How Long Can a Dash Cam Recordings Be Stored?

[ChloeRose]

The storage duration of dash cam recordings depends on the capacity of the memory card and the set recording resolution. Generally, it can store recordings for about 3 days to a week. The larger the memory card, the longer the storage time. Taking 1080P quality as an example, a 16G memory card can record for about 100 minutes, a 32G card for 200 minutes, and a 64G card for 400 minutes. Additional Information: Dash Cam: The size of the memory card and the file format affect the recording time—the larger the capacity, the longer the recording time. Dash cams record in a loop. For instance, a C600 with an 8G card can record approximately 2 hours of video. When the storage is full, it automatically deletes the oldest recordings to continue recording, repeating this process.

[StTaylor]

My dashcam came with a 32GB memory card. Recording at 1080p HD resolution consumes about 4GB of space per hour, so the entire card can store roughly four and a half hours of footage. Since the device operates in loop recording mode, new videos continuously overwrite the oldest data, meaning most clips typically get erased within a day. However, during sudden incidents like severe collisions, the auto-lock feature protects those specific videos from deletion, preserving them for several months. To extend storage duration, I upgraded to a 64GB card. With double the capacity, it now stores over nine hours of footage – enough to cover my weekly commute. I recommend checking the card's status and formatting it monthly to prevent damage, plus manually backing up important clips to a computer or cloud for secure evidence preservation. Choosing a reliable brand also matters significantly.

[McMiles]

The storage duration of a dash cam is primarily determined by the memory card size and video settings. For example, using a 32GB card with 1080p resolution consumes approximately 4GB per hour, allowing the card to hold four to five hours of footage. The loop recording mechanism continuously overwrites old content with new, so regular videos are typically stored for no more than a day or two. However, when the G-sensor detects an impact, the clip is marked as an event file to prevent overwriting, enabling long-term storage. Theoretically, the maximum storage period is unlimited unless manually deleted, but in practice, it's constrained by card capacity. High-definition formats like H.264 offer modest compression, whereas switching to H.265 can save half the space, doubling the duration. I tested a 64GB card at 720p, which stored nearly two days of continuous video, becoming even more efficient with optimized settings. Regularly replacing cards with high-quality ones to reduce malfunctions is also a practical tip.

[KalebLee]

The recording retention time of a dashcam is closely related to its capacity and loop recording mode. With a 32GB card installed in my car for standard recording, videos are overwritten after approximately a few hours, with the longest retention being less than a day. However, emergency events like sudden braking automatically lock the videos for long-term storage without being affected. To ensure the integrity of evidence for safety, it is recommended to have a minimum of 64GB card capacity, which can cover multiple days of travel and reduce the risk of accidental loss. Regularly checking the device's working status and backing up data is crucial.