What kind of memory card should I buy for a dash cam?
2 Answers
For dash cam memory cards, brands like SanDisk, Kingston, Samsung, Toshiba, and Lexar are recommended. When purchasing a memory card for a dash cam, it's important to ensure quality and choose a high-speed card that meets the capacity requirements of the dash cam. Here are some relevant details: 1. SanDisk: SanDisk memory cards are designed for dash cams and surveillance cameras, offering guaranteed quality, as well as being waterproof, heat-resistant, and cold-resistant. The capacity is 128GB (actual capacity around 120GB), with read speeds of 100MB/s and write speeds of 40MB/s. It supports high-quality video recording and smooth operation. Testing shows this memory card can operate continuously for up to 10,000 hours while ensuring data integrity, making it an excellent product from SanDisk. 2. Kingston: Kingston's High-Endurance Endurance microSD card is a great choice for dash cams. This product is designed for long-term write operations, with durable performance that allows for repeated rewrites and wear resistance. Additionally, it is heat-resistant and ensures smooth recording of driving data.
I've been driving for over a decade and have worn out several memory cards for dash cams, so I've gained some experience. For microSD cards, you need to choose high-speed ones with a speed rating of UHS-I U3 or Class 10 and above, because dash cams record continuously—if the read/write speed is too slow, it will lag or lose files. Don’t go for too small a capacity; start with at least 32GB, but 64GB or 128GB is better, as it allows for longer loop recording and reduces frequent overwriting. I recommend brands like Samsung or Sandisk, especially their High Endurance series, which are heat-resistant and shockproof, making them ideal for the bumpy conditions in cars and high summer temperatures. Never cheap out on no-name brands—low-end cards have a short lifespan, are prone to failure, and losing data means all your effort is wasted. Additionally, formatting the card regularly can extend its lifespan—I do it every two months to maintain stable performance. In short, a high-speed, large-capacity, and durable card is key—investing a bit more ensures safety and peace of mind.