The most reliable NVR storage estimate starts with bitrate rather than a vague resolution label. Multiply average bitrate by camera count, recording time and retention period, then add reserve.
Inputs that change storage
- Configured bitrate
- Codec
- Frame rate
- Scene complexity
- Continuous vs motion recording
- Retention days
- Camera count
Why 4K does not equal one fixed storage number
Manufacturers can configure cameras at very different bitrates. A quiet hallway and a busy parking lot can also compress differently.
Use reserve
Recorder overhead, future cameras and configuration changes are reasons not to purchase exactly the calculated minimum.