The amount of storage you need for a dashcam depends on the type of dashcam you are using, the resolution you choose, if you are endlessly looping your footage, and a couple of other key factors. Generally speaking for on-device storage, you’ll want to choose an SD card with a fast write speed of at least 10MB/sec up to 90+MB/sec, according to Kingston Technologies. You’ll also want plenty of storage such as 128GB which can record around 20hrs of content at 1080p/30sec according to VANTRUE. However, that’s just the basics. What about cloud storage? What if you have a dual-facing dashcam? Knowing how much storage for a dashcam can become complicated quickly. Let’s break it down.
Understanding Dashcam Storage Needs
There are a couple of different types of dashcams and the type of dashcams those types can affect how many hours you can record. If you have multiple devices on a vehicle, they’ll also need their own methods of storage.
Types of Dashcams
Front Facing: These capture footage from the front of the vehicle, are the simplest, and need the least amount of storage.
Dual Facing: These devices capture footage from the front of the vehicle and cabin area. They require more storage.
Multi-Channel: These systems incorporate multiple dashcams and each needs their own SD cards or cloud storage to record footage. Remember, the more in-depth and complicated the device, the more it will cost.
Video Quality and Storage
The most common video quality you will come across are:
- 720p
- 1080p
- 2k
- 4k
The higher the resolution, the more storage you’ll need. The same is true for the frame rate. However, most companies opt to record at 30 frames per second. So, if you are recording 1080p footage at 30fps you’ll record around 20 hours of footage. However, that depends on whether you have the device recording on a loop or only activates when an event triggers the dashcams (harsh braking, speeding, swerving, crash, etc.).
Storage Solutions for Fleet Dashcams
For company owners who manage a fleet, selecting the best dashcam storage option is critical. How much storage for dashcam do you really need? Here are some of the benefits of the different types of storage. There are three main options:
| Storage Solution | Key Features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| On-Device Storage | – Uses a micro-SD card to record data. Can be upgraded by buying a new card. | – Don’t need an internet connection to view the footage. Relatively easy to deal with. | – Limited by the storage on the device. |
| Cloud Storage | – Scalable storage that isn’t limited by the device. Stores everything on cloud servers. | – Easy to scale across devices once implemented. Don’t have to worry about purchasing and maintaining a physical SD card. | – Requires a subscription for cloud storage. You need to upload the footage with a WIFI connection. |
| Hybrid Storage | – Uses a combination to record directly to the device and then upload to the cloud. Have a copy on the device and on the cloud. | – Have both footage directly on the device and in the cloud. | – Incur both the costs of SD cards and cloud storage. |
On-Device Storage:
This is usually an SD card or Micro SD card with a write speed and storage capacity of gigabytes. This option is straightforward and allows for easy installation and setup. Just place the SD card in the device and start recording.
Cloud Storage:
The device will connect to the internet and upload footage to the cloud. Most devices that have this capability will have a WIFI hotspot within them. However, you may need to connect these devices to a separate external hotspot.
Hybrid Storage Options
With these devices, the dashcam still records directly to the device onto an SD card. Then, you can upload clips or footage to the cloud from that SD card. This can be set up to happen automatically in the event of a crash or other stressful situation. Depending on your setup, hybrid could help you know how much storage for dashcams you need for a couple of hours or day’s worth of driving.
Managing and Optimizing Dash Cam Storage
Fleet managers must efficiently manage and optimize dash cam storage to guarantee that the system is both cost-effective and efficient. Some opt for continuous loop recording; others have triggers that make the recording happen. Understanding what’s best for your team can help manage your budget and dashcam storage needs.
Loop Recording and Overwrite Features
Loop recording is a function that allows a dashcam to automatically replace the oldest files when the storage is full. The old files are overwritten so the new recording can be stored on the device. The loop can then be repeated over and over again.
Benefits:
Eliminates the need for fleet directors/drivers to manually delete clips. The dashcam is always ready to record and automatically takes care of the overwriting process.
Event-Triggered Recording
It’s exactly what it sounds like. The dashcam only records when it’s triggered by an external event. This is done automatically by the sensors within the dashcam. These events can be something like hard braking, rapid acceleration, or collisions. The sensitivity on the dashcams can be raised or lowered depending on what your company needs.
Benefits:
This strategy substantially minimizes the amount of storage required by not recording during ordinary driving. You also only record the “actual events.” A company won’t waste storage on just hours and hours of endless driving.
Both methods have their benefits and can work for most companies. Do you prioritize that endless loop, or do you just want protection for when things go wrong? Are you looking to monitor your drivers as well? Loop recording could help you do this. Even triggering can help you when your drivers are in an accident, and can even be a necessity.
Need a Dashcam Provider?
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