SD card needed when using FTP?

[tfmeier_180048410190002]

I'm planning to centrally store images and videos on an FTP server on the network. I don't have SD cards in my cams at the moment. Do I need SD cards even though I push the media to an FTP server or will it work without? How do I specify the path to the directory of choice on the FTP server?

[joseph_1979]

@tfmeier_180048410190002 I suggest you to save videos to both the SD and the ftp. At anytime you can use Reolink clients to playback recorded videos. On the ftp server you need a third party application to watch and it is cumbersome to go through. Other option is to have sd (event triggered recordings) and an NVR/HA (24×7 recording).

[tfmeier_180048410190002]

@joseph_1979 Ok thanks makes sense. But back to my initial question would it be possible to just have media sent to FTP based on events etc. or is an SD card needed regardless?

[Crimp On_62210811129]

I have never attempted to run a Reolink camera without an SD card. Please post if you are able to FTP motion captures without an SD card.
(My guess is "no".)
I have had occasions when my FTP server failed. Without the SD card, those motion events would be totally lost.

[tfmeier_180048410190002]

@crimp-on_62210811129 Ok, I've installed the cameras without SD card and the motion events get captured on the FTP server (I'm using Home Assistant). However looking at the bigger picture what you say makes sense. For the sake of <$100 (4 cards) relevant to the importance I'll insta;; the SD cards

[joseph_1979]

@tfmeier_180048410190002 As I stated. They are independent. Backup is a MUST have.

[Crimp On_62210811129]

@crimp-on_62210811129 Thanks for confirming. I sort of wonder how much memory is in the camera. The FTP feature allows for a "postpone" of up to 30 minutes. I had assumed that the camera would run out of space before being able to begin sending the file. I'm still happy to have the SD cards for backup.