The DDPAI Mola N3 is a Chinese single channel dash camera released in Aug 2020. DDPAI is a popular brand in China and they have been expanding internationally over the last few years. Their dash cams are typically affordable for the quality provided.
The DDPAI Mola N3 uses a Huawei HiSilicon Hi3556 V200 processor and a 5MP CMOS sensor. Note that the actual CMOS sensor has not been disclosed but we suspect it is using an Omnivision sensor (perhaps the Omnivision 05A10).
Video Quality
The Mola N3 has a max resolution of 2560 x 1600p at 30fps with an average bitrate of 14.5 Mbps. Many owners choose the 2560 x 1440p resolution since the video has the same width but the vertical height is less. This results in smaller file sizes and the loss if a little bit of video from the top (sky) and bottom (dash) is not a concern.
Video quality during the day is good however there have been some complaints on how the camera represents colors. The following video shows a bluish tinge to the video. This seems to occur in videos with a lot of white, like the snow in the video.
In normal driving scenarios, the color representation is more accurate. For night video quality, it is not best in class but it is slightly above average. Overall for this price range, video quality is more than acceptable.
Features
The DDPAI Mola N3 does not come with a screen. The camera comes with WiFi and has apps for Android and iOS which is required to setup the camera. You can also use the app to view and download videos from the dash cam. The app is adequate but note it does have a rating due to connectivity issues with some smartphones. Since this dash cam does not have a screen, the poor app quality is a concern that you should be aware of before purchasing.
DDPAI sells 2 versions of this camera, one with a GPS mount and one with a regular mount. Depending on the firmware version, GPS may or may not be enabled. As of February 2020 the 2 firmware versions available are:
- 7.0.0.7 – supports GPS but has H.264 encoding not H.265
- 7.0.1.13 – does not support GPS but has H.265 encoding only (video quality appears to be better as well)
The Mola N3 provides non-buffered parking mode if you hardwire the dash cam to your vehicle (optional hardwire kit required). The camera comes with an adhesive mount and cannot swivel to record interactions at the driver or passenger windows.
The Mola N3 is a small camera at 99 x 33 x 28mm but does have the DDPAI logo on the front. For a more discreet installation you may want to cover the logo with electrical tape or color it with a sharpie.
Overall build quality is good and the use of a capacitor instead of a battery is great for hot climates. Another positive is that the Mola N3 comes with audio error notifications which reduces the risk of missing footage due to a bad microSD card.
Support
DDPAI is responsive to questions and has average support, on par with many other Chinese dash cam manufacturers. They also provide occasional firmware updates which is a positive as well. DDPAI provides a 12 month warranty, which is standard for most dash cams. Overall support is adequate but not best in class.
Internal Photos
Known Problems
Outside of the color / white balance issue discussed in the video section above, there have not been commonly reported issues with this dash cam.
Sample Videos
There are numerous videos on Youtube for this camera. While not a bad performing camera, night videos are not the best and capturing details can be a problem. That being said it does perform well for this price range. You can see some owner reviews on this dash cam here.
Should I Purchase
The DDPAI Mola N3 is a good cylindrical budget camera. Discreet, small, comes with capacitor, optional GPS and audio error notifications are excellent features. The app is not the best which is a concern since the dash cam does not have a screen. Good value for money if the app works well with your phone.
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Latest Firmware
You may be able to download the firmware from the DDPAI website. Check both the English and Chinese versions of the website for firmware.
User Manual
The English User Manual can be downloaded here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Cylindrical |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Huawei HiSilicon Hi3556 V200 |
| CMOS Front | Unknown |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| GPS | Optional |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Non-Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto |
| Max Resolution Front | 2560×1600p |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 14.5 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 or H.265 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 140° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 128GB |
| Max Size (User) | 128GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 99 x 33 x 28 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 70°C |
| Battery | Capacitor |
| Error Notification | Audio |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Aug 2020 |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Unique Features | Lane Departure / Front Collision Warning System |
| Advantages | Decent video quality for price Nice discreet design Capacitor instead of battery Audio error notifications Wifi |
| Disadvantages | Low rated app |
| Final Word | A good cylindrical budget camera. App is not the best which is a concern since the dash cam does not have a screen. Good value for money if the app works well with your phone. |
Published: February 15, 2021
DDPAI Mola N3 - DashCamTalk
The DDPAI Mola N3 is a good cylindrical budget camera. Discreet, small, comes with capacitor, optional GPS and audio error notifications are excellent features.
Product SKU: DDPAI Mola N3
Product Brand: DDPAI
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 50
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
7.3