Using SSDs to record video from CCTV systems
The use of SSDs for CCTV recording has its advantages, but also significant disadvantages. We have prepared a short summary:
Advantages of SSDs:
- Write and read speeds: SSDs have significantly faster read and write speeds than traditional HDDs. This is particularly useful for high-resolution or large camera systems that generate large volumes of data.
- Shock resistance: Unlike HDDs, which have moving parts, SSDs are more resistant to shock and vibration. This is important when cameras are installed in locations with higher vibration or in mobile systems (e.g., cameras in vehicles).
- Lower power consumption: SSDs have lower power consumption than HDDs, which can be advantageous when the camera system is battery-powered or power consumption needs to be minimized.
- Longer life at lower temperatures: SSDs tend to be less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can operate over a wider temperature range, which can be useful for outdoor camera systems.
Disadvantages of SSDs:
- Higher price per GB: SSDs are still more expensive than HDDs for the same amount of storage, which can be a problem if you need to store large amounts of video footage for extended periods of time.
- Limited lifespan: Even as SSD technology improves, they still have a limited number of rewrite cycles, which can be a problem if the SSD is used for continuous recording. With frequent writes and erasures, SSD cells can wear out over time.
- Capacity. This can be a limitation for systems where high capacity is required for long-term recording.
So, do you recommend SSD technology for a camera system?
SSDs can be a great choice for camera systems that require vibration resistance and low power consumption. However, if price, storage capacity and durability are priorities, HDDs may still be a better choice.