When choosing the right SD card for your car dash cam, one of the first things you’ll want to figure out is how much storage you actually need. The answer varies depending on factors like video resolution, how long you drive, and whether you’re using a single or dual-camera setup.
In this article, we’ll help you figure out the ideal storage size for your dash cam so you can make sure it has enough space to capture everything important while you're on the road.
What Factors Influence Dash Cam Storage Requirements?
There are several key factors that influence a dashcam's storage requirements and determine how much footage it can record before old files are overwritten. Here are the most important ones:
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Video Quality: Higher video resolutions (e.g., 1080p, 4K) require more storage space because the amount of data recorded increases. For example, 4K footage requires much more storage space than 720p or 1080p.
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Recording Time: The longer the dashcam records, the more storage space it will need. Using continuous recording or parking mode (where the dashcam records while the vehicle is off) can also quickly increase storage needs.
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Looped Recording: Dashcams overwrite old footage when storage is full, which can manage storage. However, the frequency of overwriting can affect the storage space required, especially when the camera records at longer intervals.
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Number of Cameras: Dual-camera or multi-camera setups (such as a front and rear dash cam that records both views simultaneously) require more storage space than single-camera systems.
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Frame Rate: Dashcams with higher frame rates (e.g., 60fps) capture more frames per second, which also increases the amount of data stored.
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Motion Detection/Triggered Recording: Some dashcams have motion detection or impact-triggered recording capabilities, which only record video when motion or impact is detected. This can reduce overall storage requirements, but storage requirements will vary depending on how often these events occur.
What Memory Sizes Are Available for Dashcams?
Dash cams generally use microSD cards for storage, and there are a variety of memory sizes to choose from to meet your different recording needs. The most common memory for dash cams is:
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16GB: For basic, short-term recording at low resolutions (such as 720p or 1080p), it can store about 2-3 hours of 1080p footage.
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32GB: A popular choice for standard 1080p resolution recording, providing about 4-6 hours of footage. This is ideal if you want enough footage but don't want to change memory cards frequently.
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64GB: Provides ample storage for higher resolutions (1080p or 1440p) and extended recording times. This 64GB card can store about 8-10 hours of 1080p footage.
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128GB: This is mainly for high-definition recording, such as 1440p or 4K. It provides 12-20 hours of footage, making it perfect for long recordings or higher video quality.
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256GB and Above: These larger memory cards can support 4K recording or dash cams with multiple cameras (such as front and rear cameras). Because they can store a lot of video, up to 24-30 hours, mainly depending on the resolution.
What are the Memory Requirements for Different Types of Dashcams?
The memory requirements of a dashcam vary depending on the type, resolution, and features of the dashcam used. Here is how different types of dashcams affect storage requirements.
Basic Dash Cams (720p-1080p)
Basic dashcams support 720p to 1080p resolutions with loop recording, suitable for daily driving and clear shots of the road ahead. If you use this dash cam, it is recommended to use a 16GB to 64GB memory card, which provides approximately 1 to 6 hours of recording time.
Premium Dash Cams (1440p-4K)
Premium dash cams offer 1440p to 4K resolutions, providing clearer and more detailed images, and some models also have HDR and night vision functions to ensure clear images in low-light conditions. This dash cam recommends that you use a 64GB to 256GB memory card, which can record for 1.5 to 10 hours, but the higher the resolution, the faster the storage is consumed.
Dual-Channel Dashcams (Front and Rear Recording)
Dual-channel dashcams record front and rear views simultaneously with a resolution of 1080p or higher, providing full coverage for enhanced safety. It is recommended that you use a 128GB to 512GB memory card, which can record for 3 to 12 hours, which is great for long drives. This dashcam has features such as parking mode and impact detection, which are suitable for commercial vehicles or long-distance transport.
360-Degree Dashcams
360 dash cam captures all angles inside and outside the vehicle, such as the Vantrue E360, and are ideal for those who place a high premium on safety, such as professional drivers or luxury car owners. If you have this dashcam, it is recommended that you use a 128GB to 1TB memory card, which supports 2 to 15 hours of recording. Some advanced models include AI features, remote access, and smart alerts to provide advanced vehicle safety and monitoring.
How to Select the Best SD Card for Your Dash Cam?
Choosing the best SD card for your dash cam can improve its reliable performance and continuous recording. The following guide will help you choose the right SD card:
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Storage Capacity: For basic dashcams and short trips, choose 16GB to 64GB; for high-resolution or dual-channel cameras, you can choose 128GB to 256GB; for 360-degree or long-term recording, choose 512GB or more. Because the larger the capacity, the longer the recording time before overwriting.
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Write Speed (Grade): Look for UHS-I (U1) or UHS-3 (U3) cards. UHS-3 cards are ideal for 4K or high-resolution recording. UHS-3 cards provide 30MB/s or faster write speeds to prevent delays and ensure smooth recording, avoiding dropped frames during high-quality recording.
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Durability and Durability: Choose high-durability SD cards for long-term reliability. Because they can handle frequent write cycles and extreme temperatures. Durable cards ensure long-term reliable, uninterrupted performance.
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Brand and Compatibility: Choose a trusted brand, such as Vantrue's microSD card, to ensure reliability. You'll also want to check your dash cam's specifications to see the recommended SD card size and speed for compatibility with your device to avoid performance issues or malfunctions.
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Card Formatting and Maintenance: Format your SD card regularly to prevent data corruption and ensure efficient storage, and it is recommended that you keep a spare card in case of failure. This can avoid interruptions in recording and save video footage.
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Price Vs. Quality: You can invest in high-quality, high-durability SD cards to avoid data loss and corruption. Cheap cards may not last long and may cause recording problems. However, high-quality cards from reliable brands ensure consistent and long-lasting performance.
How to Maintain the SD Card for Your Dash Cam?
To keep your dashcam's SD card in good condition, you can format it regularly. This prevents data fragmentation and keeps everything running smoothly. While most dashcams will remind you when it's time to format, it's best to format every few weeks or once the storage space fills up. Just make sure to back up any important footage before formatting, so you don't end up losing video. Also, avoid removing the card while it's recording, as this can corrupt the data and damage the card.
It’s best to use a high-endurance SD card designed for continuous writing, as standard cards will wear out quickly. Keep the card in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity. If you notice file corruption or performance degradation, consider replacing the card. These simple steps will ensure that your wireless dash cam or other camera will continue to capture reliable footage when you need it most.
Conclusion
All in all, choosing the right dashcam storage depends on your needs. Cards between 32GB and 64GB are usually sufficient for standard use, while higher resolutions or longer trips may require 128GB or more. By choosing the right storage size, you'll ensure your dashcam has enough space to capture all the important information on the road.
Related Reading:
Privacy vs. Protection: Can Police Use and Access Your Dash Cam Footage?
