TL;DR
Local storage (TF/microSD card) is cheaper, more private, and GDPR-compliant. Cloud storage offers off-site backup and easier remote access. The best approach is using both — local as primary, cloud as backup.
Cost Comparison Over 2 Years
| Storage Type | Hardware Cost | Monthly Fee | 2-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local only (128GB TF) | €12 | €0 | €12 |
| Cloud basic (7 days) | €0 | €3-5/mo | €72-120 |
| Cloud premium (30 days) | €0 | €8-12/mo | €192-288 |
| Hybrid (local + cloud) | €12 | €3/mo | €84 |
Privacy: Why Local Wins in the EU
Under GDPR, footage of people (including family members and visitors) is personal data. Local storage gives you:
- Full data control — footage never leaves your device
- No third-party processing — no company analyzing your video
- No breach risk — cloud providers have been hacked before
- Simpler compliance — no data processing agreements needed
Reliability Comparison
| Scenario | Local Storage | Cloud Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi goes down | ✅ Still records | ❌ Nothing saved |
| Power outage | ❌ Stops recording | ❌ Stops recording |
| Camera stolen | ❌ Footage lost | ✅ Cloud backup safe |
| Card corruption | ❌ Data lost | ✅ Cloud has copy |
| Internet slow | ✅ No impact | ❌ Uploads fail |
Best Practice: Hybrid Setup
- Insert a 128GB TF/microSD card for continuous local recording
- Enable cloud recording for motion-triggered events only
- This gives you local backup + off-site security for critical moments
- Monthly cost: €3-5 (vs €10-12 for full cloud)
FAQ
Q: How long does a 128GB card last?
A: At 3MP resolution with continuous recording: ~11 days. With motion-only recording: 45+ days. The card auto-overwrites the oldest footage.
Q: Can police access cloud footage without my permission?
A: It depends on jurisdiction and the provider's terms. With local storage, only you physically control access.
Q: Do all KamiVision cameras support both local and cloud?
A: Yes. All three models support TF/microSD local recording and optional cloud storage through compatible apps.
