Which Memory Card is Best for Dash Cams?
3 Answers
For dash cam memory cards, brands like SanDisk, Kingston, Samsung, Toshiba (Kioxia), and Lexar are highly recommended. As we all know, dash cam memory cards undergo continuous read and write operations, leading to significant wear and tear. Additionally, the video files recorded by dash cams are relatively large. Therefore, when purchasing a memory card for a dash cam, it's essential to ensure both quality and compatibility with high-speed cards that meet the capacity requirements of the dash cam. SanDisk offers memory cards specifically designed for dash cams and surveillance cameras, ensuring quality with features like waterproofing, heat resistance, and cold resistance. The 128GB model (actual capacity around 120GB) boasts read speeds of 100MB/s and write speeds of 40MB/s, supporting high-quality video recording with smooth performance. Testing shows this card can operate continuously for up to 10,000 hours, guaranteeing data integrity—making it an excellent product from SanDisk. Kingston's standout product for dash cams is the High Endurance microSD card. This card excels in long-duration write operations, with durable performance that withstands repeated rewrites and wear. It also handles high temperatures well, ensuring smooth recording of driving data. Samsung's EVO Plus is another top choice for dash cams. Tests confirm its excellent user experience and write speeds, along with superior high-temperature resistance, making it perfectly suited for the hot environments inside vehicles while maintaining stability. After rebranding from Toshiba to Kioxia, the company repositioned and updated its memory card lineup. The EXCERIA HIGH ENDURANCE series is ideal for dash cams, representing Kioxia's highest-end TF card in the market. Its key features include extreme temperature tolerance, durability, high quality, and stable operation. Lexar's High-Endurance memory card is another excellent option for dash cams. Designed for video recording, this surveillance-grade card is built to withstand high and low temperatures, as well as vibrations, effortlessly handling the demands of driving environments. It ensures stable performance during both recording and playback.
As a commuter who drives frequently, I have personal experience in choosing memory cards for dash cams. The right card directly affects video quality and safety. I usually opt for high-speed MicroSD cards because regular cards can't keep up with HD recording, leading to dropped frames. I recommend Class 10 or UHS-I speed class with a capacity of at least 32GB, which can store five to six hours of driving footage. In terms of brands, I've tried the SanDisk Endurance series—it withstands high temperatures and vibrations, so it won't fail even in 40°C summer heat inside the car. Also, format it to exFAT to avoid data loss. Don’t cheap out on no-name brands—I once almost missed crucial evidence due to a faulty card, a hard lesson learned. Regularly checking the card’s usage cycle is also important to avoid failures from exceeding its lifespan. In short, investing in a reliable card is essential for driving safety.
From a slightly knowledgeable perspective on electronic devices, the performance of a memory card hinges on read/write speed and durability. Dash cams require fast writing speeds for high-definition footage, so a minimum of UHS Speed Class 10 or UHS-I is essential—lower speeds can cause recording lag. I recommend capacities between 32GB and 128GB; too small and recordings overwrite quickly, too large and the price becomes prohibitive. Durability is crucial due to the hot and vibration-prone car environment—opt for high-temperature-resistant models like the Samsung Pro Endurance series. Preferred brands include Lexar or Kingston, which specialize in dash cam cards. FAT32 offers stability, but exFAT provides better compatibility. Don’t overlook card lifespan—frequent rewrites increase failure risk, so periodically test health using software. Using the right card ensures reliable, uninterrupted recording around the clock.
