A Guide to Dash Cam and SD Card Prices: What's Happening in 2026?

You might have heard about changes with your dash cam and SD card prices. In 2026, many technology products cost more than before. These higher prices come from the cost of storage and memory. This means products like your SD card and dash cam could be more expensive soon.

You may wonder what storage chips are and why they matter to your dash cam. Storage chips are tiny parts that hold your videos and important files. They help your dash cam store and find video when you need it.

NAND flash chips sit inside your microSD cards. Think of them as the spot where your dash cam saves all your road videos. When you search for sd cards for dash cam, you want a card that uses strong NAND. Good quality NAND means your card will last longer and give better results.

DRAM is another kind of chip. It acts as your dash cam's helper for quick work. Your dash cam uses DRAM to make sure your video is smooth before saving it to your dash cam sd card. If your dash cam has more DRAM, it can work more quickly and not slow down when recording. Redtiger dash cams use these parts to boost your camera's performance.

Many people want to know why these chips now cost more. The answer is not one thing, but many at once. Global markets, supply and new tech trends have reasons for price changes.

Demand for memory has surged, especially for AI applications that require much more DRAM and NAND than traditional servers. However, since 2024, major chipmakers like Samsung and Micron have reduced production to manage inventory, which limits market supply. This combination of higher demand and lower output has intensified the supply-demand gap, driving up prices for dash cams, SD cards, and other devices. 

According to Reuters, semiconductor manufacturers have raised memory chip prices by as much as 60% due to AI-driven demand and tight supply, a trend expected to continue into 2026.

New memory technologies, like High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and faster flash chips, deliver better performance for AI and other advanced applications, which pushes prices up. At the same time, Chinese manufacturers are making big strides in 3D NAND and DRAM, gradually competing with global leaders. Their growing presence in mainstream markets adds more pressure on prices.

Memory chips need silicon, flash, and other components to be made. Increasing costs in these inputs are passed on to the end products, making dash cams and SD cards more expensive.

Market expectations are driving chip prices higher. Buyers stock up early, anticipating further increases, which raises demand and pushes prices up. Meanwhile, investors are pouring capital into chip companies as the market recovers, giving firms more resources to expand or limit supply, further contributing to rising prices.

Chip prices go through cycles. Sometimes they are low, sometimes high. Right now, prices are going up after a time of being very low.

New tariffs and changes in trade regulations increase the cost of moving chips internationally, and those costs are passed on to retail prices.

The price of chips changes the price of your dash cam and dash cam sd card. Every part in your dash cam comes with its own cost.

Most of a microSD card's cost comes from its NAND flash memory, which stores all your footage. When NAND prices increase, SD cards naturally become more expensive. This is why buying a high-quality card for your dash cam can cost more during periods of chip shortages or market fluctuations.

Your dash cam also relies on chips like DRAM and SoC (processor) chips to record, process, and store video. While DRAM usually makes up a smaller part of the cost, the main chip (SoC) and memory modules are key to the camera's performance. When these components cost more, manufacturers may adjust the retail price of the dash cam accordingly.

Many drivers prefer buying a dash cam with an SD card, ensuring everything works seamlessly together. When the cost of both the camera and memory increases, bundle prices can rise as well, reflecting the higher production costs.

If you're shopping for a dash cam today, the most important thing to understand is this: rising SD card and dash cam prices are driven by real global market changes—not short-term brand decisions. That's why quality and reliability matter more than ever.

When prices rise, it's easy to be tempted by the cheapest dash cam or SD card. But cutting corners on either can cost you far more in the long run.

A low-quality SD card can fail under constant recording, while a poorly built dash cam may struggle with heat, power stability, or file handling. Either issue can lead to corrupted files—or worse, missing footage when it matters most.

Your dash cam isn't recording casual videos. It's capturing evidence that could protect you legally and financially after an accident or dispute. That's why choosing a reliable dash cam paired with a high-endurance SD card isn't optional—it's essential.

If you plan to buy a dash cam anyway, buying now can help you lock in a better price before further increases. Waiting may mean paying more for the same level of performance later.

When choosing a dash cam and SD card, focus on:

• Trusted brands like Redtiger with proven reliability
  
  
• Real user reviews that confirm long-term performance
  
  
• Strong warranty and customer support
  
  
• Dash cam + SD card bundles designed to work together

A well-matched setup reduces compatibility issues and lowers the risk of storage failure.

Redtiger is having a special sale for a short time, which is great news for you. If you want a dash cam or a dash cam with an SD card, you can save money before prices go up. The New Year event lasts for only two weeks.

You can save 30% on everything on our website. Now is your chance to get a great deal. The Redtiger F17 Elite is one of a kind and will be up to 40% off. Buy a dash cam or bundle during this time, so you don't miss out.

You now know why storage chips are more expensive in 2026. These changes may also change the price of your dash cam and dash cam sd card. Redtiger wants you to have clear and honest facts. Prices for dash cams and cards may go up, but you have a special chance to save now. Take our New Year sale from January 1 to January 15 to lock in 30% off sitewide and up to 35% off the F17 Elite. Give your car the best with help from Redtiger.