TL;DR
For one camera recording continuously at 3MP, you need ~10GB per day. A 128GB card gives you 11-14 days. For motion-only recording (typical home use), 64GB lasts 30+ days.
Storage Calculator
Continuous Recording (24/7)
| Resolution | Bitrate | Per Day | 32GB | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 2 Mbps | ~8 GB | 4 days | 8 days | 16 days |
| 3MP (1296p) | 2.5 Mbps | ~10 GB | 3 days | 6 days | 12 days |
| 2K (1440p) | 3 Mbps | ~12 GB | 2.5 days | 5 days | 10 days |
Motion-Only Recording (Typical Home: 3 hours/day)
| Resolution | Per Day | 32GB | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | ~1 GB | 32 days | 64 days | 128 days |
| 3MP (1296p) | ~1.3 GB | 24 days | 49 days | 98 days |
| 2K (1440p) | ~1.5 GB | 21 days | 42 days | 85 days |
Card Recommendations
| Camera | Max Supported | Recommended | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| YI 3MP 1296p | 128GB TF | 128GB | €10-12 |
| YI 2K Pro | 64GB microSD | 64GB | €8-10 |
| E27 Bulb Camera | 128GB microSD | 128GB | €10-12 |
Tips to Extend Storage
- Use motion-only recording — saves 70-80% storage
- Lower resolution at night — night footage needs less detail
- Enable scheduled recording — only record when you're away
- Adjust motion sensitivity — fewer false triggers = less recording
FAQ
Q: What happens when the card is full?
A: The camera automatically overwrites the oldest footage (loop recording). You never need to manually delete files.
Q: Do I need a special "surveillance-grade" card?
A: It helps. Surveillance cards (like SanDisk High Endurance or Samsung PRO Endurance) are designed for continuous writing and last longer than standard cards.
Q: Can I view footage on my computer?
A: Yes. Remove the card and use a card reader. Footage is saved in standard formats (MP4 or AVI) that any media player can open.
