What is a dash cam memory card?
4 Answers
The memory card used in dash cams is either a TF or SD card. TF cards are smaller in size and primarily used in mobile phones, while SD cards are larger and typically utilized in digital cameras or portable devices. In dash cams, the memory card is usually inserted into the main body of the device, often in a hidden slot. For compact dash cam models, the memory card slot is commonly located on either side of the device. A dash cam is an instrument that records video, audio, and other relevant information during vehicle operation. It captures high-definition footage of the road ahead, along with sound recordings and vehicle status data. The system mainly consists of a main unit, speed sensor, data analysis software, and infrared camera.
The memory card in a dash cam is used to store driving footage, functioning like a small portable hard drive inserted into the camera to record all visuals. I've used both 32GB and 64GB cards—the 32GB can store about 3 hours of HD video, while the 64GB doubles that. I recommend choosing a U1-class high-speed card; otherwise, recording in 4K may lag. Also, don’t cheap out on no-name brands—I once tried a low-quality card that frequently auto-overwrote crucial footage, making it infuriating when trying to retrieve recordings at critical moments. Additionally, remember to format the card every two months to clear fragmentation, or it may crash when full. Some premium cards now support a wide temperature range from -25°C to 85°C, making startup much faster in winter.
That thing is just the memory card inserted into the dash cam to store videos, usually a Micro SD card, small in size but large in capacity. I think 128GB is the most practical, capable of storing over ten hours of footage, which is sufficient for long-distance road trips. A crucial tip is to buy a card with a lock function, otherwise the video at the moment of a crash might be overwritten. Last time I was in an accident, fortunately, the lock function protected the footage from that moment. Temperature resistance is also key; in summer, car interiors can reach 50-60 degrees Celsius, and regular cards can easily burn out. I've used the Samsung PRO Endurance series, which has top-notch heat resistance. Regularly clean it using the dash cam's built-in formatting function—never format it randomly on a computer, as it can ruin the loop recording feature.
The memory card in a dashcam is essentially a specialized USB flash drive, primarily used for storing recordings. It's crucial to choose a card specifically designed for surveillance, as regular SD cards can't withstand 7x24-hour continuous rewriting. A capacity of 32GB is recommended as a starting point, storing about 4 hours of footage; frequent long-distance drivers might opt for 256GB. Always check the manual for the maximum supported capacity—my friend bought the wrong model and it only recognized up to 64GB. Speed-wise, U3 or higher is best to avoid frame drops when recording 1080P or higher. Some cards now come with waterproof coatings, making them resistant to high-pressure car washes. The lifespan is typically around two years before replacement is needed, as severe wear can lead to skipped seconds and lagging.
