DDPAI Z50 2-Channel Dash Cam Review

UPDATE: It ends up the hardware parking cable does have low voltage protection. When using the cable some new options will appear in the settings regarding that even though there's no mention of it in the Amazon listing.
------
Full disclosure: the folks at DDPAI sent me this camera to review, but as always it's an unbiased, honest review. DDpai might never want to send me another camera after this one. There are some good things about this camera, but overall it has too many issues for me to be able to recommend it. Most of the issues (but not all) could probably be addressed with a future firmware update, so I'll put updates here if there's anything new to report.
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - Built Quality & Form Factor
1:27 - Mounting
2:35 - Slots & Buttons
5:49 - No Polarizer Support
6:49 - Sample Footage Front Daytime
8:28 - Sample Footage Rear Daytime
9:26 - Sample Footage Front Night
9:57 - Sample Footage Rear Night
10:18 - Microphone Audio Recording
10:49 - Parking Mode
11:58 - Hardwire Parking Cable
15:37 - Auto Pseudo Parking Mode
18:00 - The DDPAI Mobile App
19:01 - App Settings
20:57 - Reviewing & Downloading Saved Footage
29:41 - Conclusion

[@haroldz123]

Your review is very critical unlike other reviews. Love it.
The video recording is set to 1 minute duration and we can’t change that

[@matsu1994]

This was an excellent review! Thanks.

[@PapaZigg]

This thing is taking the world by storm

[@Harari294]

Thanks for the review. It was very helpful!
So, what camera you recommend?

[@basvantkondalwade250]

5:00 try voice commands to record video.. it will work

[@JHat8]

Hello! Could you check please, if it's possible to adjust time or time zone without phone ?

[@iinnet007]

Sir, wonderful and detailed explanation. Based on your video im researching for another companies. What about thinkware dual channel F200 pro compared with Z50?

[@BrianGreenstone]

Thinkware makes some of the best dash cams.

[@DM-by5sr]

@@BrianGreenstone is it better than the viofo t130

[@Velocity0428]

I have the Z40. You think it's worth upgrading to a Z50?

[@colinwinberg]

Good review
Do you know if they did update those features through software that you mentioned?
Also, what 2-channel dashcam do you recommend? Parking mode is important to me

[@BrianGreenstone]

I don’t know if there have been any updates, but I’d recommend any Thinkware camera for 2 channel configurations.

[@erictold]

I bought this camera and completely agree with you. It has a lot of potentials but not for the mainstream as of now.
Rear camera footage is really bad. Parking mode doesn’t work well. VIOFO’s type C hardwire kit has the voltage selection switch but I’m not sure if it’ll be compatible with this model. I guess 12V VCC is transformed to 5V USB power and ACC generates a USB data signal to notify the camera that engine runs or not. But I don’t know how it works or if all companies use the same protocols. If all use the same, VIOFO’s kit will work for this. If not, there is no other choices than using ddpai’s hardwire kit. Ddpai tell the kit cuts at 11.6V. But it’s too low.

[@BrianGreenstone]

I was using the power cable from my VIOFO T130 , and it’s supplied power just fine, but the parking mode did not work. I guess the two companies use a different sensor wire. I can’t believe there is a better standardization. And yes, 11.6 V is way, way too low. I would never want my battery dropping that low.

[@erictold]

@@BrianGreenstone That’s a bad news. It means we have to give up the parking mode or attach an extra tool. I prefer to cut it at 12.2V.

[@naveenm5203]

Hi Brian, can we track our car with gps in mobile ddpai app if any one using.

[@ChristianCohn]

Is there any good alternative to it? Since i had my first dashcam almost a decade is gone, shouldnt they evolve like crazy by now? Isnt there a good one dual-channel as alternative? With Good night quality from both cams?
Thanks alot

[@BrianGreenstone]

It is amazing the lack of innovation in this market. The problem is that all of these manufacturers are focused on price, and not the product.

[@simpatiko2k5]

I just bought mine 2days ago and included in the package is the mounting bracket. It is the one with the adhesive and I just clip the body to the bracket.

[@imeprezime1069]

So after 5 months, what are your thoughts on it, do you like it? What's the image like and dashcam like overall? Would you reccomend it

[@lookin4talentt]

I think the rear camera needs a lens hood to avoid direct sunlight 😂

[@Vetriot6971]

I don't know how much this cam is but if its more than $25. it's too much !

[@davidcornelius4324]

Hi green hoping you are fine i am watching your videos. I need your help can you send me viofo t130 cam

[@BrianGreenstone]

Sorry, I’m using my T130 in my Jeep. It’s my daily dash cam.