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CCTV Camera Bitrate and Compression Buying Guide
Verified 2026-09-05 · By VUKAR Editorial Team
Compare VIGI C340 2.8 mm and C440 2.8 mm. Both list 4MP video and the same main-stream bitrate range. Settings still decide storage.
- C340 is a bullet camera; C440 is a turret camera.
- Both list main-stream H.264, H.265 and their plus modes.
- Use the recorded stream’s bitrate, not the phone preview’s.
- Do not assume H.265+ guarantees a fixed storage saving.
Make sense of the camera names
- VIGI is TP-Link’s surveillance range.
- C340 and C440 are different camera models.
- 2.8 mm names the fixed lens variant, not recording quality.
- The housing shape alone does not set the video file size.
- Confirm the supplied hardware version. Features can change between revisions.
Compare the listed recording choices
Products you can evaluate
Exact-model examples, not rankings. Confirm stock, delivery, final price and written terms before purchase.
TP-Link
VIGI 4MP bullet network camera
Exact model/variant: C340 — 2.8 mm
Evaluate a bullet-camera installation with verified recording settings.[S1]
- Main-stream CBR/VBR
- Hardware revision must match
Price: Official India catalogue and reseller route; exact ecommerce checkout, stock and price not verified.
Seller: TP-Link official India website · checked 2026-09-05
Check current price and stockTP-Link
VIGI 4MP turret network camera
Exact model/variant: C440 — 2.8 mm
Evaluate a turret-camera installation with verified recording settings.[S2]
- Main-stream CBR/VBR
- Hardware revision must match
Price: Official India catalogue and reseller route; exact ecommerce checkout, stock and price not verified.
Seller: TP-Link official India website · checked 2026-09-05
Check current price and stockFour terms worth knowing
- Bitrate: how much data the video uses each second.
- Codec: the method used to pack video into data.
- CBR: a constant-bitrate mode, useful for a more predictable planning input.
- VBR: a variable-bitrate mode that changes with scene activity.
- Main stream: the higher-detail feed normally used for recording.
- Substream: a smaller feed often used for remote preview.
Collect the storage inputs
- Record the exact model, lens and hardware version for each camera.
- Write the selected recorded resolution, frame rate, codec and bitrate mode.
- Check whether audio is recorded and include its data.
- Count recording hours and required days.
- Use a representative measured average for VBR, with planning allowance.
- If the average is unknown, test a conservative scenario and label the assumption.
Look at moving footage before lowering bitrate
- Review a saved clip, not only the live preview.
- Check the detail you need at the planned distance.
- Include busy movement and low-light conditions.
- Keep the same scene when comparing codec settings.
- Do not lower data until the image becomes unsuitable just to meet a storage target.
- Ask the installer to record the accepted settings in the handover.
Why no fixed H.265+ saving is promised
- The manufacturer notes that compression results vary with activity, resolution and other conditions.
- Do not apply a marketing percentage to every C340 or C440 installation.
- Confirm the recorder supports the selected codec.
- Confirm exported clips can be opened on the computer you will use.
- The shared plus sign in two product titles is not a full compatibility test.
Ask for a recording plan, not just megapixels
- Which exact hardware version and lens will be delivered?
- What settings were used in the sample clip?
- What measured average and peak bitrates were observed?
- Will the recorder save the main stream, substream or both?
- Can we test playback and export with the actual NVR?
- What complete price includes camera, power, storage, installation and service?
Check the official route carefully
- Both links open VIGI’s official India model pages.
- Use Find a Reseller to ask about the exact version.
- A catalogue page is not proof of local stock or direct ecommerce checkout.
- Confirm the invoice, warranty and delivery terms before payment.
- These models are examples for bitrate planning, not a universal camera shortlist.
Quick questions
Will the two cameras always use the same storage?
No. They list the same bitrate range, but actual settings, audio, scene activity and recording time may differ.[S1] [S2] [S3]
Does 4MP tell me the required hard-disk size?
No. It describes image resolution. You also need recorded bitrate, time, camera count and retention days.[S3]
Should I use the 4 Mbps maximum for every calculation?
Use it as a clearly labelled planning scenario if appropriate, not as a measured daily average for every scene.[S1] [S2] [S3]
Can I use a generic FAQ’s highest setting?
Check the exact model datasheet first. General examples may exceed the options available on your hardware.[S3]
This comparison covers only the listed models, criteria, sources, and verification date. Omission or missing public data is not a negative judgement about any brand.
References used for this guide
- C340 India specifications — VIGI / TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
- C440 India specifications — VIGI / TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
- Configure VIGI video stream settings — TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
- VIGI India buying route — VIGI / TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
