Capture every kilometer in 4K resolution with the DDPAI Z60 Pro dash cam! The Sony STARVIS 2 sensor promises clear footage day and night. With a price starting at around €100 and a host of smart features, it sounds like DDPAI has set its sights on the top spot among the best dash cams. But is this just a good dash cam on paper, or is it really worth considering? Let's take a short trip and, after overcoming the sharpest turns, find out the pros and cons of this model!
DDPAI Z60 Pro
Assessment:
What did we like?
What didn't we like?
Unpacking
Opening the sophisticated packaging, you can see all the accessories necessary for using the video recorder carefully and safely placed. First of all, the DDPAI Z60 Pro video recorder itself appears. Inside the mysterious envelope on the side is the user manual along with electrostatic stickers for attaching the recorder.
Behind it, there is a long USB-C power cable along with a 2X USB 12V car adapter. We also have a special plastic tool for neatly installing the recorder's power cable. Also, for the future, an additional double-sided sticker has been added to attach the recorder to the glass.
We also received an SD card as an accessory, but this recorder already has 32 GB of internal memory, so you can use it right away. The package is not particularly extensive, since this is a basic One-Channel Set. DDPAI Z60 Pro has various packages - both with additional cameras and with a Hardware Kit cable set.
First impressions
The DDPAI Z60 Pro, compared to other dash cams I've tested, is a real heavyweight. This dash cam is much larger and more massive - it takes up about half the palm of your hand, and when you hold it in your hand, you immediately realize that it's an inexpensive plastic accessory. When installed in a car, it definitely won't go unnoticed, both because of its size and its rather attractive design.
The main highlight is the front 4K Ultra HD camera with Sony STARVIS 2 sensor. The individually adjustable, glossy camera module looks like it's covered in glass, and the bronze-colored trim around the lens gives it a modern look.
On the back is a large screen with a fairly thick frame around it. Below the screen are four physical control buttons. On the sides of the recorder are an SD card slot, a USB-C power connector, and an output for the rear camera. On top is a removable holder that sticks to the glass.
Although the thick bezels around the screen make the overall look a bit dated, the recorder itself leaves a very good impression. The build quality is solid, nothing is wobbly, and there is no hint of cheapness here.
How to use
I will repeat that we are installing and reviewing the One-Channel Set version in the car - this is a recorder that records only in the front, without additional cameras or accessories. Installation here is extremely simple and quick, as only a few steps are needed to get the DDPAI Z60 pro ready for travel.
First, we stick an electrostatic sticker on the windshield, and the recorder itself on it. Next, we lead the power cable included in the kit to the recorder from the 12V connector and neatly hide it using the installation tool included in the kit. If we have one, we insert an SD card, scan the QR code, download the DDPAI app and pair the device with the phone.
Video quality
When choosing a video recorder, I personally pay the most attention to its recording quality in poor visibility. As you know, inside the Z60 pro model we have a Sony STARVIS 2 sensor, which improves video quality in bright sunlight or at night.
4K video in daylight is simply brilliant - the image is sharp and every small detail is clearly visible. By setting the resolution to a lower value (3K), you can reach 60 frames per second, which makes the image extremely smooth and pleasing to the eye. In other words, if an unpleasant situation occurs, all the details that are important to you will be captured.
The image quality at night is also surprising with its detail. The Sony STARVIS 2 sensor works perfectly here, so the license plates of a car that is far away will definitely not be blurred and invisible up to a certain distance. The image is smooth and bright thanks to the NightVIS 2.0 function. However, all the good features of the camera are revealed when the glass is clean, so if the glass is dirty during the winter, the video material will not be of such high quality. Of course, these are only inevitable external factors, so when driving in bright sunlight or on a dark street, there will be no problems with quality.
DDPAI APP's
Quick and convenient access to the recorded video recorder material is as important as good video quality. The DDPAI user manual contains a QR code, which, when scanned with your phone, will take you directly to the app download website. This app will allow you to view the recorded image in real time, as well as video material saved over the entire period with the ability to rewind to the desired point in the timeline. The app allows you to set both the quality and the functions supported by the video recorder itself.
First, when you open the APP, you can see the live broadcast image. At the same time, the running time from the start of filming, the current and average speed, the distance traveled, G-Force and the compass are displayed. In the timeline below, you can turn around and view a certain part of the journey. Access to previous videos is super fast and convenient.
Compatibility between your device and the DDPAI app is very important. Not all smartphones support a certain video format, so the app may not work properly. For example, when I wanted to view a live video, I had problems with video playback (I used an Honor 400 Lite phone). If high-resolution videos are not supported, you will experience lag or you will not be able to view the video at all. The only way is to download the recorded video to your phone's memory and view it using another video player.
Features
This device offers a lot of features and some of them are really useful in everyday life. However, I am testing the smallest version, so not all possible features are available in this case. Below I will briefly discuss the options that you get by choosing this, the basic DDPAI Z60 Pro package.
The impact recognition function works even in the basic configuration and does its job accurately. In the event of an accident or a stronger knock, the recording is automatically saved in a separate folder so that you do not accidentally delete it. The recorder records every serious impact on the road. However, if you select too high a sensitivity, it can react to completely insignificant things - for example, when the wipers "jump" over icy or dry glass, or when driving over a sharp pothole. Therefore, it is worth adjusting the sensitivity properly so that the device does not unnecessarily record every trifle as a serious event.
As the manufacturer claims "on paper", the DDPAI video recorder will not let you doze off on the road, as it recognizes the actions of the car in front. However, this recorder sometimes falls asleep on its own, as during testing I noticed more than once that the car in front moved, and the recorder's response was significantly delayed...
The time scale in the app will not only allow you to turn back the exact time and date, but the integrated GPS will draw the entire route on the map from the beginning and end of the trip, and the speed at a certain selected moment will also be displayed.
Another available function is voice commands. To be more precise, it would be just a „voice command”, since this recorder has only one. When you say „Take photo”, the recorder captures the scene being filmed at that time. It is convenient, because while driving you do not need to look for buttons and it does not distract your attention. That is where the voice commands end.
What did we like?
If you need to quickly review a recently captured moment, there are no problems, as this recorder connects to the phone without any hassle or major complications. Fast and smooth connection to the recorder via the DDPAI app is really convenient, unless you want to press buttons and view the recordings via the recorder itself. In fact, both the app and the recorder itself are very convenient and simple to operate.
What this DDPAI Z60 Pro can really boast about is its impeccable image quality both day and night. Detailed and smooth images will capture the most beautiful moments of your travels, and in the event of an unplanned event, even the smallest details will be immortalized. During the day, this recorder is not afraid of sunlight, and at night, the NightVIS 2.0 function will help you capture the most important moments in twilight.
It is worth noting that a rare video recorder has an already integrated internal memory, which allows this device to be used immediately after unpacking it from the box. In addition to all the smart functions, a beautiful design and high-quality assembly also play their role. DDPAI Z60 Pro still looks like a premium quality model, which left a good impression about the manufacturer and its product.
A convenient tool for simple installation in a car is the 12V power supply. It can be used not only to power the recorder, but also as a car charger. Therefore, when the recorder occupies the car's 12V socket, there is still room to charge the phone.
What we didn't like?
Poor package and fewer functions for a fairly large amount. It is understandable that we get a really high-quality item with excellent filming properties, but perhaps it is a bit expensive to pay such an amount only for a recorder that films and has one voice command. Since we do not have more accessories in the package, we also lose some of the functions that do not work without them.
There were also problems with transferring files between the phone and the recorder. Yes, it connects to the phone very quickly, and also opens all files quickly, but not all of them can be viewed or downloaded. Not all devices are compatible with the DDPAI program. There are problems with viewing recorded videos, as well as downloading them to the internal memory, the phone simply does not support the format.
Verdict
After traveling quite a few kilometers with the DDPAI Z60 Pro, I was satisfied with its build quality and how confidently it shoots 4K resolution. The image detail is really strong day and night, and the device itself leaves the impression of a solid, more expensive product. If the priority is the best possible image quality and reliable basic functionality, this model does its job without major complaints.
However, when you look at the competitors, the choice no longer seems so obvious. 70mai models offer a wider range of features for a similar or even lower price. For example, the 70mai A810 I tested costs practically the same, but offers more options – additional voice commands, lane keeping, warnings about obstacles or pedestrians and the same 4K resolution. And if the highest resolution is not necessary, the 70mai A310 offers a wealth of smart features for a much lower price. Therefore, in this case, everything comes down to priorities – whether maximum image detail is more important or a better price-to-function ratio.
