Reader
Overview
Practical guide to sizing video surveillance storage
Correctly sizing the storage of a video surveillance system is not simply a matter of adding up the capacity of the hard drives.
The result depends in particular on:
- the number of cameras ;
- the resolution ;
- the codec used;
- the number of frames per second ;
- the actual bitrate ;
- the number ofrecording hours per day ;
- the retention period required.
In this practical guide, SSP Academy offers a structured method for moving from the project's parameters to a consistent storage capacity:
Parameters → Calculation → Margin → RAID → Usable capacity → Validation
The guide also explains why the installed raw capacity is not always the capacity that is actually usable, particularly when the system uses a RAID.
A calculator provides an estimate. The technician must then check the parameters, the RAID, the disks and the actual capacities of the recorder.
The first 2 pages of the guide can be viewed freely.
Full access is available free of charge to SSP Academy members after verification of their e-mail address.
Video Surveillance Series · Guide 02
Design and production: SMATI Abdelouahad
Low-Current Systems Expert (CFA) · Senior Trainer · Certified Trainer of Trainers · Technical Director — SSP Group
August 2026
