Should you use a security camera with local storage?

Surveillance cameras with local storage give families many benefits. One of the most notable perks is the freedom to maintain complete control of your video. Your recordings don’t get sent to the cloud. Instead, they’re stored right on the video camera or on a standalone in-home device. Take a moment to evaluate your options and see where to find the top surveillance systems in Portland.
What’s the right choice for your Portland home? Discover how local and cloud storage differ
Learn about the main differences between local and cloud storage to choose the ideal video cameras for your Portland home. Here’s our quick breakdown:
Local storage cameras
- Footage is saved on the camera or a local storage tool, so you’re always in complete control.
- You won’t have to stress about a third-party securing your video on remote servers.
- Cameras can still record even if internet or Wi-Fi goes down.
- There are no monthly subscription fees.
- Hold on to footage as long as you like (depending on storage capacity).
- Vandalism of cameras could result in loss of footage.
- MicroSD cards inside cameras and hard drives could cost extra.
Cloud-based storage cameras
- Footage is kept on cloud servers and safeguarded by a third party.
- Video stay accessible if cameras are vandalized.
- Easy to scale to meet changing needs.
- Additional storage hardware not required.
- Usually requires a monthly subscription.
- Video won’t save to the cloud if your internet fails.
- Uploading and downloading video requires a good amount of bandwidth.
If you’re looking for total control over your recordings, no monthly fees, and the ability to record without being online, local storage is a good choice. Keep in mind that cloud-based systems can often retrieve videos quicker when you’re off site.
Many residents choose a hybrid approach that lets them upload local video to the cloud. If the internet goes down, you can still record locally. If your system is vandalized, you can still find your footage in the cloud.
Why Vivint is the smart choice for Portland surveillance systems
Vivint’s cutting-edge surveillance cameras give you a wealth of possibilities with both cloud and local storage options available. What you want is flexibility, and you’ll find it from the respected name in Portland smart homes. You may even get a hybrid configuration with cameras wired into your home’s electrical panel and wirelessly linked to your smart security. You enjoy a steady power source and the ability to place cameras anywhere you need them, without running wires all over your house.
You’ll have flexibility and robust security with outdoor cameras that proactively deter crime through light and sound. You’ll also get broad viewing angles, night vision, and 4K images with zoom capabilities. Vivint’s cameras are easy to access in the Vivint app and integrate in unison with the rest of your smart home components.
Design your Portland smart home with Vivint’s advanced video cameras
Call (503) 213-9485 today to customize your new Vivint smart home in Portland. Our skilled staff are pleased to address any questions you have regarding cloud-based and local camera storage. We’ll help you find a solution that provides unbeatable security and convenience.