Video Storage Calculator | CCTV Hard Drive Size Estimator

Before you buy a cctv camera or a full surveillance kit, it helps to know how much recording space you’ll actually use. Set your camera count, recording days, resolution and codec below, and get an instant hard drive size recommendation — built for the way Hikvision, Dahua, IMOU, EZVIZ, VStarcam, Tenda, TP-Link Tapo and V380 systems actually record in 2026.

What This Calculator Does

This is a video storage calculator built for CCTV and IP camera buyers in Pakistan. It estimates the hard drive space your Smart Camera, DVR or NVR needs, based on how many cameras you’re running, how long you want footage kept, the resolution and frame rate you record at, and whether you’re using continuous or motion-triggered recording. It works whether you’re planning a single wifi camera for a bedroom or a 32-channel setup for a warehouse.

Why Resolution and Frame Rate Change Your Storage Needs

Higher resolution cameras capture more detail per frame, so each frame takes up more space on disk. A 4K camera can need three to four times the storage of a 1080p camera at the same frame rate. Frame rate has a smaller but real effect — going from 15fps to 30fps does not quite double your file size, because most codecs only store the differences between frames, but it still adds up over days of footage.

H.264 vs H.265 vs H.265+

H.264 is the older, more universal video format. H.265 (HEVC) compresses the same footage into roughly half the file size without any visible loss in quality, which is why most modern Hikvision, Dahua, IMOU and VStarcam NVRs default to it. H.265+ goes a step further by only re-encoding the parts of a scene that actually change frame to frame, which is especially efficient for a static security camera view like a hallway or a warehouse floor that stays mostly still.

Continuous Recording vs Motion Detection

Continuous recording keeps every second of footage, which is safest for businesses that need a complete record. Motion detection recording only saves clips when the camera senses movement, which can cut your storage requirement dramatically — a quiet home office might only trigger a few minutes of recording per hour. If you’re monitoring a busy shop or street-facing 4G camera, expect more frequent triggers and less storage savings than a low-traffic room.

Choosing the Right Hard Drive

Always use a surveillance-rated hard drive for a DVR or NVR, not a standard desktop drive. Surveillance drives are designed for the constant, round-the-clock writing that CCTV recording demands, and they’re rated for many more simultaneous camera streams. We stock surveillance-rated drives alongside every DVR and NVR we sell.

Brands This Calculator Works For

The bitrate estimates above apply to any modern H.264/H.265 recording system, including these brands we distribute across Pakistan:

HikvisionDahuaIMOUEZVIZVStarcamTendaTP-Link TapoV380

Need Help Picking the Right Camera or NVR?

Browse our full range of cctv cameras price in pakistan, from single wifi cameras to complete multi-channel NVR kits. Every order ships nationwide, and our team is available on WhatsApp for free setup guidance before and after you buy — no paid installation required.Shop Security Cameras

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days of CCTV footage should I keep?

Most homes and small shops in Pakistan keep 7–15 days of recording. Businesses that may need footage for disputes, theft claims or insurance often keep 30 days, and higher-security sites like banks or warehouses sometimes keep 60–90 days.

Does H.265 really need less storage than H.264?

Yes — H.265 typically needs roughly half the storage of H.264 at the same resolution and frame rate, with no visible drop in picture quality. H.265+ compresses further on scenes that stay mostly static.

What hard drive should I use in my DVR or NVR?

Use a surveillance-rated hard drive rather than a standard desktop drive. Surveillance drives are built to handle constant 24/7 writing from multiple camera channels without wearing out early.

Does motion detection recording actually save storage space?

Yes, often significantly — instead of recording all day, the camera only saves footage when it detects movement, which can cut storage needs by 40–90% depending on how busy the location is.

Will this work for my Hikvision, Dahua, IMOU, EZVIZ, V380 Pro, or VStarcam camera?

Yes — the estimates apply to any modern H.264 or H.265 based DVR/NVR system, including all the brands we distribute. Actual usage can vary slightly with scene complexity, since a busy street needs more data than a quiet room. MyGSS.pk · Johar Town, Lahore · Official distributor of VStarcam & authorized reseller of Hikvision, Dahua, IMOU, EZVIZ, TP-Link Tapo, Tenda & V380