Most modern home security cameras process, compress, and transmit data via the internet.
Depending on the type of device, a security camera will store footage locally (on a DVR, NVR, USB flash drive or microSD card) or upload it to the Cloud.
Whether a home security camera continuously records or not depends on the camera.
In this article, we’ll detail how to know if home security cameras record all the time and explain how motion detection cameras work.
Table of Contents
Do Home Security Cameras Record All the Time?
Most home security cameras do not record all the time. The majority of indoor and outdoor cameras use motion detection to record footage. This means the camera only starts recording from the moment motion is detected.
Motion detection saves storage and avoids uploading large, unmanageable files to the Cloud. It makes it easier to view past footage because files are saved in small batches.
For example, if a delivery driver walks up the driveway, motion is detected and the recording begins.
A push notification will be sent to the user’s phone to let them know motion has been detected. It continues recording until there is no more movement, or once the clip has reached a certain length. This will then be saved as a file.
Enjoy Continuous Recording and Motion Detection with Alfred
AlfredCamera lets users switch between continuous recording, which will record everything in eight-hour loops, and motion detection, which only records short clips when motion is detected.
Even when recording continuously, AlfredCamera can find and show users footage only where motion has happened when they access playback. This makes finding out what’s happened during the day easy and fast.
Get more flexibility from your home surveillance with AlfredCamera.
How Do You Know If a Camera is Recording?
The easiest way to check if a camera is recording is to walk in front of it. If the camera has motion detection technology, it should start recording from the moment you walk into its line of vision.
For AlfredCamera users, the recording can then be found on the AlfredCamera app or on an inserted microSD card if you’re using AlfredCam.
If the security camera is not your own, here are the ways to check if a camera is recording.
1. Check if it is real
Many people use dummy cameras to give the impression of security. To check if the camera is real, look for cables, lights, high-quality finishings, and branding.
A real camera should be substantial in weight with some degree of branding visible. Search the brand name online to check if it’s real.
2. See if it moves
Some cameras move when they are in operation, rotating on an axis when they spot motion. The movement produces a buzzing sound.
Other security cameras will display slight movement in the lens when the camera is recording, particularly when it starts and stops recording.
3. Check for lights
Many cameras have an LED light switched on when recording is in operation. These are usually only visible when the area is in complete darkness.
The light will usually be red, green, or blue. Security cameras with infrared night vision usually display a dull red light around the lens when recording.
Check AlfredCam is recording
To check your AlfredCam device is recording, enable motion detection and walk in front of the camera to trigger it.
Then follow the steps below:
1. Click on the Event Book
2. Select an Event Group
3. Tap on the Event video you want to view
What Happens to Camera Recordings When Wi-Fi is Turned Off?
When Wi-Fi cameras are disconnected from the internet, or if the internet is turned off on the property, the home security camera may be temporarily unable to save footage.
If the camera supports continuous recording, it will continue to record regardless. It will save this footage locally, but users won’t be able to view the live feed or see any recent recordings that failed to upload to cloud storage.
Record 24/7 with AlfredCamera, even when the Internet drops out.
Thanks to Continuous Recording, users can leave their AlfredCamera device to record in 8 hour loops. AlfredCamera will erase the oldest footage first.
When you play back the footage, find the most relevant footage first by viewing where motion occurred.
Try it out now for free by downloading the AlfredCamera app.
Home security cameras that don’t use Wi-Fi either use mobile data or are closed-circuit cameras. Closed-circuit cameras are connected to a hardwired system to program the camera. The footage is then stored on a digital video recorder (DVR).
How Do Motion Sensor Cameras Record?
Motion sensor cameras record the moment motion is detected. The proximity the camera detects motion varies depending on the camera specifications, like lens quality, zoom capacity, focal length, and ISO.
The exact distance can also vary depending on the bandwidth and distance between the router and the camera. Extending the Wi-Fi range on the property can prolong the distance the camera can record.
A wireless security camera can typically see between 10 to 250 feet in front of the camera. Most motion sensor cameras have a more limited range, between 50 to 80 feet in front of the camera.
Record day and night
AlfredCam is an easy security camera solution for homeowners. With excellent infrared night vision and 1080p HD video resolution, homeowners can capture high-quality footage with ease, day or night. When motion is detected, you get an alert, so you can watch the footage live.
AlfredCam’s Continuous Recording and Motion Detection options give users easy access to footage taken in the home in whatever way they prefer to do it.
Learn more about how to view security camera footage on your phone.
Conclusion
In summary, most modern home security cameras don’t continuously record. To save storage and battery, many indoor and outdoor cameras only record when motion is detected in the line of vision.