Cameras Needed
3
Storage
4 TB
Total Cost
$860
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Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Inputs
Result
Coverage width = 2 × 30 × tan(55°) = 85.7 ft. Cameras = ceil(200/85.7) = 3. Storage at 75% motion: 3 × 44 GB × 14 = 1,848 GB = 2 TB (4 TB recommended).
Inputs
Result
Cameras = ceil(350/85.7) = 5. Storage: 5 × 86 GB/day × 30 = 12,900 GB. Nearest HDD: 14 TB.
Most homes need 4–8 cameras for full exterior coverage. The formula is: Cameras = Perimeter / (2 × Coverage Distance × tan(FOV/2)). A typical 200 ft perimeter with 110° FOV cameras at 30 ft distance needs 4 cameras for complete coverage.
A single 2K camera recording 24/7 with 75% motion-only uses about 44 GB/day. With 4 cameras and 14-day retention, you need approximately 2.5 TB. Motion-only recording reduces storage by 60–75% compared to continuous recording.
| Resolution | Continuous GB/Day | 75% Motion-Only GB/Day | 4 Cameras × 14 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 86 GB | 32 GB | 1.8 TB |
| 2K | 130 GB | 44 GB | 2.5 TB |
| 4K | 259 GB | 86 GB | 4.8 TB |
2K (2560x1440) offers the best balance of image quality and storage efficiency for residential use. 1080p is adequate for wide-angle overview shots, while 4K is worth the storage cost for license plate reading and facial identification at longer distances.
A complete 4-camera system costs $400–$1,200 including cameras, NVR, and installation. Budget systems (Reolink) start at $250 for 4 cameras + NVR. Premium systems (Ubiquiti, Hikvision Pro) run $600–$1,500. Professional installation adds $75–$150 per camera.
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Last Updated: Jul 24, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.
