Would a non-recording house security camera be as effective in deterring intruders as a cam that is recording?

I mean, is there any external evidence that the camera is NOT recording? How well known is it that the camera doesn’t record? If you’re the only one that knows and you don’t tell anyone, then the deterrence would be exactly identical….until people started realizing that they were committing crimes in front of it and not being identified. But how likely are they to realize that?

So I would say that as long as you keep the non-recording to yourself and there isn’t some visual way to realize it, then the deterrent effect should be identical. The problem will come when something actually happens and you don’t have any video.

But video storage monthly fees is a pittance. I pay $5 a month for my cloud storage for everything, including music. But unless one has a record of a crime or other event, one does not have to store the video, you can discard it after a week or so.

I find most secure homes that record do not have signs up. Mine included. If there’s no proof there’s no court case so I don’t see the point in warning criminals unless you intend to stand your ground.