How Much Storage Do I Need for Video Editing?

The greater the resolution you’re dealing with, the larger the storage capacity required. While a 1TB storage device can accommodate up to 25 hours of 4K video, it may only support approximately 83 minutes of 8K video. In 2022, Full HD resolution was diminishing in popularity as more cameras capable of shooting in 4K became available. Currently, 4K video resolution is gaining more traction compared to 1080p. When it comes to video editing, having a fast and reliable storage solution is crucial. Slow storage can lead to frustratingly long load times and sluggish performance, which can significantly impact your workflow.

The anticipated progression is towards an 8K resolution as the new video recording and streaming standard. Managing high-resolution footage always demands more storage, particularly if you intend to engage in editing. Depending on factors such as encoding, video length, frame rate, and resolution, a larger drive may be necessary for editing and storing your video projects. Understanding the required storage for video editing is crucial. 

Resolution is Quality

Resolution is a crucial factor in visual quality, indicating the number of pixels displayed per inch in an image (or pixels per centimeter). Traditionally, computer monitors and televisions maintained resolutions of 72 pixels per inch or 96 pixels per inch. The advent of 4K resolution has allowed for full utilization, boasting a pixel density of around 140 pixels per inch, resulting in a significant boost in clarity. However, this improved visual quality comes at a cost — more data is packed into each image or video, leading to a notable increase in storage usage per clip. 

To fully appreciate various types of video content, it is recommended that the pixels per inch (PPI) should ideally be 50 or more. Consider a 75″ 8K TV, where the PPI reaches 117, surpassing the PPI values of 59 and 29 for 4K and FHD TVs, respectively. While the intricacies might initially sound complex, the fundamental takeaway is clear: higher quality visuals translate to greater space consumption. It’s a balance between enhanced clarity and the storage capacity required for a richer visual experience.

Leverage a video space calculator to figure out what you need for the quality media you produce.

Desktop Drives for Video Editing and Storage

You don’t want to break the bank with online storage for videos. Forget that downloading and uploading the videos takes lots of your precious time, but the space necessary would lead to insane costs. Even network-attached storage systems result in annoying load and save times at an increased price. Desktop drives are perfect for content creators and editors! 

Typically designed with user convenience, these drives have generous storage capacities and are often set up for automatic backups. Specific models provide a RAID configuration to bolster data security and facilitate faster access. Their relatively affordable price distinguishes desktop drives, making them a cost-effective option without compromising on advantages compared to other alternatives. These stationary storage solutions, known for their substantial capacity, serve as effective backup options for short-term and long-term requirements.

Glyph has been a pioneering company in the digital data storage industry for almost three decades, specializing in product design, assembly, and testing within the USA. Their external storage solutions are meticulously engineered to address the most rigorous and challenging workflows.