DDPAI Z60 Pro 3ch Set - 4K Sony Starvis 2 IMX678 - 4G Cloud - Unboxing & Testing & First Impressions

Julian23

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Dash Cam
Several brands :)
I was in contact with DDPAI regarding their new Z60 Pro 3CH dashcam system. Until then, I honestly hadn’t seen much about this model, so I was curious to find out what it brings to the table.

The spec sheet of the Z60 Pro looks promising on paper: 4K 30fps with the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor, a 3K@60fps mode, HDR support front and rear, and even the ability to add a 2K Mini2X camera as a third channel. Add to that the 4G cloud module, internal eMMC storage with fallback recording, a supercapacitor, built-in GPS, 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and full app control. A very extensive feature list.
DDPAI also claims improved night performance with NightVIS 2.0 and AI ISP processing, and I’m particularly interested in testing how well that holds up compared to other 4K setups I’ve used recently. But before I post any footage, let’s have a look at the packaging and hardware.
I just received the Z60 Pro 3CH set, along with the 4G module and the official hardwire kit. I haven’t installed it yet, but I wanted to share a full unboxing and hardware overview first, especially since the Z60 Pro has not been covered on the forum yet.


Unboxing and First Impressions

The Z60 Pro kit arrived in a sturdy box as the 3CH version. The 3CH package includes the front Z60 Pro unit, rear camera, Mini2X cabin camera, and πLink adapter cable. In the bundle I received, there was also the 4G cloud module and a hardwire kit.

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Inside, all components are neatly organized. In the image below, you will see all the included components in their box: the front camera (Z60 Pro main unit), Mini2X third-channel camera, rear camera, 4G module, hardwire kit and cables, adhesives, and stickers.

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The build quality of the cameras and accessories feels solid. The front housing is mostly matte black plastic with a smooth finish. The Mini2X camera is a dark grey, small cylindrical unit.
All cables and parts appear good quality, the power cable and extension are thick and well-insulated, and the connectors snap firmly.

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There are extra 3M adhesive pads and static stickers.

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The main Z60 Pro unit itself has a clean, rectangular design with a ~3-inch display on the back and 4K Ultra HD branding on the front. The 4K front camera lens is in another small housing that can tilt up and down. On the left side is a microSD slot (supports up to 512 GB).
The front unit is equipped with the Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 sensor for true 4K (3840×2160) recording. Both sides offer HDR, so the dynamic range should be good even against glare. We also have “NightVIS 2.0”, hinting at enhanced low-light processing.
It takes a different design approach than most dashcams.

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The rear camera has the Sony IMX662 STARVIS 2 sensor and records at 1080p. It's a compact unit that strongly reminds me of the "RC" rear cameras from other manufacturers. Its cable is long enough for most vehicles, and it connects via a port on the front unit.

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More in the next post!
 
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The Mini2X third-channel camera is a small, cylindrical “bullet” style camera. This camera can link wirelessly (via DDPAI’s πLink system) to the main unit and supports 2K@30fps recording for the cabin.
It can also be used to record out of the rear. There are two cables supplied, one short to mount it on the front and a long cable to mount it on the rear window.

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The 4G cloud box is a small rectangular module. It will require a SIM card to use the cloud and remote connectivity features.

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The hardwire kit has fuses directly installed in the cables.

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A quick note on the camera system: this is DDPAI’s πLink multi-channel system. It allows the Z60 Pro front camera to wirelessly connect with the Mini2X cabin camera to record 4K + 2K + 1080p simultaneously. In other words, front at 4K, cabin at 2K, and rear at 1080p, all at once. The Mini2X camera is sold separately if you don't get the 3CH kit. I appreciate the flexibility, for example, the Mini2X can be aimed at the driver or rear seat to capture cabin activity. I look forward to seeing how easy the pairing process is when I install everything.

The app (not shown here) was easy to pair via Wi-Fi (but it will ask for confirmation on the unit). Overall, the unboxing experience suggests this is a premium product.

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First Impressions
The overall build quality of the DDPAI Z60 Pro seems excellent. Everything feels thoughtfully engineered.
Unfortunately, there’s no CPL filter.
The large screen should make configuration and playback easy.
I’ll follow up soon with testing results, including image performance, plate capture, bitrate, etc.
 
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My last experience of testing their products was a total disaster. I think they had me onto a 5th person for a basic question of how is the parking mode suppose to work. Best of luck with your test. I was easily 20 hours into testing. It does look cool. If it is really impressive let me know I may take them up on it.
 
My last experience of testing their products was a total disaster. I think they had me onto a 5th person for a basic question of how is the parking mode suppose to work. Best of luck with your test. I was easily 20 hours into testing. It does look cool. If it is really impressive let me know I may take them up on it.
The looks are one thing, but as you said it has to work properly. I didn't have time yet to install it. Once it's installed I will update here and share my impressions.
Which one did you test and how long ago was it?
 
The looks are one thing, but as you said it has to work properly. I didn't have time yet to install it. Once it's installed I will update here and share my impressions.
Which one did you test and how long ago was it?
They sent me 3 units. 2 of them i played with extensively. N5 i had but i felt i was going to give a very negative review
 
They sent me 3 units. 2 of them i played with extensively. N5 i had but i felt i was going to give a very negative review
Hi, Jim from DDPAI. We do appreciate you taking the time to test our product, and I'm sorry to hear that your support experience was frustrating. That’s not the experience we want for anyone, especially our reviewers. Could you please let me know which model you tested, the N5 Dual? and when did this occur? We would love to personally ensure that all your questions are thoroughly answered.
 
To connect the Z60 Pro with the Mini2X, both units will have to be paired to the app first.
This is the view in the app. To connect both units, a simple tap on the πLink icon is everything that is required.

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It will ask to confirm the device networking.

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Once paired, it will show as one device instead of two.

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Settings can still be changed individually.

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The orientation of the Mini2X can be selected within the app.

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The app is easy to use. Settings can be found where they should be.
Unfortunately, every time the app is opened, it will open a banner that takes a few seconds to go away unless you press skip.
 
When running the Z60 Pro with the 4G kit and the Mini2X as a third channel, the number of cables begins to add up.
I have to admit that it took me some time to figure everything out.

The πLink allows 2 different ways to power the Mini2X.

1. Directly through the main unit with just one power supply.

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Using the Y cable for the Mini2X will introduce one bulky USB A connector. I would avoid it if possible to better hide the cables.

2. With 2 individual power supplies. This allows the Mini2X to be placed anywhere in the car close to a 12V socket.
There are two different cable lengths included for the Mini2X. A very short one for use as a cabin camera, and a longer one to use it in the rear of the vehicle.

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Using Y cables is a different approach from what most other manufacturers do.
It will depend on the car if this solution is better suited.
 
The weather hasn't been on my side over the past days. With rain, clouds, and only a little sun, the conditions aren't ideal for testing image quality.
However, I still want to showcase something.
Here are some screenshots in the rain.

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From what it looks like, the Z60 Pro won't have any issues capturing plates at daytime.
Nighttime footage will come soon. I will have to reposition the camera for further testing.
 
No it would be nice if dryer summer would return, not Sahara summer just dryer, and less windy would be nice too.
Strange cabling setup indeed, having run 2 dual remote systems these was quite normal and just the individual cameras feeding into the main unit, and of course GPS antenna ASO coming off it too.

Sieht gut aus.
 
Can you watch all three channels through 4G? One seller told me that only two channels are accessible for live view through LTE.
Thank you.
 
Can you watch all three channels through 4G? One seller told me that only two channels are accessible for live view through LTE.
Thank you.
I will have to check again but I think only the front and rear camera are available as live view when connected with 4G.
 
When running the Z60 Pro with the 4G kit and the Mini2X as a third channel, the number of cables begins to add up.
I have to admit that it took me some time to figure everything out.

The πLink allows 2 different ways to power the Mini2X.

1. Directly through the main unit with just one power supply.

View attachment 82558

Using the Y cable for the Mini2X will introduce one bulky USB A connector. I would avoid it if possible to better hide the cables.

2. With 2 individual power supplies. This allows the Mini2X to be placed anywhere in the car close to a 12V socket.
There are two different cable lengths included for the Mini2X. A very short one for use as a cabin camera, and a longer one to use it in the rear of the vehicle.

View attachment 82559
View attachment 82560

Using Y cables is a different approach from what most other manufacturers do.
It will depend on the car if this solution is better suited.
I have the same setup and trying to figure out how to connect it so that I am able to
1- Use the mini2x for the rear
2- Rear camera as a cabin camera

The issue if i`m not mistaken is that the rear camera comes with a very long cable that will be difficult to hide if I am using it as a cabin camera.

I have the 4g box with a obd connector for power and I`m pretty sure there must be a cigarette power in the boot.
 
I have the same setup and trying to figure out how to connect it so that I am able to
1- Use the mini2x for the rear
2- Rear camera as a cabin camera

The issue if i`m not mistaken is that the rear camera comes with a very long cable that will be difficult to hide if I am using it as a cabin camera.

I have the 4g box with a obd connector for power and I`m pretty sure there must be a cigarette power in the boot.
The cable for the rear camera is indeed long. You could lay it down the a pillar and up again. Store the spare cable near the glovebox.
This should allow for a use as the interior camera.

If you have a 12V socket in the trunk then you are all set.
 
The cable for the rear camera is indeed long. You could lay it down the a pillar and up again. Store the spare cable near the glovebox.
This should allow for a use as the interior camera.

If you have a 12V socket in the trunk then you are all set.
I just checked again. I don't have a 12v socket unfortunately 🙁

Is there no aftermarket cable that can be purchased? As i can see that there's a very short cable that connects to a long one for the rear camera. If i could have an aftermarket solution it would be better than running it down then up again.
 
I just checked again. I don't have a 12v socket unfortunately 🙁

Is there no aftermarket cable that can be purchased? As i can see that there's a very short cable that connects to a long one for the rear camera. If i could have an aftermarket solution it would be better than running it down then up again.
I'm unsure if there are shorter cables available. Maybe you can contact DDPAI and ask?
 
Here are some more screenshots.
The weather still isn't the best.

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Difficult lighting while the oncoming car is entering a tunnel:
The plate can be identified.

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And some more:

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Rear camera:

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So far, the Z60 Pro does a good job at plate capture.
It will be interesting to see how it will handle plates at night.
The rear camera won't make out plates unless the cars are close and moving slowly, but it will still nicely capture what is going on.

While the image quality won't catch the latest Viofo units, it's also important to talk about the price.
The Z60 Pro, as a 2-channel unit, can already be bought for around 150€!

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The 3-channel unit will add 50€

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The 4G kit and the hardwire kit, as the 3-channel unit, will be 282€

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I checked a huge selection of night time footage.
While the Z60 Pro easily handles daytime footage, it is just not able to capture the plate like its competitors.

In most cases, the plates can not be identified. There isn't much missing to make out the plates.
It seems like the HDR needs some improvement.


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These two plates can actually be read.

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If DDPAI spent some time adjusting the firmware, I bet they could improve it to make most of the plates readable.
 
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