Have you ever seen a crazy accident on the road and wished you had proof of what happened? Dash cams are great for that! They record everything that goes on while you drive. But, without a good memory card, your dash cam is useless. It’s like having a TV but no electricity to turn it on.
Choosing a memory card can be tricky. There are so many different types and sizes! You might not know which one is best for your dash cam. Picking the wrong card can lead to problems. Your videos might not save, or they might get blurry. You don’t want to miss important moments or have your dash cam fail when you need it most.
This blog post will help you. We’ll explain everything you need to know about memory cards for your dash cam. You’ll learn what to look for and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll be able to pick the perfect memory card to keep your videos safe and clear. Let’s dive in and become memory card experts!
Our Top 5 Memory Card For Dash Cam Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Memory Card For Dash Cam Detailed Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card with Full Size Adapter
Rating: 8.9/10
The Amazon Basics Micro SDXC Memory Card is a simple and reliable storage solution. This 128GB memory card comes with a full-size adapter. It is designed for use in many devices, like smartphones, cameras, and gaming consoles. It’s built to handle high-resolution photos and videos. The card offers fast read speeds for quick data transfer.
What We Like:
- Wide compatibility: It works with lots of devices.
- High-quality storage: You can save photos, videos, and data.
- Fast speeds: It reads data quickly.
- Durable: It’s shockproof, waterproof, and temperature-proof.
- Includes an adapter: You can use it in different devices.
What Could Be Improved:
- Check compatibility: Make sure your device supports the 128GB capacity.
- Real-world speeds: Actual speeds can change based on your device.
This Amazon Basics Micro SDXC card is a good pick for anyone who needs extra storage. It is a good value for the price and offers a lot of features.
2. SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card with Adapter for Dash Cam and Home Monitoring systems – C10
Rating: 8.7/10
The SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card is built for tough jobs. It’s perfect for dash cams and home security systems. This card lets you record videos for a long time. It’s designed to last and keep your videos safe. It also comes with an adapter.
What We Like:
- It’s great for dash cams and home monitoring.
- You can record videos for many hours, up to 20,000 hours in Full HD!
- It is built to survive tough conditions. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and more.
- It can hold up to 256GB of videos. That’s a lot of space!
- You can record in Full HD or even 4K!
What Could Be Improved:
- The 20,000-hour claim is based on Full HD recording. 4K videos will use up the storage faster.
- The actual storage space will be a bit less than 256GB.
This SanDisk microSD card is a reliable choice for your video recording needs. It is a great way to keep your videos safe and secure.
3. SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter – Up to 150MB/s
![SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - Up to 150MB/s, C10, U1, Full HD, A1, MicroSD Card - SDSQUAC-256G-GN6MA [New Version]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41l8AfpMujL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 8.5/10
The SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card is a great storage solution. It is perfect for Android smartphones and tablets. This card lets you store plenty of photos, videos, and apps. It also comes with an adapter, making it easy to use with different devices.
What We Like:
- Plenty of storage space: You can store up to 256GB of data.
- Fast transfer speeds: The card can transfer files at up to 150MB/s. This saves you time.
- A1-rated performance: This helps apps load faster.
- Full HD video recording: The card is Class 10 rated. This means you can record and play Full HD videos smoothly.
- Includes an adapter: The included adapter lets you use the card in different devices.
What Could Be Improved:
- Real-world speeds may vary: The actual transfer speeds may be lower than advertised, depending on your device.
- Full HD support depends on your device: Make sure your device supports Full HD video.
Overall, the SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSDXC card is a solid choice for anyone needing extra storage. It offers a good balance of speed, capacity, and features for its price.
4. SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video MicroSDXC Card with Adapter for Dash Cam and Home Monitoring systems – C10
Rating: 9.2/10
The SanDisk 128GB High Endurance Video MicroSDXC Card is built for tough jobs. It’s made for dash cams and home security systems. This card is designed to record video for a long time. You can record for up to 10,000 hours with Full HD video. It can also handle 4K video. The card is also built to withstand harsh conditions.
What We Like:
- It’s perfect for dash cams and home monitoring.
- You can record a lot of video.
- It’s very durable. The card is waterproof, shockproof, and more.
- It has a lot of storage space with up to 128GB.
- It saves Full HD and 4K videos.
What Could Be Improved:
- The recording time depends on the video quality. 4K video uses up storage faster.
This SanDisk microSD card is a great choice for anyone needing reliable video storage. It’s built to last and handle the demands of continuous recording.
5. SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter – Up to 190MB/s
Rating: 8.5/10
Need a microSD card that keeps up? The SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card is built for speed and storage. It’s great for your phone, tablet, or action camera. This card lets you save and transfer files quickly. It is also ready for 4K and 5K Ultra HD video recording.
What We Like:
- Super-Fast Speeds: You can offload files quickly with speeds up to 190MB/s.
- Fast Write Speeds: It writes data up to 130MB/s for quick shooting.
- Great for Video: It is ready for 4K and 5K UHD video recording.
- A2 Rated: Apps load faster because of the A2 rating.
- Includes Adapter: It comes with an adapter for different devices.
What Could Be Improved:
- Speed Dependent: You need a compatible device to get the fastest speeds.
In conclusion, the SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC is a fast and reliable storage option. It is perfect for anyone who needs a high-performing microSD card.
Dash Cam Memory Card: Your Guide to Safe Driving
Choosing a memory card for your dash cam is important. It helps you record everything on the road. This guide will help you pick the right one!
Key Features to Look For
You need a memory card that works well with your dash cam. Here are some important things to check:
- Capacity (Size): How much can it hold? Dash cams record video continuously. A bigger card can hold more footage. You will want at least 32GB. 64GB or 128GB are even better.
- Speed Class: Look for cards with a high speed class. This shows how fast the card can write data. You want a card that can keep up with your dash cam’s recording. Look for a card with a Class 10 or UHS-I (U1) rating. Even better is UHS-II (U2) or UHS-III (U3) for 4K dash cams.
- Durability: Dash cams are in cars. Cars can get hot and cold. The card needs to handle extreme temperatures. It should also be waterproof and shockproof.
- Loop Recording: Your dash cam will record in a loop. This means it overwrites the oldest files. Make sure the card supports this feature.
- Write Endurance: How long will it last? Dash cams constantly write data. You want a card that can handle many write cycles. Look for a card built for dash cams.
Important Materials
Memory cards are made of different materials. These materials affect how well the card works.
- NAND Flash Memory: This is the most important part. It stores your video files. There are different types of NAND flash. MLC (Multi-Level Cell) and TLC (Triple-Level Cell) are common. Cards made for dash cams often use MLC for better durability.
- Controller: The controller manages the data on the card. A good controller helps with speed and reliability.
- Case: The case protects the card. It should be strong and able to handle heat and cold.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a memory card better. Others can make it worse.
- Quality Improves With:
- Higher speed class (U1, U2, or U3)
- More storage capacity
- MLC NAND flash memory
- Built-in protection features (waterproof, shockproof, temperature resistant)
- Brand reputation (Samsung, SanDisk, Lexar are usually good)
- Quality Reduces With:
- Low speed class
- Small storage capacity
- Cheap materials
- Lack of durability features
- Unknown or unreliable brands
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a dash cam memory card is simple. You insert it into your dash cam. The dash cam starts recording when you start your car.
- Use Cases:
- Accidents: If you are in a crash, your dash cam records everything. This can help with insurance claims.
- Evidence: It records any incidents you experience.
- Road Trips: You can record your journeys and see them later.
- Parking Mode: Some dash cams record when your car is parked. This can catch vandals or hit-and-runs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What size memory card do I need?
A: It depends on how much you drive. A 32GB card is a good starting point. 64GB or 128GB give you more recording time.
Q: What does “speed class” mean?
A: The speed class shows how fast the card can write data. A higher number is better.
Q: Is a faster card always better?
A: Yes, a faster card ensures your dash cam records smoothly without missing anything.
Q: What is loop recording?
A: Loop recording overwrites the oldest files when the card is full. This keeps recording going.
Q: What does “write endurance” mean?
A: Write endurance shows how long the card will last. Dash cams write data all the time. You want a card that can handle this.
Q: Should I format the memory card?
A: Yes, it is always a good idea to format your memory card in your dash cam before using it.
Q: How do I know if my card is compatible with my dash cam?
A: Check your dash cam’s manual. It will tell you what types of cards it supports.
Q: What happens if the card fails?
A: You will lose the recorded video. That is why you should back up important videos.
Q: Can I use any memory card in my dash cam?
A: No. You should use a card designed for dash cams. They are more durable.
Q: How often should I replace my memory card?
A: It depends on how much you drive. Replace it every 1-2 years. If the card starts to fail, replace it sooner.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Luigi Smith, the voice behind carrepairmag.com. As a passionate car enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in repairing and maintaining vehicles, I created this platform to share my knowledge and expertise. My goal is to empower car owners with practical advice, tips, and step-by-step guides to keep their vehicles running smoothly. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a beginner looking to learn, carrepairmag.com is your go-to source for all things car repair!