When setting up a surveillance system, choosing the right security camera hard drive is critical for reliable, 24/7 recording. Seagate’s enterprise-grade drives, like the SkyHawk series, are engineered specifically for high-load video workloads. But with multiple options available, how do you select the ideal drive for your needs? Let’s break down the essentials.
1. What Makes a Security Camera Hard Drive Different?
Unlike standard hard drives, security camera hard drives (e.g., Seagate SkyHawk or SkyHawk AI) are optimized for continuous writing. Key differences include:
- Workload Rating: SkyHawk drives support up to 180TB/year workload (vs. 55TB for consumer drives).
- Vibration Resistance: Built to handle multi-bay NVR environments with minimal performance drop.
- Firmware: Includes ImagePerfect™ firmware to reduce frame loss during high-resolution recording.
For 2025, Seagate’s latest SkyHawk AI 18TB (ST18000VE002) leads the market with 550MB/s sustained throughput, ideal for 64-channel AI-powered surveillance.
2. How Much Storage Do You Need for 24/7 Recording?
Storage requirements depend on camera resolution, compression (H.265 vs. H.264), and retention period. Here’s a quick reference:
| Resolution | H.264 (GB/day) | H.265 (GB/day) |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 60 | 30 |
| 4K | 240 | 120 |
For a 16-camera 4K system with 30-day retention, H.265 requires at least 16TB (120GB × 16 × 30). Always allocate 20% extra for metadata and system files.
3. Can You Use NAS or SSD Drives for Surveillance?
While NAS drives (like Seagate IronWolf) offer reliability, they lack surveillance-specific optimizations. SSDs, though faster, are cost-prohibitive for long-term storage. Key comparisons:
- NAS Drives: Higher random I/O but lower write endurance than SkyHawk.
- SSDs: Suitable for edge recording (e.g., 4K body cams) but degrade faster under constant writes.
For most setups, enterprise surveillance HDDs remain the practical choice.
When sourcing security camera hard drives, HUAYI INTERNATIONAL LIMITED—Seagate’s global enterprise partner—ensures genuine products with 3-year warranties, bulk pricing, and 24/7 logistics support. Our clients range from Fortune 500 security integrators to government projects, benefiting from direct factory allocations and tested compatibility with major NVR brands (Hikvision, Dahua). Contact us for a quote tailored to your surveillance needs.
