) is simple. Here are the top 5 things you need to consider before buying one:

#1. 24/7 Security IP Cameras without Storage Memory SD Card

There are many 24 hours security cameras without a memory SD card.

They offer 24/7 live streaming, that is, you can see live videos anytime you want; however, they cannot store the feed on board for recording.

Some of you might not want that recording, but some do, since the recording could be evidence or proof for events.

Still, there are ways for this kind of cameras to do 24/7 recordings.

Let's take Reolink RLC-410 for example.

Reolink RLC-410

PoE Bullet IP Security Camera with Audio

5MP/4MP Super HD; Outdoor/Indoor Protection; 100ft Infrared Night Vision; Audio Recording; Mobile Remote Access & Control.

Learn More

You can run Reolink Client on a computer and connect the RLC-410 camera to the computer. Then you can start to do recording (using the computer as the save storage).

Here is the video footage captured by RLC-410, shared by Jim C:

”A car accident happened outside my home.”

Keep in mind that you should run the Client on the computer for 24/7. Alternatively, you can use a Reolink NVR to work with the cameras for round-the-clock recording.

Also see how to connect a 24-hour video surveillance camera to computer.

#2. 24-Hour Security Camera Monitoring with Memory SD Card

Some of you might choose a 24/7 security camera according to whether the camera supports SD card recording and if the SD card has a larger capacity.

That's wrong information, actually.

Security or surveillance cameras support SD cards for motion detection recording. That is, the SD card is not used for 24/7 recording, but for motion detection recording ONLY. When the camera detects movement or finds burglars, it will record the events to the SD card. If the movement stops, the recording stops.

For the 24/7 recording, try an NVR or a computer (with the Client running).

#3. 24 Hours Surveillance Camera with NVR – NVR Kit System

A security NVR kit system comes with several IP cameras and an NVR (network video recorder).
Normally, the NVR will have a built-in hard disk drive (HDD) for 24/7 recording. Some have 4 or 3 TB storage, some 2 TB and others 1 TB.

For example, Reolink RLK8-410B4 comes with an HDD of 2TB capacity, which will do 24 hours recording.

Hot
Reolink RLK8-410B4

8-Channel PoE Security System

4 pcs 5MP/4MP Security Cameras; 2TB HDD 8-Channel NVR for 24/7 Reliable Recording; Plug & Play; 2 Network Solutions.

Learn More

Yet, you still cannot choose your 24/7 security NVR system according to the HDD. It's wrong that the larger storage of the HDD, the longer time for the recording.

The bitrate will affect the recordings.

The higher the bitrate is, the better the image and audio quality will be, and that will make the file size bigger.

Here is the example to calculate the recording size and how long the HDD can record and save.

One 1440p camera (4MP) records for 1 day (24 hours) in one channel of the NVR.

Note that 4MP bitrate is 6144 kb/s.

Factors include:

  • Bitrate (kb/s, Bitrate/8)
  • 3600 (seconds/1hour)
  • 24 (hour, 1 day)
  • 30 (days)
  • 4 (camera numbers)

PS: 1T=1024GB / 1G=1024MB / 1MB=1024KB

Calculation formula:

6144/8 x 3600 x 24 x 1 x 1 = 63.28 G

Then divide the capacity of the HDD by 63.28 and you will get the time, like if you get a 2 TB HDD, you divide 2,048 G by 63.28 G.

We've covered how to calculate your own security camera storage and recording time in the post CCTV Camera Storage Calculation.

You can lower the bitrate to get larger save space and longer recording time. And you can install an external hard disk drive via e-SATA for more storage; the capacity of the external hard disk drive is up to 4 TB. All NVR security systems allow you to playback and backup recordings.

Anyway, if you want 24/7 recording, an NVR kit system definitely is your best choice.

#4. 24 Video Surveillance with DVR – DVR System

Security DVR systems are similar to NVR systems. They also come with several cameras and a DVR (digital video recorder).

The DVR also has a pre-installed HDD for the recording. A DVR records cameras that are connected via a coax cable, while NVR records IP cameras that are transmitted via a network cable or WiFi.

The factors affecting you to choose which DVR security systems are similar to those of NVR security systems. You can read back the NVR security systems for reference.

#5. 24 HR Recording Cameras with Cloud

Some security cameras or systems are cloud-based or cloud-compatible. That is, you can store the footage in cloud storage.

Reolink E1 Zoom is the one.

Here is the product video introduction:

There are many cloud storage services to offer such help. Connect the IP cameras or the NVR systems to the cloud services and the recordings will be saved and stored. Some will offer free and limited cloud storage and cost you money for more storage.

Right now Reolink Cloud service is available. And as far as I know, it's the most cost-effective one. You may click here to see more.

If you try this kind of 24/7 security cameras or systems with cloud storage, do keep in mind that strengthen your password and never make it leaked out.

Other Factors for Buying 24/7 Security Cameras

  • 24/7 security cameras should be waterproof (see the IP66 waterproof ratings).
  • 24/7 security cameras should be easily installed (DIY).
  • High quality night vision makes a better 24/7 security camera.
  • Notifications or alerts should be sent to you in real time when motion is detected.

Part 3. Where to Buy a 24/7 Security Camera (System)

Shopping for a 24/7 security camera or system is so easy nowadays. The easiest and the most direct way to buy high quality 24/7 security cameras is online.

You can get large amount of information about those products, including descriptions, clear pictures, specifications, diagrams, reviews, prices, etc. And if you make a comparison, you will figure out your preference.

You can directly go to a reliable company official website, like Reolink shop, to select your best 24/7 security cameras for front door, for birdhouse, for back door, for garage (vehicles), for garden (yard), for outdoor, for indoor, or anywhere you want to secure.

Of course you can try top 4 methods to save your money when buying a security camera.

Yolanda

Yolanda is an editor of Reolink, and also an independent writer showing great interest in technology and art. She has studied home and business security issues for years, and always shares useful tips and tricks with her fans.

11 thoughts on “How to Choose a 24/7 Security Camera (System)”

  1. Yolanda says:

    Hi Emil. All security cameras that are not battery operated can work 24/7 – capture live video day and night and record all the time (of cause, you can set up when to record, or 24/7 recording) and not just motion recording – you can record everything, just anything you want to record. If you want audio recording or audio live streaming, you need to choose the ones that support audio.

    My recommendations:
    If you prefer a WiFi system, you may try RLK4-210WB4: https://reolink.com/product/rlk4-210wb4/
    If you want a PoE system, try the best seller RLK8-410B4: https://reolink.com/product/rlk8-410b4/
    If you don't need to record onboard for 24/7 and just want audio and video live streaming, you can try a standalone camera RLC-410: https://reolink.com/product/rlc-410/

    Reply
      • DontStealMyFish says:

        Great. The only other thing I can't find on the reolink site is if it can record 24/7 to the NVR and back it up to an FTP when it needs to clear space.

        Reply
        • Yolanda says:

          Hi, there, yes, the system will record 24/7 to the NVR and overwrite the previous recordings when the storage space is used up. If you want to save all previous recordings, you can back them up to an FTP server.

          Reply
          • Yolanda says:

            Hi, yes, you can automate the backup process via the NVR settings. But plz note that only our PoE security camera systems support FTP storage (WiFi NVR kits don't possess this feature). Hope this helps.

  3. Yolanda says:

    Hello, Steve, yes, security camera systems with NVRs are able to monitor your business 24/7 indoors and outdoors and save all the recordings to the NVRs even without WiFi. Also note that without a network connection, you can't access the security cameras remotely via phones or PCs. Check here for more info and options, https://store.reolink.com/security-camera-systems/. Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

    Reply
  5. zydecobrett says:

    I have a 16 year old granddaughter that has been going ballistic on us. She attacks us and has been destroying the house. She's gone to juvy three times so far. I have blink cameras and simply safe security, but because I don't leave them on all the time when she acts up i'm caught off guard and don't record her actions.
    I want a 2-4 terabyte dvr with wireless cameras. Ideally I would battery operated cameras like the blink cameras I already have.
    My problem is no body makes them?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

sales

Limited-time

Up to 15% OFF Reolink smart security cameras