Reolink’s ultimate guide to continuous recording security cameras

This comprehensive guide from Reolink will provide you with everything you need to know about a 24-hour recording camera.

Do Security Cameras Record Continuously?

Yes, most of the latest generation of IP cameras support continuous recording 24 hours a day and seven days a week if properly configured, including some battery-powered security cameras.

Conventionally, a security camera purchased off the shelf does not always come set up to record continuously. These video surveillance cameras are designed only to record motions and events, primarily to save storage space and battery life.

Some changes must be made to the camera firmware or management software to use the continuous recording feature. Every camera needs sufficient internal or external hard drive space or cloud storage to back up the live video clip constantly streamed to the footage. With the right setup and storage methods, certain cameras, like those from Reolink, can continuously record throughout the day and night.

Types of Continuous Recording Security Cameras

There are several main types of security cameras suitable for continuous 24/7 recording:

Wireless Security Cameras: Continuous recording security cameras with wireless connectivity offer flexible installation without wiring. Most plug-in WiFi cameras can record continuously to MicroSD cards inserted directly into the camera. Wireless battery cameras with large battery capacities can also record continuously for extended periods.

Wired PoE Security Cameras: Hardwired PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras draw continuous power through the network cable, giving them unlimited runtime suitable for 24/7 recording. Non-subscription continuous recording security cameras can be connected to NVRs to enable persistent recording to those storage solutions.

Multi-Camera Security Systems: Complete security camera systems combine multiple cameras with centralized network video recorders (NVRs) for organized 24/7 recording.

How to Record Security Camera Footage 24/7

There are several methods to achieve continuous 24/7 recording from security cameras:

1. Choose Continuous Recording Mode

Many IP cameras have a recording mode setting in their configuration panel or smartphone app that can be set to continuous instead of motion-triggered. This configuration instantly makes them start recording continuously according to users’ preferences.

2. Record to Local Storage Devices

Ample storage capacity is crucial for saving continuous footage. Large MicroSD cards allow wireless cameras to record persistently for weeks. Wired cameras can be linked to network video recorders (NVRs) or directly attached storage drives that act as local storage repositories for the constant video stream.

3. Use NVRs/DVRs

Network video recorders (NVRs) and digital video recorders (DVRs) are explicitly designed for continuous multi-camera recording. They have disk bays to hold large HDDs that store the non-stop video feeds.

4. Subscribe to Cloud-Based Services

Cloud recording services provide offsite storage for 24/7 continuous footage. Cameras can stream video to the cloud, which is stored securely for later remote access. Cloud storage alleviates the need for local storage hardware.

Best Security Camera for 24-Hour Recording

Continuous recording cameras are now widely available in the market. Here are some top-rated security cameras suitable for 24/7 continuous recording from Reolink:

4K Battery Camera with Continuous Recording - Reolink Altas PT Ultra

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a versatile wireless security camera powered by rechargeable batteries or solar panels. It offers complete flexibility for installation anywhere indoors or outdoors without wiring. Its 20,000 mAh supply sufficient power for continuous recording up to 96 hours.

Despite its portable size, the Altas PT Ultra can record continuously to MicroSD card and Reolink Home Hub up to 512GB, allowing it to capture 4K UHD footage non-stop for weeks. At the same time, integrated WiFi 6 and Reolink's app allow you to access the live feed and playback recordings remotely from your phone. You can also view full-color nighttime footage without using visible spotlights.

Pros:

– Large battery capacity with Solar panel charging options

– No cloud storage plan required

– Completely wireless and weatherproof design

– 4K UHD video quality with rich details

Cons:

– No infrared night vision

– No optical zoom

16MP PoE 24-Hour Recording Security Camera - Reolink Duo 3 PoE

The advanced Reolink Duo 3i s a wired PoE security camera that takes continuous recording to the next level with its dual-lens 180-degree panoramic views. Featuring two 8MP lenses, the Duo captures highly detailed 16MP resolution across an extra-wide field of view.

It can record this stunning footage continuously when connected to a local NVR or MicroSD card with ample storage capacity. The PoE connectivity also ensures unlimited 24/7 runtime with power over Ethernet. Plus, intelligent features like motion track, smart detection, and colour night vision give you total command over such a wide area. Overall, the Duo 3 PoE is ideal for non-stop recording across large spaces.

Pros:

– Panoramic 180-degree field of view

– 16MP Ultra HD resolution

– Smart motion track with two night vision modes

– Easy setup via Reolink app

Cons:

– No optical zoom

– NVR and MicroSD card sold separately

24/7 Recording Camera System - Reolink RLK8-800B4

If you're looking for an all-in-one system for continuous recording, the Reolink RLK8-800B4 is ready to go out of the box. This integrated 4K PoE security camera system comes pre-configured with everything you need for 24/7 recording. It includes 4K cameras, an 8-channel NVR with 2TB of HDD storage pre-installed, cables, and more.

Together, this gives you a complete 4K surveillance solution that you can set up in minutes. All cameras will record continuously to the NVR's hard drives until full, giving you weeks of 24/7 footage. With PoE connectivity, the cameras get non-stop power. The RLK8-800B4 takes the complexity out of continuous recording.

Pros:

– Complete 4K security system with cameras and central management device

– 2TB of NVR storage included

– Supports up to 8 cameras for future expansion

Cons:

– Limited compatibility with cameras from other brands

FAQs about Continuous Recording Cameras

How long can CCTV cameras record?

With adequate storage capacity, most IP cameras can record continuously 24/7 for months or years before looping over the footage. The maximum duration is determined by available storage and video resolution.

How do I get my security camera to record all the time?

Using an NVR with pre-installed hard drives provides a reliable continuous recording solution. Alternatively, high-capacity MicroSD cards allow wireless cameras to record non-stop for weeks. Cloud servers also enable 24/7 recording.

What is continuous recording in CCTV?

With continuous recording enabled, security cameras will record everything within their field of view 24/7. This ensures no activity is missed. Motion-based recording only captures events to conserve storage space.

Conclusion

Setting up continuous 24/7 recording for your security cameras will help eliminate any dead spots, as there are no interruptions in the footage. Reliable security solutions, such as cameras and systems from Reolink, make this possible for houses and companies. Continuous recording is beneficial in terms of security and peace of mind.