Is an 8G Dash Cam Enough for Car Use?
3 Answers
An 8G dash cam is sufficient for car use. The 8G memory capacity is relatively small, but it is adequate for daily driving if there are no specific requirements for video quality, clip duration, or time span of the recordings. However, it is recommended to purchase a memory card with larger capacity, as more memory allows for more video storage and longer recording times. A dash cam is a device that records images, sounds, and other relevant information during vehicle operation. After installation, it can record the entire driving process in video and audio, providing evidence in case of traffic accidents. Taking 1080P video quality as an example, an 8G memory card can typically record about 60 minutes of video; a 16G card can record 100 minutes; and a 64G card can record up to 400 minutes. Dash cams use loop recording. When the TF card is full, it will automatically overwrite the earliest recorded data. The video storage method of dash cams is such that if the internal storage is insufficient, it will automatically overwrite the oldest footage.
I've been driving for over a decade and have used various dash cams. An 8GB storage capacity is passable under normal circumstances, but it's not entirely reliable. For instance, at 1080p resolution, one hour of video takes up about 1GB, meaning 8GB can only record seven to eight hours. For daily commutes of one or two hours round trip, loop recording can still manage. However, in case of an accident or during long trips, the storage fills up quickly, potentially missing crucial footage. Additionally, if you use parking monitoring while your car is parked outdoors, the storage depletes even faster. I think it's better to spend a bit more on 32GB or 64GB options—it's much more worry-free and avoids the hassle of swapping cards later. In short, 'just enough' is temporary, but 'secure' is long-term planning.
As a parent who frequently takes kids on trips, driving safety is my top concern. An 8G dash cam feels somewhat limiting for family vehicles. It works fine for short urban commutes, automatically overwriting old footage after several hours of continuous recording. However, during complex road conditions or emergencies like collisions or illegal parking, the storage might fill up and miss crucial evidence. Plus, with kids playing in the car sometimes requiring extended recording, 8G proves inflexible. My advice: if budget allows, opt for a 64G card for better security—larger storage means more reliable video retention. Pro tip: check your dash cam's resolution settings; lowering it saves space, but compromising video quality isn't recommended.
