Knowing whether home security cameras record all the time is important. In order to put together the best protections from intruders for your home you’ll need to be clear on their recording capabilities.
Cameras are an important element of home security systems, providing monitoring of a property and, in the unfortunate event of a crime taking place, the possibility of their providing evidence. But, as with any part of a system, knowing what cameras offer will ensure you can optimise its overall usefulness.
Do security cameras record all the time?
The answer to the question of whether home security cameras record all the time is that some models offer this feature. More typically, home cameras record in response to motion.
Before purchasing a security camera, think about whether you need continuous recording. You should not only bear in mind your need for security and how this can best be achieved, but also the privacy of others under home CCTV laws.
Below, we’ve got the details on when a home security camera that records all the time could be useful. But we’ll also explain the implications of picking one of these. We’re looking, too, at the advantages of choosing a CCTV camera for your home that’s event-triggered instead.
Shop for home security cameras with continuous recording
Combine this wired outdoor camera with the company’s HomeBase 3 with an additional storage drive for 24/7 recording. It offers two-way audio, and is Alexa and Google Assistant compatible.
This camera offers multiple recording options including continuous and there’s an NVR storage option available (not included) to provide local space.
This Alexa and Google Assistant-compatible camera has the option of 24/7 continuous recording, although you’ll need to invest in a microSD card. It has a built-in siren and light alarm.
Benefits of a home security camera with continuous recording
For some homes and in some situations, opting for a home security camera that records all the time is a good idea.
“Having a security camera that records continuously can be especially valuable if you’re dealing with specific security risks,” advises Carlos Dhunay, security expert and owner of home security company Telcam.
“For example, if your property is isolated, regularly targeted by vandals, or you’re away for long periods, it makes sense to capture everything, not just triggered events. It can also be useful if you want a clear, uninterrupted timeline of events – say for legal reasons or ongoing disputes with neighbours.
“Motion-triggered footage sometimes misses context,” Carlos continues. “A camera might start recording once someone is already halfway across your driveway. With 24/7 recording, you catch everything, from the moment someone steps onto your street. It provides full detail, so with that you get complete peace of mind, but it does require more power so it’s not always practical for every home.”
You should also keep in mind your legal responsibilities under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the Human Rights Act if you’re thinking of using a camera that records all the time. They mean that you are responsible for all the recordings made by your system. It is also your responsibility not to keep the footage you’ll record for longer than is necessary for protecting your home.
Carlos Dhunay is a fully qualified electrician and director of operations at Telcam, a company specialising in safety and security solutions for homes and businesses. With over 25 years of experience, he helps clients protect their properties using a blend of physical and smart technologies.
Benefits of a home security camera that doesn’t record all the time
It can be preferable to choose a camera that doesn’t record all the time for a number of reasons.
“Motion-activated cameras are more efficient in a lot of ways,” says Carlos Dhunay. “They conserve both data and power, which is especially useful if your cameras are battery operated or backed up by solar. From a privacy standpoint, they’re less intrusive, too, as you’re not recording your family or guests constantly.
“Storage is another big benefit. Instead of sifting through hours of footage, you’re left with key clips showing only activity. It’s also ideal for smart alerts; when movement is detected, you can get a real-time notification, making it easier to respond quickly to potential threats.”
Managing storage when cameras record continuously
As noted above, recording all the time brings with it the issue of storing the footage generated.
“Cameras that record continuously can create enormous amounts of data, which brings challenges around storage and cost,” says Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk.
“Continuous recording quickly fills up local storage devices or cloud accounts, which means you either need much larger capacity or must overwrite older footage more frequently, but of course this means potentially losing important evidence.
“Cloud subscriptions for constant recording can also be significantly more expensive, as providers often charge for the increased data usage.
“In most cases, event-triggered recording, which only activates when motion or sound is detected, is a more efficient approach,” he says. “It reduces the storage required and makes it easier to locate relevant footage when you need it.”
Anthony Neary is the founder and security expert at home and business security retailers Safe.co.uk. With over 15 years of industry experience, he specialises in security solutions and how to keep properties safe.
Home security cameras could record all the time, but this won’t be the best solution in all situations. Keep in mind, too, that home security system costs can be less onerous when cameras aren’t recording 24/7.
