Contents
- Editor’s Choice
- Top 10 Best Memory Cards for DVR in 2022 According to KP
- 1. SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC Class 10 UHS Class 3 V30 A2 170MB/s
- Key Features:
- 2. Kingston MLPMR2
- Key Features:
- 3. SmartBuy Professional microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I U3 + SD adapter
- Key Features:
- 4. Kingston SDCS2/*SP
- Key Features:
- 5. Sony SR*UX2A
- 6. Samsung microSDXC PRO Endurance UHS-I U1 100MB/s
- 7. Mirex microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I U1
- 8. ADATA Premier microSDHC UHS-I U1 V10 A1 Class 10 + SD adapter
- 9. Samsung microSDHC EVO Plus 95MB/s
- 10. Silicon Power ELITE microSDXC UHS Class 1 Class 10 128 GB
- How to choose a memory card for the DVR
- Popular questions and answers
A DVR or Car VDR is a video recording device, which means it must store the recorded data somewhere. Most often, flash memory cards in microSD format are used for these purposes – the very ones that replaced the “large” SD cards and have been used in smartphones for about 10 years. However, in order to choose a memory card for a DVR, you need to know not only about the format, but also about the two most important characteristics of these devices.
Memory Capacity – the first thing you need to pay attention to. The instructions for each DVR indicate which cards it supports. Most often these are devices with 32 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB. It is important to consider this factor, because a 128 GB card can be inserted into a DVR with a limitation of, for example, up to 64 GB, but not vice versa. The microSD name may have an HC or XC prefix at the end. The type of HC cards are devices with 16 GB or 32 GB of memory. And XC – cards from 64 GB to 2 TB. To find out how much memory a device needs, it is enough to understand how it works. The DVR records video in fragments of several minutes and does not stop recording when the card is full. It just deletes the oldest files to make room for new ones. And the higher the shooting resolution, the more these videos “weigh”.
Therefore, it makes no sense to put a 4 GB card on a new device shooting in 32K quality. It will fill up very quickly and be overwritten frequently, so it can quickly fail. But the same 32 GB card will work great in an HD or Full HD DVR, because the video in this format takes up much less space.
Write speed is also very important when choosing a card. The fact is that the recording device during shooting constantly compresses and transfers information to the memory card. Such a process occurs at a certain speed – for example, 20 Mbps. This value is called the bitrate. It depends on the resolution of the video, that is, on the most modern DVRs, the bitrate will be higher than on the old ones.
The higher the bitrate, the “faster” the memory card should be – otherwise it simply won’t be able to handle the processing and saving of video files. If the recording speed is low, frames will start to drop from the video and the quality will deteriorate. And then it can be difficult to see something important on the video, for example, a car number. To avoid this, you need to choose a card with a write speed of at least 10-15 MB / s.
It is easy to find out the minimum write speed of a card, even if the manufacturer did not indicate it in the product description. To do this, you can navigate by its classes. They are always indicated on the body of the device.
- Speed Class. It is denoted by the letter C. All modern memory cards belong to the C10 class, that is, their minimum write speed is 10 MB / s. This mark gives little information about the actual speed of the card.
- UHS Speed Class. This parameter is denoted as U. For Full HD DVRs, U1 is enough – a recording speed of 10 MB / s, and for shooting 4K (Ultra HD) it is better to choose a U3 card – its minimum speed is 30 MB / s.
- Video speed class. It can be identified by the letter V. These cards are designed to work with video cameras and video recorders. A number is indicated next to the letter – this is the recording speed. For example, class V10 is 10 MB/s.
The case usually indicates all the classes to which the card belongs. For example, C10, U3, V30 can be written on it – by this designation you can understand that the card records from 30 MB / s. Write speed is usually measured in megabytes per second, not megabits per second like bitrate. But converting one value to another is easy: 1 megabyte (MB) is equal to 8 megabits (Mbit).
Given these characteristics and based on the parameters of the DVR, you can easily select the appropriate memory card. To help readers, the KP editors have compiled a rating of the best memory cards for DVRs in 2022.
Editor’s Choice
Transcend TS*USD500S
A memory card for a DVR should first of all be practical and reliable. So at the top is the Transcend TS*USD500S, a storage device that can fit from older DVRs to the latest multi-camera, 4K DVRs.
When buying, you can choose the required amount of memory: from 8 GB to 128 GB. The card is suitable for shooting video in Ultra HD, as it belongs to the U3 and V30 classes. It is designed for fast processing and storage of video files. The device can write data at a rate of 60MB/s.
The service life of a flash card is 5 years, which indicates that the manufacturer is confident in the reliability and quality of the product. Included is an adapter to SD, which will help solve the problem of compatibility with the format of the card, if it arises.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDHC, microSDXC |
| Memory Capacity | 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Reading speed | 95 MB / s |
| Write speed | 60 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 10 Best Memory Cards for DVR in 2022 According to KP
1. SanDisk Extreme Pro microSDXC Class 10 UHS Class 3 V30 A2 170MB/s
The first place in the ranking is occupied by a fast memory card from SanDisk. It corresponds to the V30 speed class – that is, it is designed specifically for recording video in high quality. This type of map is suitable for devices with 360-degree shooting and multiple cameras.
Data writing speed – up to 90 MB / s. This means that high-definition video, even at 60 fps, will have time to be processed and uploaded to the card without interference.
Before buying a card, you need to pay attention to the specifications of the DVR in order to order a card with suitable memory. SanDisk Extreme Pro is available in five versions, from 64 GB to 512 GB. This model is not suitable for DVRs with support for memory cards up to 32 GB.
The card has a 1 month warranty. But if you register on the manufacturer’s website, it will be extended to 1 year. Included is an adapter for SD.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDXC |
| Memory Capacity | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 400 GB, 512 GB |
| Reading speed | 170 MB / s |
| Write speed | 90 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Kingston MLPMR2
This is the “fastest” storage device in this rating. The recording speed is 165 MB / s, it is enough for shooting video in 4K and 8K resolution. In addition, you can simply forget about the loss of frames and a decrease in quality.
The card belongs to the V90 speed class, the highest available today. To go beyond the 104 MB/s bitrate limit that UHS-I memory cards are limited to, the developers used the UHS-II bus interface. It is also suitable for the UHS-I interface, but the recording speed in this case will still be reduced.
However, the Kingston MLPMR2 is overpowered for the vast majority of DVRs. But for the newest and most expensive models, it will definitely be useful.
The warranty period of the device is 6 months. The package also includes an SD adapter and a USB card reader. This is an adapter with which you can connect a flash card to a computer’s USB port and view the recorded files on it. Not all laptops have a built-in card reader, so such an adapter can come in handy.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDXC |
| Memory Capacity | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Reading speed | 285 MB / s |
| Write speed | 165 MB / s |
| Included | adapter to SD, USB card reader |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. SmartBuy Professional microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I U3 + SD adapter
Modest in capacity, but “nimble” flash card from SmartBuy. This device has 32 GB of memory, so it is suitable for dash cams that do not have the most advanced video recording quality.
The card belongs to the class U3 and has a write speed of 70 MB / s. Its parameters are enough for a device that shoots video in the Ultra HD standard. But saving many video files of this quality will not work due to limited capacity.
Therefore, SmartBuy Professional microSDHC is an excellent choice for DVRs with support for cards up to 32 GB, but for the most modern devices, its capacity may not be enough.
The service life of the card, declared by the manufacturer, is 10 years, and the warranty for it is valid for 1 year after purchase. The manufacturer also included an SD adapter in the kit.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDHC |
| Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
| Reading speed | 90 MB / s |
| Write speed | 70 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Kingston SDCS2/*SP
This model is available with memory ranging from 16 GB to 512 GB. There are 6 options in total, but for registrars, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB will be the most suitable.
The 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB card models are classified as U1 and V10. This means that its minimum write speed is 10 MB/s. This is enough to record video in Full HD and Super HD resolutions.
Kingston SDCS2/*SP with 256 GB of memory will have a higher class – U3 and V30. They meet a minimum speed of 30 MB / s, so they are suitable for recording video in 4K without noise and loss of quality.
Thus, Kingston SDCS2/*SP can be regarded as a universal microSD for various devices. You just need to order a card with a suitable amount of memory – so that it is not more than indicated in the instructions for the DVR. The warranty on the card is valid for 6 months.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDHC, microSDXC |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Reading speed | 100 MB / s |
| Write speed | from 10 MB/s or from 30 MB/s |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Sony SR*UX2A
This model from Sony is suitable for DVRs with support for flash cards up to 32 GB. It also has 16GB and 64GB versions. But the first one has a small capacity, which is enough only for a DVR with a low shooting resolution. And a 64 GB device is only suitable for the next category of DVRs, for which you can find a model that is more interesting and cheaper.
Therefore, 32 GB is the optimal choice. This card is quite “fast” – belongs to the U3 class and writes up to 70 MB per second. It is suitable for DVRs with high resolution – Super HD and 4K.
The warranty period of the flash card is 2 years, and there is an SD adapter in the kit.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDHC, microSDXC |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB |
| Reading speed | 95 MB / s |
| Write speed | 70 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. Samsung microSDXC PRO Endurance UHS-I U1 100MB/s
The PRO Endurance Flash Card will not fit older DVRs. Its format is XC, so it is designed for devices that need a large amount of memory. When buying this model, you can choose one of two options: a card with a capacity of 64 GB or 128 GB.
This model belongs to the class U1 and is suitable for devices that record video with a bit rate of 10-30 MB / s. For combo devices with high resolution, its speed may not be enough.
In general, the card has good performance indicators and a large amount of memory. Therefore, it can be considered a good choice for a Full HD or Super HD DVR with a single camera.
The device comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty and an SD adapter included.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDXC |
| Memory Capacity | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Reading speed | 100 MB / s |
| Write speed | 30 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Mirex microSDHC Class 10 UHS-I U1
Budget memory card with a capacity of 32 GB or 16 GB – to choose from. It has a high write speed – up to 45 MB / s – and belongs to the U1 class. Therefore, its characteristics are quite sufficient for recording videos in Super HD and Ultra HD, but due to the relatively low amount of memory, it is better to use in devices with Full HD resolution.
Mirex microSDHC is suitable for DVRs that support cards up to 32 GB or less. Of course, in the absence of an alternative, it can be used in the newest devices. But they usually need more memory and a speed class of at least V10.
The card has a 1 year warranty and an SD adapter is included.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDHC |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB, 32 GB |
| Reading speed | 104 MB / s |
| Write speed | 45 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. ADATA Premier microSDHC UHS-I U1 V10 A1 Class 10 + SD adapter
MicroSD card from ADATA is designed specifically for recording and storing video materials. This is indicated by her speed class V10. The card records up to 25MB of data per second, enough for regular Full HD and Super HD DVRs. But for a new device with rear view cameras, for example, this may not be enough.
The flash card has a memory capacity of 32 GB – enough to record 3,5-4 hours of video in Full HD. Such a storage device will be a good choice for a DVR that supports memory cards up to 32 GB.
The service life of a flash card specified by the manufacturer is 5 years, which indicates the reliability of this device. The warranty is valid for 6 months, and an SD adapter will serve as an addition to the purchase.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDHC |
| Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
| Reading speed | 85 MB / s |
| Write speed | 25 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
9. Samsung microSDHC EVO Plus 95MB/s
The Samsung microSDHC EVO Plus card can store up to 32 GB of information. Therefore, it is suitable for DVRs with support for this amount of memory. But for the latest devices with 4K resolution, it is better to choose another option.
Firstly, its memory is not enough to record video in the highest resolutions. The map will fill up very quickly with “heavy” high quality video files. Therefore, she will have to overwrite the data too often.
Secondly, the write speed of the device is 20MB/s. It belongs to U1 class and can be used in 4K DVRs. But best of all, this card model is suitable for recording in Full HD and Super HD resolutions – the speed is enough so that the video quality does not degrade when saving.
Samsung’s EVO Plus flash card comes with an SD adapter. The warranty period of the product is 1 year.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDHC |
| Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
| Reading speed | 95 MB / s |
| Write speed | 20 MB / s |
| Included | SD adapter |
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Silicon Power ELITE microSDXC UHS Class 1 Class 10 128 GB
Spacious, but not very “fast” card Silicon Power ELITE. It belongs to the XC type, there are two memory sizes to choose from: 64 GB or 128 GB. The flash card processes and writes data at a speed of 15 MB / s, belongs to the U1 class. This is enough to shoot in Super HD without losing frames and video quality.
But the main advantage of the card is still a large amount of memory. Thanks to it, you can save more videos and not worry about the events of three hours ago being deleted from the device.
Key Features:
| A type | microSDXC |
| Memory Capacity | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Reading speed | 75 MB / s |
| Write speed | 15 MB / s |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a memory card for the DVR
To get answers to the most popular questions from readers, our editors turned to an expert – Maxim Ryazanov, technical director of the Fresh Auto dealership network.