That’s honestly the worst part, when something happens and you’ve got no way to prove it. You’ll see a ton of options out there, but consistency is really what matters in the long run. Something like the DDPAI N5 Dual stands out more as a, install it and forget it, kind of setup, rather than something you’ll end up replacing after a year because it starts acting up.
I just got a DDPAI N5 Dual and power wise it is specced for 5V 2A. I checked the port power output by plugging my MacBook Pro in and looking at the macOS System Settings, it showed it was getting 15W charging from that port... for the cam spec of 5V 2A -> 10W, so that box was ticked.
The only problem was getting enough current out of the port (I think, lots of posts elsewhere about the smartness of USB-C attempting to negotiate current draw etc). So to defeat the USB-C smartness, I got a simple USB-C to USB-A adapter (AREKEJI USB C to USB Adapter \[2-Pack\]) and found a pretty random USB-A to USB-C 10cm cable lying around (not significant gauge at all) and hey presto! It works! I've yet to test it in anger though, fingers crossed the power supply is consistent.
Note: The back camera isn't connected, cos I haven't had time to route the cables - but I checked it powers up correctly and the phone app shows the back cam streaming. So fingers crossed!
https://preview.redd.it/xty8q4u293yf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba7bf6e9d5505a861e555c9e9093f10cf7666b30
If you want something simple but reliable, the DDPAI N5 Dual is probably the best bang-for-your-buck dual setup you’ll find. Easy install (or shop install), good night footage, and the parking mode won’t drain your battery. Honestly worth it just for peace of mind at campus parking.
I'm far from an expert, but two things came to mind for your parking mode needs: 1 - a dashcam with a radar detector functionality. Not sure how good these functions work, they're usually considerably more expensive too, but for a budget option, DDPAI sells the N5 Dual with radar detection for $125 on their site currently. Relevant, too, since you said you're looking at DDPAI. The radar detection will seriously improve the usability of your parking mode surveillance footage, as it will start recording before any impact happens, as soon as it detects movement with the radar. If you don't get a radar-enabled dashcam, make sure the dashcam you get has buffered parking mode, which is similar. Most Viofo models come with that.
2 - Depending on how long you're parking for at a time, you might want to consider getting an external dash cam battery. These are usually quite expensive; the most affordable standard size (not mini) one is the 70mai one, which I got, and it's usually 220. It is on sale right now for like $198, plus you should be able to use an extra 15% off coupon on 70mai's website to get it for like $170. It'll extend your parking mode duration time (from the battery life) from like 4-6 hours to like 22-26 hours.
I didn't find Viofo, DDPAI, or any other brand's early black friday sales (any that I've seen recently) to be any more significant than the constant sales and promotions that seem to happen very often. I guess because the market has become quite oversaturated and competitive, they're always on sale. I would say buy now, even if you might be tempted to wait for a better deal, the extra $10-15 savings might not be worth the extra weeks or months your car goes unprotected.
Top Dash Cams on Reddit
1
VIOFO
A229 Pro Series
91% positive of 279 users
Top-tier video, reliable evidence, but app struggles.
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