What size memory card is needed for a dash cam?
2 Answers
Automobile dash cams generally require a 16G or 32G memory card. The market typically offers dash cam memory cards with capacities of 8G, 16G, 32G, and 64G. It is not advisable to use a memory card with excessively large capacity for dash cams, as it may cause issues such as slow startup and operation speed. Solutions when the dash cam memory is full: Change the dash cam's system settings: Enable the automatic overwrite function for dash cam videos, which eliminates the need for frequent manual cleaning. However, be sure to promptly save any important data stored in the dash cam. Format the memory card: Formatting is a very simple and direct method. You can open the dash cam's settings menu and select the format option. If the memory card is removable, you can also insert it into a computer and delete files using file management.
I think the choice of dash cam memory card capacity mainly depends on your usage habits. My daily commute is short, just half an hour each way to work, so a 64GB card is more than enough. It can store over two days of 1080p video, and with loop recording, I never worry about overwriting important footage. However, if you frequently go on road trips or drive for ride-hailing services, a 128GB card is more reliable, especially with the popularity of 4K resolution dash cams nowadays, where one minute of recording takes up about 200MB of space. Remember to choose a high-speed card—a V30 grade write speed is necessary to keep up with HD recording, otherwise the footage may stutter. Also, make sure to buy a professional-grade memory card with brand certification to avoid crashes and data loss under extreme temperatures.