What kind of card should be inserted into a dash cam?
3 Answers
A dash cam requires a memory card for storage, as most dash cams do not come with built-in memory and rely on memory card expansion or portable digital hard drives. Choosing the capacity of the memory card: The size of the memory card for a dash cam should be selected based on your needs. For office workers, an 8GB-16GB memory card is usually sufficient. Firstly, 8GB and 16GB memory cards are moderately priced and offer good value for money. Selecting based on dash cam usage: The appropriate memory card size depends on the recording resolution of the dash cam and the storage requirements of the camera. High-definition dash cams typically record at 720p or 1080p. A 4GB card can record approximately one hour of 720p video, while 1080p video takes up nearly twice the space of 720p.
The dashcam uses a microSD card, also known as a TF card, which is quite common. From my daily use in the car, I've found that a high-speed card is crucial—it needs to be Class 10 or higher, otherwise recording high-definition videos will lag. A capacity of 32GB or more is recommended, with 64GB offering a better balance, storing several days' worth of driving footage without issue. It must be formatted to FAT32 on a computer; otherwise, it might not be recognized. Don’t skimp on the brand—SanDisk or Samsung cards are durable. Since car interiors can get hot in summer, cheap cards are prone to failure, causing recording interruptions. I check the card’s health every quarter and replace it if it overheats to avoid failures at critical moments. Backing up important videos to your phone is smart, and keeping a spare card in the glove compartment is a good precaution. In short, spending a little extra on a quality card ensures safer driving.
As a seasoned driver, I'd like to remind you: use a microSD card for your dash cam. A capacity of 32GB or 64GB is appropriate—too large is wasteful, too small fills up quickly. A Class 10 speed rating is essential to ensure smooth 1080P video recording. Format the card to FAT32 before inserting it, and refer to the manual for added peace of mind. I often use Kingston brand cards for their good heat resistance; high temperatures can damage the card, so replace it regularly without delay. Check your dash cam's maximum supported capacity—don't buy a 128GB card if it's not supported. Continuous recording relies on the card's sustained performance, so maintain it well to ensure complete road condition evidence. These small investments prevent big troubles and make driving more secure.
