Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam Full Review | Best Parking Mode

Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam Full Review | Best Parking Mode
#thinkware #dashcamera #dashcam
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Resolution
Thinkware U3000
• 8.4MP Sony STARVIS 2 sensor
Rear - 5.14 MP Sony STARVIS
Front - 4K UHD (3840 X 2160) @30fps or 2K QHD (2560 X 1440) @60fps
Viewing angle
Front 152 degree
Rear 128 degree
Dual Band Wi-Fi
2GHZ and 5GHZ
WiFi app for android and IOS
SD Card capacity
supports up to 256
GPS Built in for all
Speed and location data of where video was recorded.
GPS is built into dock Red Light speed cameras
Parking Mode
(Radar, Smart, Motion & Impact Detection, Time Lapse and Energy Saving Mode)*
New Radar Parking Mode with Built-in Radar
Radar Parking mode is a low-powered recording mode that utilizes the U3000’s built-in radar to monitor motion with minimal power consumption (requires hardwiring or OBD-II cable). This allows for longer buffered parking surveillance so you also have footage of events leading to an incident. When a motion or impact is detected, the U3000 will save a 20-sec video clip (10s before and 10s after the incident has been detected).
Smart Parking Mode
This safety feature prevents heat-related damage by automatically switching the U3000 to a low-power mode if the temperature inside the vehicle gets too high during Parking mode. In this state, the dash cam records incidents triggered by impacts only until its operating temperature is safe again to resume Motion Detection or Timelapse Parking mode.
Motion Detection
Motion Detection Parking mode saves a 20-sec video clip after a motion or impact has been detected (10s before and 10s after the event)
Time Lapse
Time Lapse Parking mode records footage at 2fps, enabling the dash cam to continuously record long periods of parking surveillance without increasing power consumption
Energy Saving 2.0
Energy Saving Parking mode saves a 20-sec video clip only after an impact has been detected (20s immediately after the event), allowing the U3000 to reduce its power consumption and remain in Parking mode for a longer duration
Parking Mode Cable / Low Battery Protection
Power Consumption Parking Mode + While driving
Test current draw
Continuous current
450ma or 5.6 Watts
Radar Parking Mode
10ma or 0.1 watts
Motion Detection
286ma or 3.5 watts
Time Lapse
251ma or 3.1 watts
Energy Saving Mode
3ma or 0.1 watts
Loop Recording / Video Length Recording
1
File List Organization-mobile and desktop
Show video
Voice Recording
Yes
CPL filter
Available in box on 2 channel
Stick on
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Dash Cam Resolution
01:45 Viewing Angle
01:56 Wi-Fi Dash Cam App
02:24 SD Card Capacity
02:41 Viofo A139 Pro vs Thinkware U3000
03:59 Parking Mode
04:18 Radar Parking Mode
04:52 Smart Parking Mode
05:20 Motion Detection
05:35 Time Lapse
05:48 Energy Saving Mode
06:08 Low Battery Protection Test
08:15 Current Draw
09:21 Current Draw Explanation
10:54 Thinkware U3000 app walk through
16:29 Blackvue Dr 970x vs Thinkware U3000
17:29 Thinkware U1000 vs Thinkware U3000
21:27 Ben's Final Thoughts Pros and Cons

[@richscott2483]

Thinkware U3000 vs U1000. Imaging goes to U1000 even though most times seem the same as U3000. The U1000 video quality during this video presentation was a bit better than the U3000. Parking Mode is the KEY for the U3000's success with built-in front and rear Radar Detectors, new Application features, and an improved fresh-looking chassis design. If I were to choose a dash cam for Parking Mode, it is definitely U3000. If you desire and want the best On Road Driving Video Quality, it is the Viofo A139 Pro with 4k HDR. The Blackvue DR970X just could not keep up. Much appreciated update and comparison Ben. You are the greatest Dash Cam reviewer on KZbin in my opinion. Keep up the good work.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks for stopping in Rich. Glad you got something from the video. I would love to see a new contender integrate what Thinkware and Viofo have done in one chassis. I guess we will see.

[@B6S4818]

Just bought the U3000 thanks to your video , appreciate the great specifications in the video , thanks again!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Glad we could help

[@VinceCannavaII]

Sincerely appreciate the in-depth review. Including the software side of things which is often lacking when I'm searching for sources. I'll search your channel for any long term updates on this platform. If I choose this camera I still have to figure out how to have the rear camera cable routed on a hard top convertible.. Fun times.

[@RetroCarGuy530]

Nice job Ben! I truly understand how much time and effort that goes into a review video like this one.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks I look forward to seeing your review and what I missed :)

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo.

[@anaveragehuman2937]

great thorough review and comparisons. Thanks!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Your welcome

[@Jupiter_Crash]

Thank you so much for the latest and greatest reviews

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Your welcome

[@B_L]

Appreciate the effort, very informative as always 👏

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thank you

[@marcosrod7260]

As much as I like the A139 video quality, the 3000 parking feature/battery saving is what is making me lean towards it more. Thanks for the review!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yeah its a trade off. Maybe one day someone will offer it all under one unit.

[@Bacnow]

@@SafeDriveSolutions- Are there any rumors of other STARVIS 2 equipped dashcams that will debut before year’s end? If so, could you give us a hint/guess on the manufacturer and possibly model numbers? I wish Thinkware would revisit the 3000’s image quality issues but i doubt that they will (since they undoubtedly had a 139 Pro available for comparison and testing purposes and still released their flagship with obviously degraded video performance). I know someone should have something in the pipeline!

[@felixchan372]

Thanks for sharing and your thoughts help me to make up my mind on buying my first dash cam (A139 Pro). And wow what a spending spree 😂 Cheers from UK

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Seems like everyone is decided on one of the 3

[@felixchan372]

@@SafeDriveSolutionsI would consider A119 mini2 but this is still not yet available in the UK, so the choice is one out of three

[@John_1033]

Thank you for all of the informative videos. We would love to see a video on the Thinkware Connected App.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Noted!

[@Random-gq7gg]

Great review, Thanks! Bought the U3000, coming from Nexar, would’ve been nice accessing the videos remotely without a direct WiFi connection, I have a hotspot in my car but with the camera running in super low energy mode it doesn’t offer any features.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Best 4K Cloud Dash Cam Thinkware U3000 vs Blackvue DR970X Plus LTE? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2a7f2Bol9Jse9E

[@flair15]

Very Good reviews Mr Ben how are you sir ? we are a thinkware fan and I must say the viofo a139 pro is very good video quality for a lot less price, the selling feature for us is the radar parking mode and wifi connection ,thank you for your excellent reviews and taking the time and effort to do these shows please have a nice safe day and drive safe with a dash cam , the truth is in the video U3000 is still the one we will buy

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yes it is great parking mode

[@duveral]

Wow, what a detailed review and comparison. Insane amount of work here. Conclusion makes sense. I’m still debating with A139 Pro, I wanted this U3000 beat or match it’s video quality. So I’m going to wait a little for a firmware update. Having the same Sony sensor an update would make sense.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yeah I guess we will see. Still a great camera.

[@Ljavids2]

Why the 139 pro? The mini 2 is miles better by all reports

[@duveral]

@@Ljavids2 what reports? It’s 4k vs 2k with same camera sensor, where did you get that believe? It’d be interesting to see review between the two.

[@Ljavids2]

@Julián G. This has been reviewed and tested on the dashcams forums. The general consensus is mini 2 is better for image

[@Ljavids2]

@Julián G. probably 60fps vs 30fps. Also firmware could have better optimisation .

[@jacobmarley2417]

Incredible Review, Insta subbed. I have had a U1000 on my car for about 2 years and loved it. Now got my wife a new car and was considering the U3000. This video answered every question I had and went so much further. The only thing I did not see in my skim viewing mentioned was the new app which has gotten pretty poor reviews.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks. I am guessing you are referring to thinkware connected app?

[@jacobmarley2417]

If you happen to see this could you give the specs/preferred card needed for buying an aftermarket SD card?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@jacobmarley2417 i have been using sandisk extreme pro with no issues

[@jacobmarley2417]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Yes the connected app, Also i wanted to mention that in another review they said they had too much light saturation with the night vision 4.0 enabled which seems as though it may be intended for near 0 light conditions and not in headlight license plate scenarios as you were testing it in this video. Would it be possible to update/test whether turning off the night vision 4.0 significantly improves the nighttime license plate reading ability? This is the sole reason I have not purchased the U3000 yet. Thank you regardless for the replies and for the recommendation on the SD card.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@jacobmarley2417 I will try to in future. Got a lot of video production ongoing right now.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Nice job Ben.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks. I like that new power supply

[@aegiscanada]

I almost didn't watch this because of the clickbait photo used. Pros don't do that and based on this review, you're a pro. Nice job

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Just trying to get attention 😀

[@FOne_Fan]

Appreciate the in-depth review! Would the radar parking mode work over the course of a week at say an airport parking lot, or do I need to get an external battery?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I would get a battery pack. But also everything will depend on where you park and how much movement is around you for how long it will last.

[@ZwaanAfghan]

Hi, thanks for the great review. Has there been an update in the last 8 months (upload date or ur video) which improves video quality of this dashcam? btw, would u perhaps review the Fitcamx “oem look” dashcams? kinda hype these days.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Viofo A229 Pro vs Thinkware U3000 Dash Cam Review Comparison kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnvIfGNpf66CfaM No improvements on video quality of U3000 at this time. Fitcamx, we got one it did not perform well at all.

[@Cleofizoid]

Really good job. Especially liked the parking mode and battery current draw test with your PSU. It's mind boggling Blackvue didn't elect to fix the Sony Starvis 2 into the latest offering. I'm afraid I'll have to pass on that one.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Maybe in the future they will

[@elky1964]

Excellent review, thanks Ben! At this point can't say the Thinkware U3000's "Super Night Vision 4.0" impressed me much (everything's too blown out), hopefully a firmware update can help resolve. Its parking mode does sound good. Quite surprised how poorly the footage from the BlackVue DR970X looked like the lens was waaay out of focus? And the U1000's footage is still quite impressive too so agree with you... Good option for those wanting to save a couple hundred bucks or so depending on which model is chosen.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yeah the parking mode is awesome. The Blackvue just looked terrible. I cleaned the window multiple times so not sure why but that camera just did not perform well

[@TheAllang123]

Darn. I wish the video quality was clearly superior to the other two. A139 was clearly better, pun intended, especially at night. Is it really possible that the video quality could be tweaked with future software upgrade? Is that technically feasible? If so it seems the optimum would get the U3000 and wait/hope for the upgrade. Best of all worlds?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@TheAllang123 i have no idea. I think that is up to Thinkware. Could be related to heat on why they did not do it. Not sure.

[@Ljavids2]

@@TheAllang123 139 looked very brown/yellow I thought

[@Ljavids2]

Or you could save 50 % and get the mini 2 over the 139 pro given the mini 2 performance was better than the 139 pro

[@jpmcnown1]

Thank you for this review. I see that the front cam has 60 degrees of adjustability up/down. Can the front camera be mounted horizontally aiming forward and position the camera lens down to level or lower? I'm looking to mount the front cam on the underside of my forward collision/radar cruise equip on a 22 JL Wrangler. I hate having my U1000 off centered to the right of all this stuff, mounted to my windshield.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I can not answer that specific question unfortunately. I personally would mount it on the windshield. I will say the predecessor U1000 I have mounted it on a plastic housing once and it did come out nice. The U3000 has a similar angle. But it really depends on the angle of that housing.

[@adp36]

Hi Ben thank you for you videos! I have a F150 Powerboost. Will I need a battery pack for parking mode? Thank you

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

So, if you want longer on a consistent basis then a powercell is definitely recommended. Keep in mind I am assuming you drive daily, have a good alternator and healthy battery. With a Thinkware U3000 there are multiple modes. Energy Saving mode for instance is so efficient there is no need to have a powercell in most instances provided you dont park next to the train tracks which keeps waking it up all the time. Keep in mind that is approx 1 second after impact. If you want motion detection or time lapse definitely want a powercell. From my 6 weeks with Thinkware U3000 one day I parked at Stanley Park for 2 hours and had 99 incidents of movement. Which means it is drawing same power as motion detection. So if you parking on a busy street with lots of movement or in underground parking where cars are passing by all the time. They are factors to consider.

[@CaptainCJ97]

Long comment in coming! I been using it for a couple days liking it. For some reasons mine doesn't go into parking mode i got radar mode on but when going to see the clips it doesn't show in the parking tab just continuous i am using the powercell 8 so maybe that could be it. I wish the text on the side was bigger, didnt need more than one app to use other features , have a their own model hot spot like blackvue so we dont need to buy a 3rd party one & charge it sometimes, Its crazy how bad blackvue is with video quality i know cloud is their main thing but it doesn't mean anything if their video quality isnt good enough plus their cameras really dont do well in hot last week & couple days before my u3000 came i put the sun visor on it would turn off a couple minutes later plus i roll the minutes down that couple need a overhaul

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

How do you have it hooked up? Did you use cigarette lighter plugin from Thinkware dash cam? If you did it will not go into parking mode automatically like Blackvue and VIofo will where after 5 minutes of no movement it goes into parking mode. The THinkware dash camera needs to see the hardwire cable power, ground, and ignition hooked up for it to go o into parking mode. If you do not have the hardwire cable the OBD2 cable can be cut off and used for hardwiring.

[@CaptainCJ97]

@Safe Drive Solutions - Dash Cam Specialists yea I am using lighter to plug into the powercell 8 but thanks for the tip I'll get it hardwire next month

[@phuocnguyen1191]

Hi, I have a blackvue and it seem to be shutdown more often in hot when I park outside no shade. Can I ask your U3000 work well in hot with powercell 8 cause I have it too. Thanks

[@Ljavids2]

Can you also do a 3 way comparison with the mini 2 please?It would be good as everyone is saying the mini 2 is better than the 139 pro in most metrics Cheers

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Working on a few things. That is on the list.

[@BadUncleT]

@SafeDriveSolutions Thanks for the review, have gone for the U3000 and b130x for my EV. Can you please recommend a compatible micro sd card? Would like to save some cost somewhere if i can 😁

[@danebraun1714]

I run this SD card and has plenty of storage. It's the same specs that's required SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card with Adapter - C10, U3, V30, 4K, 5K, A2, Micro SD Card - SDSQXAV-512G-GN6MA

[@davidjohnson8025]

Thanks for this informative video/am tired of my blackview with sim module never connecting. Does this model have remote viewing while not on home wifi? Meaning can i just check it from my phone anywhere? Thanks

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Best 4K Cloud Dash Cam Thinkware U3000 vs Blackvue DR970X Plus LTE? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2a7f2Bol9Jse9E

[@dumdum111]

Would you say getting a battery pack for this camera is worth it if you intend to have impact detention as the parking mode option? The reason I am thinking about a battery pack is for when i have to travel and leave my car at the airport for days at a time. i dont travel much, but when i do, it would be great to have my dashcam recording potential impacts.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Everything depends on your car battery. If it is in the best condition possible. Top charge. Probably would be fine. Most vehicles are not. It is very low current consumption so you most likely will be fine. Everything still depends on your battery. It would draw 1176 ma over a week. A Viofo in parking node would draw sane current in 3 hours.

[@tecnoprofet]

Thanks. Very professional review.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks for watching!

[@istyl3]

Does the radar mode only record and save the video if an impact has been detected? Or does it also save and record the motion? Last one would be essential to me as someone could scratch my car which would not be detected by the impact sensor

[@justmr.x3638]

Hi there - I have the same question. Did you end up figuring this out ?

[@navarrolaurent7548]

hello great demonstration bravo tell me I have a question about the rear camera u3000 where is the radar on the camera because I have a pickup my window is completely vertical and to position my camera by sticking it on the window I have to tilt it completely the lens up I think the radar sensor will be badly positioned?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I have rethought this my vehicle is a flat rear window in my kia soul EV. I will double check this on my vehicle over next week.

[@navarrolaurent7548]

@@SafeDriveSolutions ok great thank you

[@navarrolaurent7548]

I got my answer from thinkware so be careful the radar is not in the lens my good on the side of the camera and pay attention to its positioning because otherwise the radar function will not work

[@mohsenalharhara8729]

Thank you for your time and effort, very informative. Have you tested The U3000 Rear Dashcam Radar? My U3000 Rear Dashcam Radar is not working, tried to increase the sensitivity settings but it is still not working. The THINKWARE CONNECTED APP features NOT AVAILABLE in the (ENERGY SAVING & RADAR) Parking recording modes, you will not be able to monitor your car during parking using the App.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I have tested and it worked fine for me. But does not mean someone else could have a defective unit

[@mohsenalharhara8729]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thank you.

[@JoshNeumann]

How long will the radar parking mode last while using the obd 2 sensor plug and not a battery pack? I am worried about draining my trucks battery as it is parked during the week and only driven on weekends.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thanks for calling and talking to us yesterday.

[@burnjack291]

Is this the only dash cam that sends the videos to cloud? (Lte) to access them from anywhere? and also the parking mode notifications to receive them instant if something should to happen?. Looks at models Thinkware,Viofo,Vantrue,70mai or the Cam that supposed to come out with no name yet. Thanks.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Best 4K Cloud Dash Cam Thinkware U3000 vs Blackvue DR970X Plus LTE? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2a7f2Bol9Jse9E

[@BillBarnum]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the CPL Filter that comes with the U3000?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Disadvantage would be at night it will be a little darker the inages. Other than that it performs well

[@BillBarnum]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thanks for that info.

[@thecamarogarage]

Pretty cool to see youre in my neck of the woods... small world 😊

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Where you at? I am in Mission… and anywhere my car brings me

[@thecamarogarage]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Vancouver

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@thecamarogarage I seen your post on Thinkware how to pair dash camera. Happy to help you with it. What type of dash camera do you have?

[@thecamarogarage]

@Safe Drive Solutions - Dash Cam Specialists q1000. The unit is defective as its recording clicking noises plugged into the car and even plugged in the house. I've upgraded the firmware as well.. no change.

[@thecamarogarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZDKYZ6llq6njc0

[@bigED1013]

Everything I have read from multiple resources, says not to use the OBD port for this case. What do you think?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

For specific vehicles there may be a challenge with using obd2 port.

[@ohnonotthatguy1465]

With such low draw do you really need an external battery? I plan on purchasing one and leaning toward using OBD port but not very impressed with hard wire into fuse block as it does not look clean. Watched video from Thinkware and twisting wires and electrical tape just seems like a hackish install for the external battery.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

That is a yes and No question. What you have to remember is that when it records while parked it spikes up to normal recording current draw. However most people will probably be fine on radar mode, provided they drive their vehicle frequently. You also do not need to hardwire it like their video you can always use a fuse taps and solder the fuse taps together or find the correct wires, solder them and tape them. OBD2 port will work provided your vehicle is supported.

[@ohnonotthatguy1465]

Ok, thank you that makes sense. I went ahead and purchased the bundle they are offering with battery. If my thinking is correct with the battery I will just need to find an ACC power source and ground for the battery then everything runs off the battery or does the battery have to connect to both ACC and key off power?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@ohnonotthatguy1465 You have to hook up constant power (heavy gauge wire), Ground(heavy gauge wire), accessory (small gauge wire low current).

[@bigED1013]

Were you using the CPL filter on the U300 in all the videos?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

None of the videos cpl filter was used

[@slab817]

Does the U3000 talk as much as the U1000 upon vehicle startup? I find it to be quite annoying on the U1000....good content!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

You have way more control of voice notifications. You can change volume for ADAS, safety cameras, system and others. So you have way more control of what it does or does not say

[@slab817]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thank you for the quick reply!

[@MrRichardyc]

just installed this to my wife's BMW X3 with a battery pack, I set it up to for Radar parking mode and turn on at 30seconds, but it won't go into parking mode until 5minutes later and it is in low energy mode. Does that mean it is in Radar mode even it is saying in low energy mode? I guess I can live with the 5mins turn on parking mode as it might be the BMW doing something weird with when to cut off the power, etc.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

A lot of BMW have fuses at fusebox that take 5 minutes to timeout for ignition. I am guessing that is what you did

[@davidphones7290]

I just got one but I have noticed a TON of issues just connecting to the live view in the app. Have you seen this?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I dont see any issues. How are you connecting? Is your bluetooth and wifi turned on?

[@conman20000]

Do you have any reviews on the Thinkware DC-M2-FG

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

It looks like a thinkware f200 pro

[@conman20000]

@@SafeDriveSolutions There listed as two different cameras on the site?

[@luckainb]

Is thinkware still your number 1 for best dash cam in regards to when parked?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

It has the most options for parking mode

[@adamnowak276]

Does U3000 send any videos to the cloud or notifications when it registers an event in radar or power-saving parking mode?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

No it will not

[@adamnowak276]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thanks a lot for the info. Not even an impact, right?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@adamnowak276 in those modes to keep current draw low it will not work

[@francisyusuke6211]

Does the notification work on radar parking mode? On u1000 the wifi is cut off when using radar mode

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

- Thinkware CONNECTED features are unavailable in Radar Parking Mode as all network data functions are turned off to reduce power consumption.

[@MM-ho7kb]

Even if connected to a external battery? What it is the point then of having that connectivity? Will it only work when my car is on then?

[@godisgr8466]

I need this dash cam at all cost. But once again i want highlight my only concern, being the security of the dash cam itself. Please help me know if it's equipped with GPS to be tracked when stolen. This is because anything can happen after an accident or during parking. No bad person or thief is predictable.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

No gps built in.

[@godisgr8466]

​@@SafeDriveSolutionsthanks. so the dash cam can't be tracked when stolen.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@godisgr8466 that is correct.

[@user-lp3ck8lt4l]

Is it possible to mount the U3000 on the U1000 windshield mount?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

2 completely different mounts.

[@user-lp3ck8lt4l]

@@SafeDriveSolutions Thanks! I'll stick with my U1000, not worth the hassle of rewiring rear cam and getting another forward recognition cover where I mounted my U1000 dashcam for that slim profile, clean look. Only about less than a quarter inch of the dashcam behind the rear view mirror is visible from my driving position. The U3000 maybe overall shorter than the U1000 but much thicker now due to the inclusion of radar. Putting it in the same location will stick out more than an inch vs U1000 and that new larger rear cam will not fit in the gap between rear sunshade and rear windshield.

[@bigED1013]

Why not license plate reading in the U1000 and U3000 video?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

It was taken from another video just comparing quality. The sad part was they were very similar in performance.

[@gotnocrabz]

Is it possible to add 3 channel or only stuck with two?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

U3000 is only available in 1 or 2 channel. no 3 channel availability

[@gotnocrabz]

@@SafeDriveSolutions thank you for your reply. Had a quick follow up question, have you hooked up an external batter like black box power cell to help with park mode.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Ultimate DashCam Battery Packs for Parking Recording Comparison kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJaWeZ6Zfc6Debc

[@bellatrix7692]

So should i get the U3000 or the Blackvue970X ??

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Depends what you are using it for?

[@bellatrix7692]

@@SafeDriveSolutions I’ll be using it on my car for daily driving, going to work, picking up the kids & going on road trips from time to time

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@bellatrix7692 if you want a low current consumption parking mode. I would get Thinkware U3000. If you want Cloud services than DR970X. I definitely prefer U3000

[@greyphantome2617]

How does thinkware compare with BlackVue in terms of reliability?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Thinkware has been reliable for the 5 plus years I have been using the brand. Very low defect rate. Not sure how. Blackvue is in comparison.

[@greyphantome2617]

Thank you appreciate the advice. Mainly wanted to see if thinkware handles hot climate better than BlackVue

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@greyphantome2617 It does come with some heat blocking film in the box

[@richscott2483]

@@greyphantome2617 I would imagine about the same with Thinkware vs Blackvue with heat dissipation. BlackVue DR970x has "The Cloud" capability. Thinkware U1000 has been a strong contender since Sept 2019. The new U3000 is its successor and does seem to be much better all around especially when it comes to Parking Mode. If you seek the best 4K HDR Front Camera only video quality it is the Viofo A139 Pro. Oops, Thinkware U3000 includes Heat/Radiation Blocking Film which is a plus or can be helpful.

[@CaptainCJ97]

It's insane how they dropped this last year & didnt do anything else no new features , updates & no update on the sos feature that don't work. But they roll out a new dashcam called arc & keep posting on their social medias with no care in the world just disappointing really

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yeah not sure why no updates. But sometimes i think it is better there are no updates. We always find bugs in some of the updates from other brands. But it also feels like no updates means you are not moving forward

[@sanmar5259]

So besides saturation, both videos look exactly the same.

[@zerotolerance5581]

Camera hasn't been updated since May of '23. Seems pretty unsupported.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

That is correct was talking to someone about that today

[@jamesorr214]

Bought the Thinkware U3000. Can't register the device to the Thinkware Connected app. Tried every way possible, reset everything, contacted support in the USA and Australia, and my supplier. No joy as yet. 5 star price, 1 star experience.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Dis you try the thinkware dash cam link app?

[@jamesorr214]

I did. Can connect fine to the U3000 from the dash cam link app and can connect the U3000 to my home wifi and hot spot on my phone. In both cases I still cannot register the dashcam on the Thinkware Connected app. @@SafeDriveSolutions

[@jamesorr214]

I did. At this point I've tried everything so am just waiting for their support people to look into it. But yes, connect to the U3000 via Dash Cam Link app no problem, connect the dashcam to my home wifi or my phone hotspot no problem, try to register the dash cam in the Thinkware Connected app using MAC address or serial number and it errors. Reset U3000 and both apps, try again, fails again. The only possible issue I can see at this stage is there is an issue with Thinkware's cloud product that will have to be resolved by them. Reading other peoples comments around the place it looks like I am not alone. Maybe it needs a firmware update or who knows but I haven't seen one available.@@SafeDriveSolutions

[@jamesorr214]

Yes. Dash cam link app works fine. Can connect the U3000 to my home wifi or my phone too. Just can't register the dash cam in Thinkware Connected app. Reset everything, spent about 6 hours trying and retrying things. Tried using MAC address and serial. No joy. I'm thinking I'm stuck waiting the 48 hours support is supposed to take to get back to me. @@SafeDriveSolutions

[@jamesorr214]

I did. After fighting with it for a few hours on the weekend, I reset everything today and started fresh. Connected to the dash cam link app no problems, connected the U3000 to my home wifi (and my cell data to try that too) and tried to register it on the Thinkware Connected app. Still errors out. At this point I am stuck and waiting on Thinkware to get back to me. My guess is there is a problem at their end.@@SafeDriveSolutions

[@tr9478]

Are there any monthly fees associated with it

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

no

[@tr9478]

Thank you

[@gsgs856]

since July until now Thinkware connected still cannot registration

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

I found a way to register. Call me tomorrow I walked someone through how to pair to it. But i have not played with connected but I did figure out how to pair.

[@ergwehgr]

what if its just connected to an external battery? then I can't use motion detection?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Could you re ask your question.

[@ergwehgr]

you said motion detection only works with odm cable or hardwired so im wondering if it works if it is plugged to an external battery@@SafeDriveSolutions

[@ergwehgr]

@@SafeDriveSolutions you said motion detection only works if connected through odm or hardwired so I was wondering if it works if just connected to external battery

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Yes it will work with external battery pack as long as you use hardwire cable to connect it. If you use a cigarette lighter adaptor it will not work. Thinkware needs to see the 3 wires hooked up

[@ergwehgr]

@@SafeDriveSolutions but I'm using it for an Ev and the general consensus around where I am is that you should use the cigarette lighter plug

[@Ratalala]

12 volts a dangerous area for any modern car, 11.9 volts no engine start probably !

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Typically fine at 11.9

[@Ratalala]

@@SafeDriveSolutions winter is coming in Europe😇

[@ram64man]

The 3000 image quality is poor it’s far to bight and colour tones are all over the place, i don’t know it it’s a firmware or hardware issue , hdr in the tunnel was extremely poor compared to the 139pro. I would go to say the 1000 actually is a better product for image quality the startak2 holds promise if it is just a firmware issue then. They need yo get that out to reviewers and owners pronto

[@sherlockholmes6956]

I want it but I'm afraid someone will break a window to steal it.😅

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Not sure where you live but it seems more likely people would steal the whole car than steal the dash camera. If you are also only using it while driving, you can take it off the windshield and bring it in with you at night.

[@jordan2104]

Is it just me or U1000 looks better at night than the U3000?

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

some shots the U1000 looks better and some shots the U3000 looks better.

[@richscott2483]

The U3000 is the successor to the U1000 which was released in Sept. 2019. The new chassis style with built-in front and rear radar modules is better than having 1 separate radar module that was used with U1000. Also, Thinkware improved upon the App features. Video quality has not differentiated much as the U1000 and U3000 are similar. I would say Thinkware did not emphasize much on Video Quality for the front camera but the rear camera is slightly better than the U1000. When watching Ben's video, it appears during various segments in his recording the U1000 was a tad bit better. Neither had better quality than the Viofo A139 Pro simply because Viofo uses HDR and Thinkware does not. If you desire the best of the best for Parking Mode then U3000 is the clear winner. Sad to say, Blackvue DR970x was defeated as it could not match the A139 Pro or U3000 performance. The Viofo A119 Mini-2 is 2K front and 2K rear. It is nice for those wishing to have a small monitoring screen but you must also Update the Firmware to fix some minor issues. That said, the A139 Pro has the best 4K video utilizing Starvis2 IMX-678. Enjoy and may you be content with your next Dash Cam decision. Expect some new product releases TBD in the Fall.

[@jordan2104]

@@richscott2483 Thanks for the info, as I'm not very familiar with the Thinkware . I've been using a VIOFO A139 Pro since December last year and I'm quite happy with it, although it's missing a few features that would make it pretty much perfect. I'm shopping for another cam for my wife's car, so I'm trying to get up to speed with what's available at the moment.

[@10tenman10]

The U3000 is too expensive.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Lots of thing have moved up in price.

[@10tenman10]

@@SafeDriveSolutions it is literally twice the price of the starvis 2.0 viofo. And packed full of features I would immediately turn off.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

@@10tenman10 yeah I agree it is not for everyone. Red light and speed camera notifications personally I dont care for at all. But some people love it. Wont use ADAS, or Cloud either. But some people use it all. I do see your point.

[@figmo7494]

U1000 video looks way better than U3000’s video

[@VinceCannavaII]

I wonder if it was the slightly lower mounting location or lens angle in the vehicle. You are right, I was thinking the same thing.

[@keysersoze1537]

Na the U3000 looks better it’s definitely mounted further away from the glass to get no reflection in the image the lens supposed to be almost touching the glass or as close as possible because a bit of reflection kills the work the lens putting out

[@LaraAmelia7]

Exposure on the u3 looks off it’s blowing out the highlights. Can this be adjusted?

[@unclem4626]

Combine viofo video quality with thinkware parking mode with blackvue cloud capability equals the whole sha-bang for $$$$.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Maybe someone will build it

[@lPHOENIXZEROl]

I bought a A139 Pro about a week before the U3000 came out. 😅 But I don't know if the radar feature is worth an extra $250 bucks, that covers most of the cost of the Powercell 8 battery I bought with it.

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

If you got a Powercell 8 and an A139 Pro sounds to me like you made a great decision.