Everything About: Loop Recording Dash Cams

Loop recording dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among drivers for their ability to continuously record footage on a loop, ensuring that no important moments on the road are missed.

These innovative devices automatically overwrite old footage once the memory card is full, providing a seamless recording experience without the need to manually delete files.

By utilizing loop recording technology, drivers can rest assured that their dash cam is always capturing the most recent events on the road, including accidents, incidents, and even scenic drives.

This continuous recording feature is especially valuable in the event of an accident, as it provides a clear and accurate record of what transpired.

With the growing demand for dash cams as a safety measure on the road, loop recording dash cams are proving to be a popular choice for drivers seeking reliable and convenient recording solutions.

This article delves into how loop recording functions on a dash cam, its benefits, and how to handle related issues.

And for those in a hurry and just want to know what is the best Loop recording Dash Cam. Then the VanTrue X4S stands out as the best choice, offering reliable looped recording, configurable and good all round features such as clarity, wide-angle view making it a safe option.

Click here to Jump to the Top 3 Loop Recording Dash Cam options

Lets get started. 


How Does Loop Recording Work on a Dash Cam?

Lets now talk about how Loop Recording actually works. We will discuss the Concept, Features and how to setup.

Understanding the Concept of Loop Recording

Loop recording is a feature that allows a dash cam to continuously record video footage in a loop.

When the storage capacity of the memory card is full, loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest video files, ensuring uninterrupted recording even when the card is full.

Features of Loop Recording on Dash Cams

Many dash cams offer the loop recording feature, which is a vital function for capturing continuous footage without interruptions.

This feature provides peace of mind to drivers as the dash cam will automatically manage the storage space by overwriting the oldest video files.

Setting up Loop Recording on Your Dash Cam

To benefit from loop recording on a dash cam, users can usually set the recording time for each video clip.

This allows for efficient utilization of the memory card and ensures that crucial footage is not lost.

What to Know About Continuous Recording on Dash Cams

Ok, we now know the concept, Features and how to setup.

Now lets look at the key difference between Loop Recording Continuous Recording, the Benefits and the importance of managing storage space.

Difference Between Loop Recording and Continuous Recording

Continuous recording and loop recording are often confused terminologies.

While loop recording overwrites old footage to keep recording, continuous recording saves video files without overwriting, requiring manual deletion when the memory card is full.

Benefits of Continuous Loop Recording

Continuous loop recording ensures that no crucial videos are accidentally overwritten.

This feature provides a detailed record of events without the need for manual intervention, guaranteeing that all recorded data is preserved.

Managing Storage Space with Continuous Recording

To manage storage space effectively with continuous recording, users must regularly check the memory card’s capacity and delete old footage manually.

This ensures that the dash cam can continue to record important events without interruptions.

Handling Memory Card Issues in Loop Recording Dash Cams

There are often questions about what happens when the storage is full and what happens to old footage? We will now address these points.

Dealing with Full Memory Card in Loop Recording

When the memory card is full in loop recording mode, the dash cam will automatically overwrite the oldest video files to free up space for new recordings.

Users need not worry about missing footage due to storage constraints.

How Loop Recording Handles Overwriting Video Files

Loop recording efficiently manages storage by overwriting the oldest video files, ensuring continuous recording without user intervention.

This feature simplifies data management and ensures that the most recent footage is always available.

Resolving Problems with Deleting Old Footage on Dash Cams

In cases where users need to delete specific old footage manually, dash cams offer options to delete individual files or format the memory card.

This flexibility allows users to customize their recording preferences as needed.

Utilizing G-Sensor and Wi-Fi Features in Loop Recording Dash Cams

The next question I hear you thinking, how can i make sure an incident is not recorded over? Well the G-Sensor helps with this and Wi-Fi also plays a role. lets now explain.

Impact of G-Sensor Technology on Loop Recording

Loop recording Dash Cam G Sensor

The inclusion of G-Sensor technology in dash cams enhances loop recording functionality by automatically saving video files in the event of a collision or sudden impact.

This feature ensures that critical footage is protected and not overwritten.

Benefits of Wi-Fi Connectivity in Dash Cam Loop Recording

Wi-Fi connectivity in dash cams enables users to transfer recorded footage to other devices without the need for physical connections.

This feature simplifies data transfer and enhances data management capabilities.

Using G-Sensor and Wi-Fi for Efficient Data Management

By leveraging the G-Sensor and Wi-Fi features in loop recording dash cams, users can efficiently manage their video footage and quickly access important recordings when needed.

These technologies add convenience and functionality to the dash cam experience.

Do You Need to Manually Manage Loop Recording Dash Cams?

Lets now discuss how you go about deleting old footage and when you may need manually get involved with the recorded footage.

Automatic Overwriting vs. Manual Deletion of Old Footage

Loop recording eliminates the need for manual intervention in managing old footage as it automatically overwrites the oldest video files.

However, users may choose to manually delete specific files if required.

Setting up Automatic Deletion of Oldest Files on Dash Cam

Users can configure dash cams to automatically delete the oldest video files after a certain period to ensure continuous recording without the risk of running out of storage space.

This feature simplifies data management for users.

Why Manual Intervention May Be Necessary in Loop Recording

While loop recording handles most storage management tasks automatically, manual intervention may be necessary in specific situations such as when preserving certain video clips or managing storage space preferences.

Users have the flexibility to customize their recording settings as needed.

Loop recording dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among drivers looking to capture their journeys on the road.

These innovative devices automatically overwrite old footage with new recordings, ensuring that you always have the most recent events captured on camera.

However if you are doing more shorter drives like a taxi/uber driver or commuting to work in your car for example. Then you may opt for shorter increments of 1, 2 or 5 mins which may be easier to find and easier to transfer and send to people. 

Top recommendations for Loop recording Dash cams

In this article, we’ve highlighted the crucial importance of equipping your vehicle with a loop recording dash cam to guarantee it captures footage during pivotal moments. 

We have delved into the importance of loop recording and aspects like G-sensors. 

With these essential factors considered along with overall quality and ease of use, here are my top recommendations for loop recording dash cams:

Selection Criteria

All my choices have: Loop Recording, Adjustable File Record Time (eg 1,2,5 mins), adjustable G-Sensors, I’ve categorized on other factors like field of view, night vision, compact or rugged.

Wide Field Of View

Loop recording Dash cam VanTrue X4S Duo
VanTrue X4S
G-Sensor Adjustable with 3 levels
Excellent video quality
wide field of view
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Best Night Vision

Loop recording dash cam VIOFO a129 pro duo
Viofo A129 Duo Pro
G-Sensor Adjustable with 4 levels
Superb night vision
excellent value for money
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Compact and Discreet

Loop recording dash cam Thinkware u1000
Thinkware U1000
G-Sensor adjustable with 3 levels
Reliable performance
compact and discreet design
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Rugged Design

Loop recording dash cam Garmin Dash Cam Tandem Dual Lens
Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
G-Sensor Adjustable with 3 levels
excellent image stabilization
Rugged design
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Top choices – Loop Recording Dash Cam

VanTrue X4S – Wide Field of View
Viofo A129 Duo Pro – Best Night Vision
Thinkware U1000– Compact and Discreet
Garmin Dash cam Tandem – Rugged Design


Vantrue X4S

Verdict: Best Field of View

Loop recording Dash cam VanTrue X4S Duo

Key Loop Recording Dash Cam Features

G-sensor: Adjustable with 3 levels
Loop recording: Continuous, customizable clip lengths (1/2/3/5 minutes)
File size: Varies based on resolution and frame rate, average of 300-500MB per hour for 1440p

All other Important Features

4K Ultra HD Recording: Captures every moment in cinematic 4K quality, comparable to high-end devices, ensuring every detail is crystal clear. Multi-resolution support allows for flexible recording options, while dual-camera setup (4k+1080P) provides comprehensive coverage around your vehicle, offering peace of mind through detailed and wide-angle documentation.

Built-in 5G Wi-Fi with Free APP: Offers fast, easy connection to your smartphone for instant file preview, download, and sharing via social media, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

Enhanced Night Vision: Features advanced sensors and lenses with large apertures to deliver clear, detailed videos even in low-light conditions, ensuring critical evidence is captured at all times.

24/7 Hours Parking Mode: Provides continuous surveillance in various modes, including motion and collision detection, to record crucial events when you’re away from your car, ensuring your vehicle’s safety around the clock.

Optional GPS Function and Capacitor: Enables live speed and location tracking for a comprehensive driving log, useful for route tracking and speed monitoring, with a built-in capacitor ensuring reliability in extreme temperatures.

Reliable Witness for Accidents: With seamless loop recording, adjustable G-sensor sensitivity, and time-lapse features, it automatically saves important footage, making it an indispensable tool for accident documentation and review.

Pros

Excellent video quality

Wide field of view

User-friendly interface

Cons

No cloud storage option

limited storage on included microSD card

Viofo A129 Duo Pro

Verdict: Best Night Vision

Loop recording dash cam VIOFO a129 pro duo

Key Loop Recording Dash Cam Features

G-sensor: Adjustable with 4 levels
Loop recording: Continuous, customizable clip lengths (1/2/3/5 minutes)
File size: Varies based on resolution and frame rate, average of 350-450MB per hour for 1440p

All other Important Features

Sony Sensors for Enhanced Image Quality: The combination of Sony Exmor R 8MP (front) and Sony Starvis 2MP (rear) sensors captures bright, clear images even in dark conditions, offering superior night vision that ensures no detail is missed.

Ultra HD Real 4K Dual Channel Recording: Records in Ultra HD 4K for the front camera and 1080P for the rear, providing exceptional video quality that captures detailed information from street signs and license plates, enhancing driving safety and peace of mind.

Upgraded Super Night Vision & WDR: Features an 8MP image sensor and 7-Glass F1.8 aperture lens with WDR technology, delivering clear images in low-light conditions and balancing lighting in bright and dark areas, ensuring critical details are captured.

Buffered Parking Mode: Records 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after an event, capturing crucial information leading up to incidents, offering a comprehensive parking surveillance solution.

Built-in Wi-Fi & GPS: Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures fast, stable file transfers, while GPS logging records speed, location, and corrects time, adding context to your footage and supporting safer driving practices.

Premium Functions for Comprehensive Coverage: Includes loop recording, emergency recording, motion detection, and time-lapse, meeting all daily driving needs and providing reliable documentation of road incidents.

Enhanced Parking Mode Solutions: Features auto event detection, time-lapse, and low bitrate recording options, ensuring 24/7 surveillance of your parked vehicle and battery protection.

Bluetooth Remote Control (Optional): Allows for safe event marking without taking your eyes off the road, ensuring important footage is preserved.

High-temperature Protection: Protects the dash cam from overheating through automatic shutdown, ensuring durability and reliability even in high temperatures.

Optional CPL: Reduces reflections and glare for clearer image quality, enhancing the effectiveness of footage under various lighting conditions.

Pros

Superb night vision

Compact design

Excellent value for money

Cons

Mobile app connectivity can be finicky

Some users report overheating issues

Thinkware U1000

Verdict: Compact and Discreet

Loop recording dash cam Thinkware u1000

Key Loop Recording Dash Cam Features

G-sensor: Adjustable with 3 levels
Loop recording: Continuous, customizable clip lengths (1/3/5/10 minutes)
File size: Varies based on resolution and frame rate, average of 200-300MB per hour for 1080p

All other Important Features

4K UHD and 2K QHD Recording: With Sony Starvis IMX335 Image Sensors, this dash cam captures ultra-clear 4K UHD front and 2K QHD rear footage, ensuring detailed recordings day and night. The 156° wide-angle lens reduces blind spots, securing comprehensive coverage of all events around your vehicle.

Dynamic 2K Option: Offers the flexibility to switch between 4K at 30FPS for ultra-high-definition video or 2K at 60FPS for smoother, sharper images, making it easier to capture crucial details in moving images.

Thinkware Cloud App: Provides easy footage access and dash cam management via Wi-Fi, allowing for effortless viewing, downloading, and setting adjustments right from your smartphone, ensuring important recordings are never lost.

Remote Live View: Enables real-time vehicle monitoring from your smartphone for up to 300 minutes per month, with an alert system for impact detection during parking, keeping you informed about your vehicle’s security anytime, anywhere.

Impact Notifications: Sends immediate alerts and uploads a 20-second video (10 seconds before and after an impact) to the cloud when a significant impact is detected, enhancing driver safety and incident documentation.

Super Night Vision 2.0: Utilizes advanced ISP technology for superior nighttime recording in both continuous and parking modes, capturing critical details in low-light conditions with improved clarity.

Parking Surveillance Mode: With hardwiring or OBD2 connection, the dash cam continues recording when the car is parked, including a health monitor for the vehicle’s battery to prevent drainage, offering vigilant protection against incidents or theft while parked.

Time Lapse Parking Mode: Efficiently records in parking mode at 2 FPS, extending recording duration by minimizing file size, ensuring you don’t miss any potential incidents when away from your vehicle.

Pros

Reliable performance

Compact and discreet design

User-friendly interface

Cons

Lower resolution compared to other options

No cloud storage

Garmin Dash Cam Tandem

Verdict: Best Rugged Design

Loop recording dash cam Garmin Dash Cam Tandem Dual Lens

Key Loop Recording Dash Cam Features

G-sensor: Adjustable with 3 levels
Loop recording: Continuous, customizable clip lengths (1/2/3/5 minutes)
File size: Varies based on resolution and frame rate, average of 300-400MB per hour for 1440p

All other Important Features

Dual 180-Degree Lenses: Provides comprehensive video coverage around the driver, ensuring no detail is missed from both front and interior perspectives.

1440p Garmin Clarity HDR & 720p Night Vision: Records clear, detailed videos even at night, capturing crisp exterior details and interior passenger activity with NightGlo technology, enhancing safety and documentation.

Voice Control & Built-in GPS: Allows hands-free operation and automatically records location and time of events, offering convenience and precise incident tracking.

Built-in Wi-Fi Connectivity: Enables easy video viewing and sharing via the Garmin Drive app, making it simple to manage footage on your smartphone.

Dash Cam Auto Sync: Controls and plays back synchronized video from up to four cameras, providing a comprehensive view around the vehicle directly on your smartphone.

Extra USB Port in Charger: Allows drivers to power the dash cam and charge another device simultaneously, maximizing on-the-go convenience.

Parking Mode: Automatically records motion around the vehicle when parked, offering peace of mind that all events are captured (additional cable may be required).

Compact Size & Included microSD Card: Discreet design barely noticeable and ready to use out of the box, providing immediate, hassle-free protection.

Pros

Ideal for if you also ride bicycle or motor bike

Excellent image stabilization

Rugged design

Cons

Expensive compared to other options

Limited mounting options for rear camera

Other Options

Why not check out my other Dash cam review Best Dash Cams for Legal Evidence which focusses on which Dash Cam is best for capturing important detail day and night which is critical for Legal matters.


Conclusion

I really hope this article has been of help. My overall aim of this website is to whole heartedly help people so they stay safe on the roads and are in best situation should there be an incident.

If you have any questions. please feel free to leave a comment or you can contact me directly via the contact us page.


FAQ

How does dash cam loop recording work?

Loop recording on a dash cam works by continuously recording video footage on the device’s storage, overwriting the oldest files when the storage is full to ensure continuous recording.

What is loop recording on a dash cam?

Loop recording is a feature on dash cams that allows for continuous recording by automatically overwriting the oldest files when the storage is full.

How does the loop recording feature on a dash cam function?

The loop recording feature on a dash cam allows the camera to record continuously, ensuring that there is always space available for new recordings by overwriting the oldest footage.

Can a dash cam record without loop recording?

Yes, some dash cams allow you to turn off loop recording and manually manage the storage, but it is recommended to keep loop recording enabled for continuous recording.

What happens when the SD card on a dash cam is full?

When the SD card on a dash cam is full, the camera will overwrite the oldest files due to the loop recording feature, ensuring that the device can keep recording new footage.

What are the benefits of loop recording on a dash cam?

Loop recording on a dash cam allows for continuous recording, ensures that important footage is not lost in case of an accident, and maximizes the storage space available on the device.

How does a dash cam keep recording even after an incident?

In the event of an accident or other incident, the loop recording feature on a dash cam allows the device to continue recording by overwriting the oldest files, ensuring that crucial footage is not lost.

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