Are you looking for SD card security cameras that save motion footage to a memory card locally instead of uploading it to a cloud server? If so, you may be interested in battery-operated motion-activated security cameras with an SD card or outdoor wireless security cameras featuring an SD card slot for offline footage storage.
In this post, we will explore their features and advantages. And, you could learn some helpful tips along the way.
Please check this comprehensive security camera buying guide if you are interested in.
What is The SD Card Security Camera?
A memory card or a micro SD card in CCTV cameras is primarily designed to store motion-activated recordings, a short video clip of movement. A standalone SD card security camera with local storage offers a cost-effective alternative to the subscription-based cloud storage.
For example, one user on Reddit puts it, “we don’t want to pay $200+ a year for a cloud-based subscription service even though those look like simple setups.”
Security cameras with SD card help save motion footage locally in a remote area or place with limited or no internet. Just like one user said, “looking for a camera to place at an old garage shop, no wifi there so it would have to record to an SD card when motion is triggered”.
Many security cameras with local storage (built-in SD memory card, SD card slot or USB backup) are popular with consumers who are looking for a video monitoring solution in remote locations or isolated areas with limited or no WiFi, say, like a farm, shed, ranch, boat or summer home.
Security cameras with SD card (slot), especially battery-operated security cameras like Reolink Argus 3 Pro, also appeal to people who opt for motion recording locally instead of cloud-based or monthly subscription-based service.
Besides, SD card security cameras make video footage safer from snooping and keeps the footage offline. Also, setting up the security camera to record to a sd card is pretty easy, just as the video shows below.
Now that we've introduced the concept of SD card security cameras and their benefits, let's delve into the diverse array of options available.
Wired Outdoor Security Camera with SD Card Recorder
An outdoor security camera with an SD card recorder is a surveillance device designed specifically for monitoring and recording activities in outdoor environments. These cameras are equipped with features that make them resilient to various weather conditions, ensuring reliable performance in rain, snow, or intense sunlight.
Outdoor security cameras with SD card recorders often include night vision capabilities, infrared sensors, and durable housing to withstand outdoor elements. This combination of features makes them ideal for monitoring the exterior of homes, businesses, or any outdoor space where security surveillance is essential.
Reolink RLC-811A is an PoE outdoor security camera with an SD card slot and solid metallic body (rated as IP66 waterproof). It doesn’t require a monthly subscription fee or mandatory cloud-based service. The local storage security camera could work independently and record movements to the SD card.
Users could connect this wired security camera with SD card slot to the Reolink PoE NVR for continuous recording, configure it upload footage to an FTP server, or record videos to NAS like Synology surveillance station.
4K Smart PoE Camera with 5 Spotlights
4K 8MP Ultra HD Day & Night, Person/Vehicle Alerts, 5X Optical Zoom, Two-Way Audio, Built-in Siren, Color Night Vision, Live View Anywhere.
Wireless Battery Powered Security Camera with SD Card
The battery-powered outdoor security camera with local SD card storage proves to be exceptionally effective in locations where accessing an electrical outlet is challenging. The same is true for solar- powered security camera.
In situations where both power supply and internet access are scarce, the integration of solar-powered security cameras with SD card slots becomes particularly valuable. This innovative combination not only harnesses the benefits of battery-powered cameras but also leverages solar energy for sustainable and uninterrupted operation. The SD card serves as a reliable local storage option, ensuring that recorded footage is readily available without the need for constant internet connectivity.
Reolink Go PT Ultra is a rechargeable battery-powered 4G-LTE outdoor wireless security camera with a Micro SD card slot for motion-activated recordings local storage with or without WiFi or internet.
Reolink Go PT ultra works extraordinarily well in places with difficult access to WiFi/network and an electrical outlet, places like the warehouse, construction sites, farms, docks, RV, trailers, cabins, log houses, front door, driveway, inside a car, vacation home, farm, boat, RV, ranch, remote locations and etc.
4K 8MP Wire-Free 4G LTE PT Battery Camera
4K 8MP; Smart Detection; 355° Pan & 140° Tilt; Battery/Solar Powered; Color Night Vision; Smart Real-Time Alert.
Reolink Argus 3 Ultra is a 4K battery-powered WiFi security camera. Boasting wireless functionality, this camera ensures hassle-free installation and flexibility in placement. Its advanced features extend beyond high-definition resolution, offering expansive coverage, reliable motion detection, and seamless integration with smart home platform. Most importantly, it supports local storage with microSD card up to 128 GB.
4K 8MP Standalone Wire-Free Camera
4K 8MP; Smart Detection; 5/2.4GHz Dual-Band WiFi; Battery/Solar Powered; Color Night Vision; Alerts Without Subscription.
Standalone Security Camera with SD Card
Standalone SD card security camera refers to a surveillance device that operates independently without the need for additional components or external systems. Unlike networked cameras that may rely on a central server or cloud-based services, standalone cameras with SD card support are self-contained units designed for simplicity and ease of use.
Reolink E1 Pro is wireless standalone security camera with SD card slot that supports up to 128GB worth of movement footage.
It is incredibly easy to set up and use, even for the elderly. It can also rotate to change pointing angles (355° pan/105° tilt) to take an easy sweep of the room or premise with a tap on the apps.
Wireless Motion Activated Indoor Camera
Other Helpful Tips about SD Card Security Camera
No doubt, it’s much easier and simple to store and save motion-triggered recordings and video footage in memory card locally.
However, troubles will lurk if you are leaving your security cameras in a plain sight without backing up any forensic video evidence whatsoever.
Therefore, regular checking footage or transferring older videos to a computer or uploading to FTP server is helpful to retain useful footage without being taken away or overwritten by new files.
FAQs
We gather some frequently asked questions when it comes to SD card security cameras, selecting an SD card for a security camera, or troubleshooting issues with the security camera memory card and recording.
1. How Long Can SD Card Security Cameras Record Motions
It largely depends on these key factors, such as the micro SD card capacity, bit rate (or Bitrate), frame per second (FPS ), and resolution.
For example, a security camera with 256GB SD (built-in or insert later), like Reolink RLC-810A could record up to 72-hour-long motion videos.
Many SD card security cameras usually will record both standard-definition and high-definition video at the same time. Of course, users are able to change it in the setting accordingly, like Reolink security cameras.
Almost all micro SD card used in security camera record in a loop and will overwrite old files when it's full.
2. How to Choose a Micro SD Card for Security Camera
There are two factors you should take into account when choosing a right micro SD card for security cameras with memory card: speed class (types) & capacity.
Make sure you choose the right type of micro SD card, or right speed class (a number indicates minimum write speed) for local storage security cameras, say, Class 10,6,4, and 2. The higher the number it is, the faster it can write.
Class 4 or higher SD card like Samsung 64GB memory card and SanDisk Ultra 64GB micro SD card is commonly used in high-definition video recordings, for example, like Reolink Argus 3 Pro.
Besides, make sure the capacity of SD card fits your CCTV or IP security cameras. Many IP cameras with SD card don’t support 64GB or 32GB SD card.
Another important heads-up is to make sure you get the right size SD card for security cameras with SD card slot.
3. How Can I View Footage Saved on SD Card
Some surveillance cameras with SD card onboard allows users to review footage stored in micro SD card right on the apps, and download too, for instance, Reolink security cameras with SD card, like Reolink Argus 3 Pro.
Of course, to do so, both the camera and your Smartphone are connected to the network.
Some, on the other hand, can be viewed when being taken out and read it on a computer via an SD card reader.
4. What to Do When the Micro SD Card Security Camera is Not Working
Every now and then, it happens. The memory card won’t record motion; your security camera can’t recognize or format the SD card, or the camera stops reading the memory card.
First of all, make sure the SD card is properly inserted. Make sure the camera’s setting is okay.
Try replacing the old SD card with a new one, if possible. Format SD card if your security camera stops reading SD card.
Just a heads-up, the available storage of micro SD card could possibly shrink after formatting through apps, as to boost the overall read-write efficiency.
Conclusion
Whether securing your home, monitoring a remote location, or simply desiring a system that puts you in control of your surveillance data, security cameras with SD card support offer a user-friendly and efficient solution.
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