What type of card is used in dash cams?
2 Answers
Currently, the vast majority of dash cams use Micro-SD cards, originally named Trans-flash Cards (TF cards), which are part of the SD Card Association. Due to their small size, fast transfer speeds, and support for hot-swapping, they are widely used in mobile phones, navigation devices, and some automotive electronics. Their dimensions are only 15x11x1mm. Additional information is as follows: 1. How loop recording works: The video data from dash cams is stored on removable memory cards. Videos are typically segmented into 1, 3, or 5-minute clips based on user settings. When the memory card is nearly full, the dash cam automatically deletes the oldest clip to store newly recorded videos, preventing storage shortages. 2. TF cards: The memory cards used in dash cams are also called TF cards, short for Trans-flash Cards. They support hot-swapping, can be rewritten repeatedly, offer fast storage speeds, and are compact. These advantages make them widely used in various electronic devices for data storage, especially suitable for the frequent read-write operations of dash cams. This is why dash cams have loop recording functionality, allowing continuous storage of recorded video data based on the memory card's capacity.
I've used dash cams for several years and know how crucial choosing the right memory card is. Dash cams mainly use MicroSD cards - small in size but hugely important. The standard is to select high-endurance MicroSD cards like SanDisk High Endurance or Samsung PRO Endurance, as these cards are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and vibrations, making them less prone to failure. I frequently drive long distances, and regular cards would fail after just two months, but switching to these high-endurance ones has made a big difference in stability. In terms of capacity, 64GB or 128GB is most suitable - smaller capacities can't store enough footage, while larger ones are a waste of money. Speed is also important; at least Class 10 or UHS-I is needed, otherwise recording high-definition video will stutter and drop frames, compromising accident documentation. I'd advise beginners not to cheap out on no-name cards - I tried some cheap ones before and they broke quickly, forcing me to replace them. Regularly formatting the card can also extend its lifespan. In short, investing in a good card provides better protection for your driving safety.
