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Should you use a security camera with local storage?

September 28, 2026
Vivint Spotlight Camera Pro attached to the side of a house

Home security cameras with local storage provide families a variety of benefits. One of the most important perks is the freedom to maintain total control of your footage. Your recordings don’t get sent to the cloud. Instead, they’re kept straight on the surveillance camera or on another device in your home. Take a minute to evaluate your options and find where to get the top surveillance systems in Bloomington.

What’s better for your Bloomington home? See how local and cloud storage differ

Explore the key differences between local and cloud storage to choose the ideal video cameras for your Bloomington home. Here is a quick breakdown:

Local storage cameras

  • Clips are saved on the camera or an on-site storage tool, putting you in complete control. 
  • You don’t have to worry about a third-party protecting your footage on remote servers.
  • Cameras keep recording even if Wi-Fi or internet cuts off.
  • There are no monthly subscription charges.
  • Hold on to footage for as long as you need (depending on storage capacity).
  • Damage to cameras could mean lost footage.
  • MicroSD cards inside cameras and hard drives might be an added expense.

Cloud-based storage cameras

  • Recordings are saved to remote servers and protected by a third party.
  • Video remain accessible if cameras are damaged.
  • Easy to scale to meet different needs.
  • No on-site hardware necessary.
  • Usually comes with a subscription fee.
  • Video can’t be uploaded to the cloud if your internet drops.
  • Uploads and downloads require a good amount of bandwidth.

If you’re looking for total control over your recordings, no monthly expenses, and the ability to record without internet access, local storage is better. Note that if you plan to often view footage away from home, cloud-based systems might be faster. 

Many families go with a hybrid system that lets them back up local recordings to the cloud. If the internet drops, you may still record locally. If your system is stolen or damaged, you can still access your recordings in the cloud.

Why Vivint is the smart choice for Bloomington surveillance systems

Vivint’s state-of-the-art surveillance cameras provide a wealth of possibilities with both cloud and local storage options available. It’s all about flexibility, and you’ll enjoy it from the leader in Bloomington smart homes. You can even choose a hybrid configuration with cameras hardwired to your home’s electrical system and wirelessly connected to your smart security. You enjoy a steady power source and the opportunity to situate cameras anywhere you need them without running wires throughout your house.

Count on flexibility and strong security with outdoor cameras that proactively deter prowlers through light and sound. You’ll also get wide-angle viewing, night vision, and 4K imaging with zoom capabilities. Vivint’s cameras are easily accessible through the Vivint app and integrate seamlessly with other smart home sensors.

Design your Bloomington smart home with Vivint’s industry-leading surveillance cameras

Call (812) 579-4884 today to design your new Vivint smart home in Bloomington. Our skilled representatives will gladly answer any questions you have about cloud-based and local camera storage. We’ll help you design a solution that offers exceptional security and convenience.