CCTV Camera Bitrate and Compression Buying Guide

Verified 2026-09-05 · By VUKAR Editorial Team

How much video will your camera record?

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.
[S1] [S2] [S3]

Compare the listed recording choices

Check C340 — 2.8 mm C440 — 2.8 mm
Body Bullet Turret[S1] [S2]
Maximum image 2560 × 1440 2560 × 1440[S1] [S2]
Main-stream bitrate 256 Kbps–4 Mbps 256 Kbps–4 Mbps[S1] [S2]
Bitrate control CBR / VBR CBR / VBR[S1] [S2]
Main codecs H.264 / H.265 / plus H.264 / H.265 / plus[S1] [S2]

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 stock

TP-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 stock

Four 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.
[S3]

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.
[S1] [S2] [S3]

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.
[S1] [S2] [S3]

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.
[S1] [S2] [S3]

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?
[S1] [S2] [S3]

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.
[S1] [S2] [S4]

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
  1. C340 India specifications — VIGI / TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
  2. C440 India specifications — VIGI / TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
  3. Configure VIGI video stream settings — TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
  4. VIGI India buying route — VIGI / TP-Link; accessed 2026-09-05
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