How Much HDD Storage Do You Need for 6MP & 8MP Security Cameras? (1 Week, 2 Weeks, and 1 Month)

When setting up a CCTV system, one of the most common questions is how much hard drive storage you’ll need for continuous recording. This guide breaks down storage requirements for 2, 4, and 6 cameras in 6MP and 8MP resolutions—for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month of recording. 

Key Assumptions for Calculations

• H.265 video compression (modern standard for efficiency)
• 25 fps frame rate
• Continuous 24/7 recording
• Medium motion activity
• Bitrate:
  • 6MP camera ≈ 4 Mbps
  • 8MP camera ≈ 6 Mbps

Storage Formula

Storage (in TB) = (Bitrate × Cameras × Time in seconds) ÷ (8 × 1024³)

Bitrate in Mbps
Time = Days × 24 × 3600

Storage Needs for 6MP Cameras

Storage Needs for 8MP Cameras

Key Takeaways

• 8MP cameras need ~50% more storage than 6MP cameras.
• For most home setups (2–4 cameras), a 4TB HDD is enough for around 2 weeks of 6MP recording.
• If you need 1 month of footage for 6+ cameras, you’ll want 8TB or more.
• Always leave 10–20% free space on your NVR for system stability.

Pro Tips

• Motion recording can reduce storage use by up to 70%.
• Lower frame rates (15fps instead of 25fps) save space without a big quality loss.
• Always use a Surveillance-grade HDD (e.g., WD Purple, Seagate SkyHawk) for durability.

Note: Storage recommendations in this guide may vary depending on traffic levels, motion activity, lighting conditions, and other environmental factors.

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