Is a cloud storage subscription for my camera worth it?
Answer first
It depends on how the camera records. If local storage meets your needs, a cloud subscription mainly adds a separate copy and the features included in the plan.
With cloud storage, video is sent to the manufacturer’s service. A subscription may also include event history, longer retention or continuous recording.
Recording options vary by model. A camera may use a memory card, internal memory, a separate recorder or the cloud. Nest cameras, for example, vary by model and subscription.
Check the retention period, annual price, export options and what happens when the subscription ends.
If the camera is stolen or damaged, a recording already uploaded to the cloud may remain available until its retention period ends. That is the clearest advantage over storage held only in the camera.