How many hours can a 16GB dash cam record?
3 Answers
The total recording time of a dash cam is related to the storage capacity of the memory card and the video resolution. A 16GB memory card can record approximately 2.5-3 hours at 1080P and 5-6 hours at 720P. Functions of a dash cam: Preventing fraud: Nowadays, fraud incidents are countless. Many car owners install dash cams in their vehicles to avoid unnecessary losses. When encountering malicious fraud, the footage recorded by the dash cam can serve as strong evidence. Insurance claims for traffic accidents: When a traffic accident occurs, the video information from the dash cam can be used as an important basis for determining liability. Moreover, in subsequent insurance claims, the recorded footage can prevent insurance companies from refusing to pay. Recording driving life: For friends who frequently travel by car, the dash cam can not only serve as a driving navigation tool but also act as a life camera DV, recording the scenery along the way and preserving it permanently. Settings of a dash cam: Recording sound: The dash cam can record sounds inside the car while recording video. Loop recording: Most dash cams offer three time options: 1 minute, 2 minutes, and 3 minutes, dividing the video into segments of different durations for storage. Motion detection: The dash cam's motion detection setting automatically starts recording when there is movement in the frame, usually with a delay of 2 to 5 seconds. It is not recommended to enable this during driving due to sensitivity and algorithm issues, which may cause extensive frame loss. G-sensor: The dash cam has four options: high, medium, low, and off. It is generally set to medium or high to avoid detection during sudden braking or can be turned off and manually saved when a collision occurs.
I remember the 16GB memory dash cam I just installed can record for about 3 to 5 hours, depending on the recording settings. For example, if you choose 1080p video quality, the file size is smaller. If you enable high-quality 4K mode or night vision function, the files will be larger and take up more space. Generally, a 16GB card might only store a little over 2 hours of footage because there's always some redundant data in actual storage. I recommend setting up loop recording to automatically overwrite old footage, so you don’t have to worry about the card filling up and stopping recording. Additionally, if parking monitoring mode is frequently enabled, it will also consume space, so it’s best to check the dash cam app’s bitrate settings—lowering it can extend recording time. Regularly transferring important files to a computer is a good habit to avoid overwriting critical moments.
I found that a 16G dash cam can record for about 4 hours, but it's hard to give an exact number. When the scenery changes rapidly while driving, the file size tends to be larger, whereas during traffic jams when the car isn't moving, the files are smaller. Plus, weather conditions like cloudy or sunny days can also affect compression. I've tried several brands with slight differences, but generally, it falls within that range. I recommend getting a high-speed memory card for faster read and write speeds to avoid lag—memory cards are so cheap nowadays that upgrading to 32G or 64G only costs a few dozen bucks more. Remember to check the actual recorded file sizes on your computer to estimate more accurately for next time. Also, don't let the dash cam overheat, as it can affect its lifespan.
