Skip to content
Vivint Authorized Retailer Salt Lake City
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Salt Lake City & Surrounding Areas

Should you use a security camera with local storage?

September 28, 2026
Vivint Spotlight Camera Pro fastened to a home's exterior

Security cameras with local storage offer families a variety of benefits. One of the biggest advantages is the chance to maintain control of your video. Your recordings don’t get sent to the cloud. Instead, they’re kept straight on the camera or on a standalone device in your home. Keep reading to compare your options and find where to get the best surveillance systems in Salt Lake City.

What’s the right choice for your Salt Lake City home? Compare the differences between local and cloud storage

Learn about the main differences between local and cloud storage to find the best video cameras for your Salt Lake City home. Here is a quick breakdown:

Local storage security cameras

  • Clips are kept on the camera or a local storage device, so you’re always in charge. 
  • You won’t have to stress about a third-party keeping your video secure on remote servers.
  • Cameras can still record even if internet or Wi-Fi stops working.
  • There are no monthly subscription charges.
  • Keep footage as long as you want (contingent on storage capacity).
  • Camera damage could cause you to lose footage.
  • MicroSD cards inside cameras and hard drives might cost extra.

Cloud-based storage cameras

  • Video is saved to off-site servers and secured by a third party.
  • Video files remain accessible if cameras are broken.
  • Simple to scale to accommodate evolving needs.
  • No on-site hardware needed.
  • Generally requires ongoing subscription costs.
  • Video won’t save to the cloud if you lose internet.
  • Uploading and downloading video requires a good amount of bandwidth.

If you’re looking for strict control over your footage, no monthly charges, and the freedom to record without being online, local storage is better. Note that if you plan to regularly watch footage remotely, cloud-based systems might be quicker. 

Many residents go with a hybrid plan that allows them to upload local recordings to the cloud. If the internet drops, you can still save locally. If your system is stolen or damaged, you can still find your recordings in the cloud.

Why Vivint is the right choice for Salt Lake City surveillance

Vivint’s state-of-the-art video cameras give you a hybrid approach with both cloud and local storage options available. It’s all about flexibility, and you’ll enjoy it from the trusted name in Salt Lake City smart homes. You can even get a hybrid installation with cameras hardwired to your home’s electrical system and wirelessly linked to your security system. You enjoy a reliable power source and the freedom to mount cameras wherever you need them without running wires across your house.

You get flexibility and strong security with outdoor cameras that proactively deter prowlers via light and sound. You’ll also enjoy wide-angle viewing, night vision, and 4K video with zoom capabilities. Vivint’s cameras are simple to access in the Vivint app and integrate in unison with other smart home devices.

Design your Salt Lake City smart home with Vivint’s advanced surveillance cameras

Reach out to (385) 350-4458 today to design your new Vivint smart home in Salt Lake City. Our helpful staff will gladly answer any questions you have regarding cloud-based and local camera storage. We’ll help you determine a system that offers unbeatable security and convenience.