When I first started using a dash cam, I had no idea how many GB would be enough for dash cam footage. Choosing the right storage is crucial because it affects how much video you can store without constantly deleting files. For example, a 32GB SD card can store about 4 hours of 1080p footage, but that may not be enough for extended trips. Discover why a dash cam is essential for every driver in our informative post, Why Every Driver Should Have a Dash Cam.
As I drove more, I realized I needed more space. For long drives or higher-quality video, a 128GB card became essential. It can hold up to 16 hours of 1080p video, making it perfect for daily commutes and longer road trips without the worry of running out of storage.
Can I use an external SSD or HDD with my dash cam for additional storage?
In most cases, dash cams do not support external SSDs or HDDs for additional storage. Dash cams are designed to use SD or microSD cards, which are directly inserted into the device. External storage devices typically require different connections, such as USB, which most dash cams don’t have.
However, some advanced or professional dash cams may support external storage, but this is rare. For standard dash cam models, it’s recommended to use high-capacity SD cards, such as 128GB or 256GB, to meet your storage needs. Always check your dash cam’s specifications before considering alternative storage options. Get insights into how a rear dash cam works by reading our article, How Does Rear Dash Cam Operate?.
Key Factors Affecting Dash Cam Storage Needs
When choosing the right storage for your dash cam, several factors come into play. Let’s look at the most important ones that will determine how much GB you actually need.
1. Resolution and Frame Rate
Higher resolutions and frame rates require significantly more storage space. For instance, a 1080p video at 30 frames per second (fps) will take up about 60MB per minute. If you’re recording in 4K at 60fps, that number jumps to around 375MB per minute, which is five times more storage!
When deciding between 1080p and 4K, think about your recording needs. If you’re driving mostly in the city, 1080p might be enough, but for long trips or high-detail footage, 4K will give you much better clarity at the cost of storage.
2. Type of Footage: Continuous vs. Event-Based Recording
Dash cams can either record continuously or only when an event occurs, like a crash. Continuous recording eats up storage at a much faster rate. For example, if you’re using a 128GB card for continuous 1080p recording, it will last about 8 to 10 hours before overwriting old footage.
If your dash cam has event-based recording, like when the G-sensor detects an impact, it’ll only use space when there’s something to capture. This can help conserve storage and ensure important moments aren’t lost.
3. Recording Duration and Looping
Most dash cams use looping, which means they overwrite the oldest footage once the card is full. With a 64GB card, you can expect about 4 to 5 hours of continuous 1080p footage. If you’re recording 4K, that number drops significantly to around 1.5 to 2 hours.
It’s important to know how long you’ll be on the road. A longer trip? Consider a larger storage option like 128GB or 256GB to ensure you have enough space for everything.
4. Multi-Camera Setups
If you have a dual-camera setup, the storage requirements double. A dual-camera dash cam recording in 1080p at 30fps will use about 120MB per minute. For 4K setups, you’re looking at around 750MB per minute.
So, if you’re using multiple cameras, always factor in extra storage. For a smooth experience with a dual setup, a 128GB or 256GB card is often the best option to avoid running out of space too quickly. Learn step-by-step how to wire your dash cam with our guide, How to Install Dash Cam Wire in Car.
Recommended Storage Capacities
When it comes to dash cam storage, picking the right capacity is crucial to ensure smooth recordings and avoid running out of space. Let’s go over the most common options and see which one suits your needs best.
32GB Cards: Perfect for Short Trips
For casual drivers or those who only use their dash cam on short daily commutes, a 32GB card is usually enough. This capacity will store about 3-4 hours of 1080p footage at 30fps, which should cover most city driving scenarios. If you’re only recording during short drives, this size is a good, budget-friendly choice.
64GB Cards: A Balanced Option
If you’re someone who drives longer distances or wants a little extra buffer for storage, a 64GB card is a solid middle-ground. This card can hold roughly 6-8 hours of 1080p footage at 60fps, making it a versatile choice for everyday drivers. It offers more recording time without costing too much extra.
128GB Cards: Ideal for Extended Use
For road trips, long commutes, or if you have a dual-camera setup, a 128GB card is a great option. This card can store around 12-16 hours of 1080p footage or up to 8 hours of 4K video, depending on the resolution and frame rate. It’s the sweet spot for most users who need longer recordings without worrying about constantly managing storage.
256GB+ Cards: Professional and Fleet Use
If you need extended recording for professional purposes, a 256GB card or higher is what you’ll want. These cards can store up to 24 hours of 1080p footage or 12 hours of 4K video. For those with dual cameras or who need to record for entire shifts or long road trips, this capacity provides peace of mind.
How Much Storage Does Your Dash Cam Need?
Choosing the right storage for your dash cam depends on what you need to record. Let’s break it down into practical scenarios and show you how much storage different setups will require.
Comparing Video File Sizes
When it comes to video storage, the resolution and frame rate matter a lot. For instance, if you’re recording in 1080p at 30fps, you’ll use about 150MB per minute of footage. On the other hand, if you’re recording in 4K at 60fps, that can jump to 400MB per minute. With this in mind, a 32GB card will last you around 3 hours of continuous 1080p recording, while a 128GB card can store around 12 hours of the same footage.
Practical Scenarios and Use Cases
If you’re someone who only drives short distances, a 32GB or 64GB SD card should be enough. For example, with a 64GB card, you can expect about 6 hours of 1080p footage at 30fps. But, if you’re going on long road trips, or if you like to record in higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, you’ll want to invest in a 128GB or 256GB card. These larger cards will give you the space to store up to 16 hours of high-quality footage, without worrying about running out of space.
Dual-Camera Setups
For those with dual-camera systems, things get a bit more complicated. Recording both front and rear views at 1080p 30fps requires almost double the storage. A 128GB card will give you about 8 hours of footage in a dual-camera setup. However, if you’re using a higher resolution or recording at 60fps, consider stepping up to 256GB to ensure you have enough space for continuous recording, which could last up to 16 hours.
Storage Requirements for Parking Mode
Parking mode can also affect your storage needs. In this mode, the dash cam records only when it detects motion or an impact, using less storage. However, if you use motion detection frequently, a 64GB card should work fine for several days. If you’re away for longer periods or park in busy areas, a 128GB card might be more suitable, giving you about a week of parking mode recordings. If you’re considering a new dash cam, check out our detailed comparison in Nextbase vs Garmin Dash Cam.
Considerations When Choosing Storage for Your Dash Cam
Choosing the right storage for your dash cam isn’t just about picking any SD card. There are several important factors that can impact your dash cam’s performance. Let’s dive into the key things to consider when selecting storage.
1. Card Quality: Speed Class and Endurance
The quality of your SD card is crucial for smooth recording. I recommend looking for UHS-I or UHS-II cards, like the SanDisk Extreme, with a write speed up to 90MB/s. High-endurance cards like the Samsung Pro Endurance are perfect for continuous recording, ensuring reliability for daily long drives.
2. Write Speed vs. Read Speed
Write speed is more important than read speed when choosing an SD card. For continuous recording, aim for a minimum write speed of 30MB/s. Cards like the Kingston Canvas Go! with U3 speed class handle 1080p or 4K recordings seamlessly, capturing every moment without interruptions.
3. Compatibility with Your Dash Cam
Always check the compatibility of your SD card with your dash cam. Some dash cams can only handle up to 64GB, while others support 128GB or 256GB cards. I’ve learned the hard way that not all SD cards work across different models, so it’s vital to review your dash cam’s specifications.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dash Cam’s Storage
Maintaining your dash cam’s storage is essential to ensure it works smoothly and provides reliable footage when needed. In this section, I’ll share some simple yet effective tips to keep your storage in top condition.
1. Regular Formatting of Your SD Card
I can’t stress enough how important it is to regularly format your SD card. Formatting helps prevent data corruption and keeps your dash cam’s performance optimal. Ideally, I recommend formatting your SD card every month or after a long road trip to clear out old footage and maintain storage efficiency.
2. Backing Up Important Footage
While dash cams automatically overwrite footage once the storage is full, it’s always a good idea to back up important videos. If you’ve captured an accident or special event, save that footage to an external drive or cloud storage. This way, you won’t lose critical evidence when your SD card starts looping.
3. Choosing Between SD vs. MicroSD Cards
Many dash cams use MicroSD cards, which are compact and offer great performance. It’s essential to select a high-quality MicroSD card with at least UHS-I speed class 1 (U1) for 1080p recordings and UHS-I speed class 3 (U3) for 4K. These speed classes ensure that your dash cam records smoothly without interruptions. Compare the features and performance of the two leading brands in our article, Rove vs RedTiger Dash Cam.
What to Do If You Run Out of Storage
If your dash cam runs out of storage, don’t worry—there are a few things you can do. Here’s how to handle the situation without losing important footage.
1. Overwriting Files Automatically
Most dash cams automatically overwrite the oldest footage once the storage is full. For instance, a 64GB card may store up to 6 hours of 1080p footage before it starts overwriting. This helps if you’re driving daily but can delete important videos.
2. Upgrading Your SD Card
Upgrading your SD card is a simple fix. A 128GB card can store up to 12 hours of 1080p footage, while a 256GB card holds about 8 hours of 4K footage. This gives you more room for longer trips and higher-quality recordings.
3. Using Cloud Storage Integration
Some dash cams support cloud storage, which backs up footage remotely. With cloud storage, you can ensure your footage is safe, even if the SD card fills up. This is ideal for keeping important clips secure and easily accessible.
Dash Cam Storage Recommendations for Different Users
Choosing the right storage depends on how often you drive and your recording needs. Let’s break it down based on user types to make it easier.
For Casual Drivers: 32GB to 64GB SD Card
For daily commutes and occasional trips, a 32GB to 64GB SD card is enough. These cards store 3 to 6 hours of 1080p footage at 30fps. A 64GB card gives you around 6 hours of recording before overwriting older footage.
For Frequent Drivers: 128GB SD Card
Frequent drivers should opt for a 128GB card, offering 12 hours of 1080p at 60fps. It’s perfect for long drives or regular trips. This size strikes a good balance between storage and cost.
For Professional or Fleet Drivers: 256GB or Higher
Professional drivers or fleets need a 256GB or higher card. This accommodates 18 hours of 1080p footage or 12 hours of 4K. It’s essential for long shifts and high-resolution video.
For long-term parking mode, use a high-endurance card in 128GB or 256GB. These cards handle constant writing and overwriting. They ensure you capture all events without issues.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Dash Cam Storage
Choosing the wrong storage for your dash cam can cause frustration. Here are some common mistakes I’ve seen that are easy to avoid.
1. Underestimating Storage Needs
Opting for too small a memory card can be a problem. For example, a 32GB card might only give you about 4-5 hours of footage in 1080p, which isn’t ideal for long trips. A 64GB or 128GB card is often a better choice for extended recordings.
2. Not Considering Write Speeds
If your card’s write speed is too slow, you might experience dropped frames or corrupted footage. Always go for a UHS-I or UHS-II card to ensure smooth recording, especially at higher resolutions like 4K.
3. Ignoring Dash Cam Specifications
Make sure to check your dash cam’s manual for supported storage sizes and speed classes. Some models only work with certain capacities, so using the wrong card can cause performance issues.
4. Overlooking Endurance
Since dash cams record constantly, it’s important to choose a high-endurance SD card. These are designed to handle frequent overwriting and last longer under continuous use.
Final Words
To wrap things up, when I think about how many GB would be enough for a dash cam, it really depends on your needs. For casual drivers who mostly drive short distances, a 32GB or 64GB card is more than enough.
However, if you’re planning longer road trips or using a dual-camera setup, a 128GB or 256GB card would be more suitable to avoid frequent overwriting. Ultimately, selecting the right storage is about balancing video quality with the duration of footage you want to store, ensuring peace of mind while driving.