By 
When you need an IP security camera for edge recording or when things go wrong, SD card storage has proven to be one of the best solutions in the CCTV industry. Particularly effective in small to mid-sized security camera systems, this innovation has proven to be great for home and business owners alike. While certainly no replacement for an NVR, this local storage method allows those wanting a one to three camera system to save big while allowing those with larger systems to have backup storage if a technical issue occurs.
However, the technology is not necessarily straightforward due to recent innovations and all the options available. Below you will find a quick rundown of what you need to know when considering pairing SD cards with IP cameras, the best options, and the most common questions we get on the subject!
Not every SD card works for every IP camera
At the time of writing, there are five common types of SD cards available on the market:
- SD
- Micro SD
- SD high capacity
- SD extended capacity
- SD ultra capacity
Like modern cameras used for photography, each IP camera with SD card recording requires one with exact specifications. Whereas it is not applicable to all examples, most IP cameras are designed to carry a micro SD card for local storage. Additionally, the capacity of the SD card going into the camera is important as most do not support 32GB to 64GB cards. For exact information about what SD card the IP camera is capable of taking, we recommend checking the product spec sheet.
Best brands for IP camera with sd card recording
Developing their own unique technology with the Axis Edge Storage, Axis offers a lot when it comes to IP cameras with SD card recording. While products from this manufacturer are known to lean on the expensive side, the brand does offer a wide array of options when it comes to having a failsafe with an SD card or edge recording. Particularly effective with technical support, Axis has made it possible for homeowners and businesses alike to not only enjoy a decentralized system but also to sustain it in the long term.
AXIS P1435-LE IP Camera
Offering an inexpensive option for those needing an IP camera with SD card recording, LTS offers a solid option for many of our customers. Allowing for both a backup to a more extensive system and a decentralized edge recording option, many IP cameras like this one here serve owners with basic features when compared to other options at a better price.
LTS CMIP3C82W-28MDA IP Camera
Offering a wide selection of designs for those interested in an IP camera with SD recording, Vivotek certainly is one of the best options available for a decentralized system or one that can avoid technical difficulties. Offering a wide variety of features specifically for edge recording, cameras by this manufacturer allow for a much more advanced system even when the cameras are not directly connected to each other.
Vivotek MS9390-HV 8MP IP Camera
SD cards can be a failsafe for your CCTV
As mentioned above, an IP camera with sd card recording can allow both homes and businesses with CCTV a failsafe in the event of a technical issue. Particularly convenient for those with wireless security cameras that rely on local WiFi, SD cards allow for local storage in the event your internet connection becomes unavailable or spotty. Those with battery-powered security cameras can also benefit as SD cards provide an uninterrupted source for recorded video footage when the main recorder or cloud system is unavailable.
Whereas the norm for homeowners has become cloud security cameras, an IP camera with SD card recording can serve as a far more effective upgrade. Not only do you get better features, but IP cameras are more durable (reference: IK & IP Ingress Protection Standards) than their cloud-based counterparts and have greater potential in regard to the different designs offered.
FAQ: IP cameras and SD cards
- How do I know if my SD card is compatible with my camera?
Confirming hardware compatibility with your IP camera is easy when shopping through A1 Security Cameras. On each product we offer, that specific information can be found in the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION tab or the spec sheet listed in the DESCRIPTION tab of each product. - Are all SD cards for cameras the same?
Absolutely not, each type of SD card is built differently to fulfill a specific purpose, like how the card fits into the slot, how data is stored, and so on. Using the wrong SD card will result in incompatibility based on physical or internal design and may result in a lack of function or inoperability.
