
Dash cams typically have 64GB of memory. A dash cam is an instrument that records images, sounds, and other relevant information during vehicle travel. After installation, it can record the entire driving process in video and audio, providing evidence for traffic accidents. For those who enjoy road trips, it can document the journey through challenging terrains. It continuously records while driving, capturing time, speed, and location data in the footage. It can also be used at home as a DV camera to record daily life or as a home surveillance device. Additionally, it can serve as a parking monitor. It is important to note that the recorded video materials should not be edited, as doing so may render them useless in the event of an accident.

The memory of dash cams is actually quite interesting. Having driven for five years and gone through three dash cams myself, I've noticed that mainstream models now use TF memory cards with capacities ranging from 32GB to 256GB. A 32GB card can record for over five hours at 1080P resolution, while a 128GB card extends that to more than twenty hours. However, I recommend not going for excessively large capacities because the loop recording feature automatically overwrites old footage. Although a 256GB card can store two days' worth of material, its price doubles. The key is to buy high-speed cards—only those labeled Class10 or U3 ensure smooth operation without frame drops on bumpy roads. Some car owners specifically choose models with emergency lock features that automatically protect the current video upon collision, making even a 32GB card sufficient. Regularly clearing the memory card can actually extend its lifespan, as being too full can cause overheating.

I've studied the memory configurations of over twenty dash cams and found the key is balancing recording duration with video quality. For mainstream 1080P resolution, 64GB memory supports eight hours of recording, while switching to 4K mode cuts that time in half. The loop recording mechanism prevents storage from filling up, but insufficient capacity becomes problematic—for example, a 32GB model might have emergency footage overwrite regular recordings during a half-hour heavy rain commute. Newer dash cam models now support external hard drives, with 1TB storing up to two weeks of footage, though such large capacity is mainly useful for parking surveillance. When purchasing, first check the maximum compatible capacity as older models may not support over 128GB. Setting video segments to three minutes is recommended for quickly locating specific files during incidents.

The dashcam provided by the 4S store when purchasing the car only has 16GB of memory, and it prompted insufficient storage on the third day. Nowadays, the mainstream standard starts at 64GB, and I find 128GB to be just right: it can store a week's worth of video for my two-hour round-trip commute, and it's also sufficient for recording the entire journey during business trips on highways. Never overlook the speed of the TF card! Low-speed cards may cause frame drops when recording 4K videos; only those labeled UHS-I or V30 are reliable. The most practical feature is enabling the G-sensor lock, which automatically saves videos during sudden braking to prevent overwriting. If you want to save money, the 64GB + 1080P combination is the most cost-effective, costing less than 500 yuan. Remember to format the memory card once a month, as it protects the chip better than simply deleting files.


