VIOFO Dash Cam SD Card Guide: Recording Times for 1, 2 & 3-Channel Cameras
Matching SD Card Size to Your Recording Needs
Choosing the right SD card for your VIOFO dash cam is crucial to ensure you never miss critical footage. Many users underestimate how quickly storage fills up – especially with multi-channel systems recording in 4K. This guide explains exactly how long different SD card sizes last across VIOFO’s single, dual and triple-channel dash cams, including important notes about 512GB card compatibility.
Key Factors Affecting Recording Time:
Number of cameras (1, 2 or 3 channels recording simultaneously)
Video resolution & bitrate (4K uses 4x more space than 1080p)
SD card capacity (From 32GB to 512GB options)
Parking mode usage (Adds extra event files)
VIOFO Recording Time Estimates
1. Single-Channel Dash Cams (e.g., A119 Mini 2)
| SD Card Size | 1080p 30fps | 1440p 60fps | 4K 30fps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32GB | ~4 hours | ~3 hours | ~2 hours |
| 64GB | ~8 hours | ~6 hours | ~4 hours |
| 128GB | ~16 hours | ~12 hours | ~8 hours |
| 256GB | ~32 hours | ~24 hours | ~16 hours |
| 512GB | ~64 hours | ~48 hours | ~32 hours |
Notes for single-channel:
512GB cards work but must be formatted as exFAT
Best for basic front-view recording needs
2. Dual-Channel Dash Cams (e.g., A229 Pro 2CH)
*Front (4K) + Rear (1080p) recording:*
| SD Card Size | Estimated Total Recording Time |
|---|---|
| 64GB | ~3-4 hours |
| 128GB | ~6-8 hours |
| 256GB | ~12-16 hours |
| 512GB | ~24-32 hours |
Why 512GB matters:
Provides 24+ hours of continuous dual recording
Essential for rideshare drivers needing extended coverage
Must use VIOFO’s recommended formatting tool
3. Triple-Channel Dash Cams (e.g., A329S 3CH)
*Front (4K) + Interior (2K) + Rear (2K):*
| SD Card Size | Estimated Total Recording Time |
|---|---|
| 128GB | ~4-5 hours |
| 256GB | ~8-10 hours |
| 512GB | ~16-20 hours |
Critical 512GB notes:
Only some VIOFO models support 512GB (check compatibility first)
Required for professional/commercial 3-channel use
Format as exFAT before first use
Choosing the Right SD Card Capacity
By Use Case:
Basic commuters: 128GB (single-channel)
Rideshare/taxi drivers: 256GB-512GB (dual-channel)
Fleet/trucking: 512GB (triple-channel with parking mode)
Extended parking: 256GB+ (low-bitrate recording)
VIOFO-Recommended SD Cards:
| Capacity | Recommended Models |
|---|---|
| 128GB | SanDisk High Endurance, Samsung Pro Endurance |
| 256GB | Lexar 633x, Kingston Canvas Go! Plus |
| 512GB | SanDisk Extreme, Samsung EVO Select (formatted as exFAT) |
Pro Tip: Always purchase from authorized retailers to avoid counterfeit cards that fail prematurely.
Parking Mode Storage Considerations
Event-only recording: 256GB can store ~72 hours of parking incidents
Low-bitrate continuous: 512GB provides ~5 days of 24/7 coverage
Time-lapse mode: Most storage-efficient option (512GB lasts 7+ days)
512GB Card FAQs
Q: Which VIOFO models officially support 512GB?
A: Most 2023+ models (A229 Pro, A329, etc.) – check your manual
Q: Why does my 512GB card only show 480GB?
A: Normal formatting overhead (7% is reserved for system files)
Q: How often should I replace a 512GB card?
A: Every 2-3 years with heavy use (fewer write cycles than smaller cards)
Q: Can I use the same 512GB card in different VIOFO cams?
A: Yes, but reformat when switching between models
Final Recommendations
For optimal performance:
Single-channel users: 128GB-256GB
Dual-channel users: 256GB-512GB
Triple-channel users: 512GB essential
Remember: Higher capacity cards provide longer recording times but require proper formatting and maintenance. Always test new cards for at least 48 hours before relying on them for critical recordings.
