What Size Memory Card is Suitable for a Dash Cam?
2 Answers
The appropriate size of a memory card for a dash cam depends on the duration of the car owner's driving time, as there is no absolute size. Currently, dash cams on the market default to loop recording mode. In this mode, the memory card's space is never completely filled, so when selecting a memory card, you only need to choose one based on your driving duration. For example, a 16GB memory card recording 1080P video in loop recording mode can retain video for a maximum of about 100 minutes. Therefore, if your typical driving duration does not exceed 100 minutes, a 16GB memory card is generally sufficient. However, for longer durations, you may opt for a 32GB or 64GB card. In loop recording mode, the dash cam saves recorded videos in segments (such as 1-minute, 3-minute, 5-minute, or 10-minute clips) on the memory card. When the memory card is full, newly recorded videos will overwrite the oldest video segments. The primary purpose of loop recording is to prevent the memory card from becoming unable to record due to being full. It also eliminates the need for drivers to regularly clear the memory card, making it more convenient.
When choosing a memory card, I mainly consider resolution and recording duration. Currently, dash cams mainly support 1080P or 2K resolution. 2K videos take up more space, while 32GB is generally sufficient for 1080P, allowing for about 8 hours of recording, which is enough to cover daily commutes. However, I recommend 64GB as it can store more content. Additionally, the loop recording feature is crucial—it automatically overwrites old videos, so you don’t have to worry about the card filling up. I also pay attention to the read/write performance of high-speed cards and suggest choosing Class 10 or higher to avoid lag. Since I drive frequently, 64GB is just right for me, but if you often take long trips, 128GB is a safer choice.
