calculating webcam video file size?

morg_monster

Hi,
I want to use my webcam to record a video overnight (cats being naughty - long story!).
How can I calculate the likely file size of the recording - is it just the fps rate x resolution?
I only really need the lowest resolution, and won't be keeping the video after watching it, but I want to make sure I'm not going to fill up my whole hard drive with it or anything!!
Alternatively if anyone can recommend a free motion detector webcam app that would be great & cut down the amount of recording needed.
Thanks!

Wherryman

morg_monster wrote: »

How can I calculate the likely file size of the recording

Perhaps record a video for 10 minutes then with the file size multiply up to how long you need to record for.

Alternatively if anyone can recommend a free motion detector webcam app

You could try this, its free for one camera use. http://vitamindinc.com/store/pricing.php

spakkker

I don't know for sure but why don't you just record for say 15 mins and see how big the file is?
Some video recording doesn't make such large files when a more or less stationary scene is recorded compared to a constantly changing scene so easy enough just to try it. Also some recorders will only record for so long eg 2GB or 4GB but again I don't know for webcams.
edit: must type faster!

morg_monster

Thanks guys, I will try that, it's probably the easiest way.
Vitamin D looks good. I think I might qualify for their "interesting uses of..." too...
We have a microchip catflap which is controlled by 2 recessed buttons on top of it. It is always set to "light detect" - it should only allow the cats out when it is light outside.
However recently it has been resetting itself to its normal setting overnight which means the cats can get out. A few facts have led me to think that one of the cats may have figured out how to reset it (it is only one button press). Surely not... but anyway I want to check before I call the company and moan at them! Plus also I am just intrigued to see what the cats get up to while we're out at work all day...

davester

You finding poop on the carpet and your OH is blaming the cats? Or he blaming the cats for drinking all the lemonade in the fridge