How Long Does a Dash Camera Record for?

The recording duration of a dash camera can be influenced by various factors such as the recording quality, the size of the SD card, and individual camera settings. Understanding how these elements affect the recording time is crucial for setting up and managing your dash camera effectively.

Dash Camera Recording Time Based on SD Card Capacity

For a dash camera that records in 1080p quality, the duration of the recording can vary depending on the storage capacity of the SD card. Typically, you can expect the following recording times:

8 GB SD card: Approximately 55 minutes 16 GB SD card: Around 110 minutes (1.8 hours)

These estimates give you a baseline understanding of what to expect, but remember that factors like the recording settings and card performance can influence these times.

Recording Segment-Based Systems

Some dash cameras, like the Procus Iris, record in segments, typically saving each minute as an individual file. The individual files are then stored on a microSD card. When the card is full, the camera starts saving over the oldest files first, effectively managing storage space without running out. You can choose the size of the microSD card based on your needs, with options ranging from 8 GB to 64 GB or more, ensuring that your dash camera continues to record without interruption.

Understanding Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of the SD card is a major factor in how long a dash camera can record. For example, a typical 128 GB card can provide up to 160 minutes of recording time. This highlights the importance of selecting the right size of SD card based on your expected usage and recording duration.

Different Dash Camera Models and Manufacturers

The recording time can also vary significantly between different dash camera models and manufacturers. Some cameras have specific settings or limitations that need to be considered. For instance, the Procus Iris dash cam records up to 1.9 GB of video on a loop, which is approximately 6 hours of recording time under default settings. However, this can be extended by breaking the recording into multiple segments using the “Break video into multiple segments” feature.

Factors Affecting Recording Duration

Several factors contribute to the overall recording time of a dash camera:

Recording Quality: Higher recording quality leads to larger file sizes, reducing the recording duration for the same amount of storage space. Storage Capacity: A larger SD card will allow for longer recording times. However, the recording will still be limited by the amount of stored video before the oldest files are overwritten. Usage Frequency and Duration: The more frequently and longer you use the camera, the faster your storage will fill up, and the shorter the recording duration will be.

By considering these factors, you can better understand and plan for the recording duration of your dash camera. Whether you choose a dash cam with real-time recording or segment-based recording, having an understanding of how these systems work can help you make the most out of your dash camera's features.

Summary

Selecting the right dash camera with the appropriate recording settings and storage capacity is essential for ensuring that your device records for as long as needed. Whether you use a single continuous recording or a segment-based system, understanding your dash camera's recording capabilities can help you make informed decisions and prepare for any situation on the road.

Read the Procus Iris dash cam review here to learn more about its features and capabilities.