Camera Storage Calculator
Estimate how much media a camera package will generate before the shoot begins. Enter the actual recording bitrate, expected record time, camera count, shoot days, backup copies, and extra capacity.
Card count estimates source-media capacity, not simultaneous camera rotation needs.
Storage including copies and buffer
20 TB
Plan around a 20 TB total capacity
9.00 TB
Before backup copies
18 cards
At 512 GB each
Per camera, per shoot day
900 GB
Uses decimal storage units and the average bitrate you provide. Variable bitrate, proxies, audio, stills, project files, checksums, formatting, and filesystem overhead can increase real usage.
Turn the estimate into a production plan
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How camera storage is calculated
Bitrate to storage
The calculator converts megabits per second into decimal gigabytes, then multiplies by recording hours, cameras, and shoot days.
Source versus copies
Source footage is shown separately. Total storage multiplies that footage by the number of working or backup copies and adds your selected buffer.
Practical capacity
The drive recommendation rounds the total up to a common capacity. The media-card estimate covers source footage capacity, not on-set card rotation speed.
How to use this estimate
- 1Find the recording bitrate for the exact codec, resolution, frame rate, and quality setting you plan to use.
- 2Estimate the hours each camera will actually record per day, not the full crew workday.
- 3Choose the total number of copies and add room for audio, proxies, project files, stills, checksums, and unexpected footage.
Common questions
Where do I find my camera bitrate?
Check the camera manual, codec chart, or recording-format menu for the selected resolution, frame rate, compression, and quality setting. Use the listed Mbps value when available.
Why can real storage use more space?
Variable bitrate, audio, proxies, stills, project files, filesystem formatting, checksums, and safety margin can increase the final requirement.
Does this calculate transfer speed?
No. Capacity and transfer speed are different. Confirm that cards, readers, drives, cables, and backup workflows can sustain the required data rate.
Keep planning
Use the next resource that matches where you are in the production workflow.
Shooting days calculator
Estimate the production length used in the storage calculation.
Commercial video schedule
Start a realistic commercial production with organized shoot days.
Production scheduling
Keep media handoffs, backups, and camera activities visible in the shooting plan.