Security cameras
Which microSD card does a camera need?
A microSD card is a small removable memory where the camera stores its recordings. TF card is another name for the same thing. Three things matter when choosing one: capacity in GB, write speed, and the maximum your device accepts.
Capacity: what happens when it fills up
Security cameras and dash cams record in a loop: when the card is full, they delete the oldest footage and keep recording. More capacity means more days of history before that happens.
How long it lasts depends on the resolution and on whether the camera records all the time or only when it detects motion. Each device also has a limit: a card larger than it supports may not be recognized.
Speed and endurance
Write speed is printed on the card as Class 10, U1, U3 or V30. For high-resolution video, U3 or V30 is the better choice; with a slow card the recording can stutter or drop frames.
Recording non-stop wears the memory out. There are cards labeled high endurance, made for that continuous use: they are the right option for security cameras and dash cams.
What to check before you buy
- Check the maximum capacity the device accepts before buying the card.
- For continuous recording, look for a high endurance card.
- For 2K or 4K video, choose U3 or V30.
- If the camera does not include a card, the spec sheet says so under what is included.
Products with microSD in our store
This is how it appears on their spec sheet. Open each one to see all its specifications.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
Yes. TF (TransFlash) was the original name of the format; today it is known as microSD and the two are compatible.