Thinkware - U3000

r/dashcam has a great sidebar breaking down this question based on your budget. I use a thinkware u3000 in my 25 ST Hybrid and absolutely love it.

If you want recording while parked, get one with a solid parking mode and add a battery to support the cameras. I am running a setup that works this way on my Outback. Thinkware U3000 2 channel with a Thinkware iVolt mini battery. Not a cheap\* setup, but has radar based parking mode that records when the radar senses motion (results in longer battery lifetime for parking mode than most can achieve). \*Since cheap means something different to everyone. Not a cheap setup is relative to dash cams in general. The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 I run in my WRX was $130. The Thinkware setup in the Outback was around $900. If you are not installing yourself you will add additional cost. I do my own installs.

U3000 image quality is excellent. I have read that some competitors have a better night vision, but it certainly delivers more than enough video quality. Expect some differences are only noticeable when doing side by side comparisons.

Went with cheap, small, and easy to install for my WRX: Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 Went with more expensive, harder install, but better setup for my Outback: Thinkware U3000 with Thinkware iVolt mini (better resolution, front/rear cameras, radar parking mode, battery to support parking mode runtime) Ultimately it depends on your goals. Garmin, Thinkware, and Blackvue all make solid products. You just have to decide on budget and what features you want.

ive been running a U3000 just fine in my 23OBW

I have the Thinkware U1000 in mine, will be upgrading to the U3000 as I need to replace another vehicles dash cam. I have mine hardwired with front and rear camera, upgraded SD card, and haven’t had any issues.

I know there’s occasional interest here about dashcams, so thought I would share my experience. About a month ago I started looking for a dashcam for my 2025 Santa Fe. I had two incidents where my previous car had been in accidents where a dashcam could have potentially helped, so I knew all along I wanted one for our new car after we purchased it in September. I knew I wanted a 2-channel (front and rear) system with parking mode. I also was not keen on hardwiring it into the fuse box, which led me to several models that would plug into the car’s OBD port – which I believe is the only option you have left if you want parking mode without hardwiring, since the OBD keeps power running to the device after the car is turned off, while the 12v ports do not. After doing some research, I wound up buying the ThinkWare U3000 from BlackBoxMyCar in Canada. While definitely pricy, the U3000 had really good reviews for image quality, would plug into your OBD port, and had a really cool radar feature for its parking mode, where the camera would only come alive when radar sensed movement around the car, meaning it drew less voltage from the battery compared to cameras that were “always on” using motion sensing. Unfortunately, the U3000 didn’t live up to its promise – I had nothing but trouble setting it up, and the horribly-written instructions, clunky apps (you actually need two separate apps, God knows why) and unhelpful customer support from Thinkware didn’t make things easier. After much trouble setting it up, the camera wouldn’t recognize when the car was parked vs driving, which obviously made it completely useless. While I was struggling with the install I also came across this video where a Thinkware representative admits the rear-camera radar feature won’t work on vertical windshields (it’s about at the 7:45 mark of this video): https://youtu.be/1b_EBZPrius?si=Yl5CYYxWB97vRmUm Well, it doesn’t get any more vertical than what we have on the Santa Fe, obviously, so at this point I knew I was done with the U3000. Luckily, BlackBoxMyCar has a good return policy and I sent it back without issue. Back to the drawing board, did some more research, decided to bite the bullet on the hardwiring issue, and came across the Vueroid D21 4K. This one doesn’t have much presence in the US yet, but the few reviews I could find looked really good for video quality and low-power parking mode. I bought it from Seattle Dashcams, and had it installed by a local car stereo place for $160. The setup is a little clunky, but after some tweaks I’ve been very happy with it so far. Video quality is great, parking mode works as advertised, event capture (you push a button and it saves a 30-second file from 15 seconds before you pushed the button to 15 seconds afterwards in a separate location that won’t get overwritten) worked when tested, etc. The Vueroid viewing app isn’t the best but you can easily export videos (or still images) to another viewer, so I don’t care that much. You can download videos directly to your phone over wifi, or transfer videos to your computer from the SD card. Happy to answer any questions. Here’s a link to a 30-second clip from the front camera: https://youtu.be/8ZwAt4UAIVw

I have a Thinkware U3000 arriving today and I’m hoping to install it myself sometime this week. There are a million install videos on YouTube but none I could find on a 24/25 SF. I might make my own. My biggest concern is not messing with the side curtain airbags.

I have this and it's pretty bomb : https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-u3000-4k-uhd-front-and-2k-qhd-rear-dash-cam-with-built-in-gps-wifi-and-radar-black/6552793.p?skuId=6552793

I also have a Pilot ('20). I will be installing a U3000. We have a U1000 in our Santa Fe.

I have the U3000 it records sounds- good thing I don’t sing in my car

I got the thinkware U3000 (front and rear) for my ‘rx uses a battery pack and plugged into the cig port in the center console

>I want a dashcam I can clearly see license plates even at night. No such animal. Thinkware U3000 and Blackvue DR970x plus box will catch some, and offer parked/overnight recording. They're the best consumer options available.

As a long time Blackvue user of a DR750S in my own car, I would say both are worth it. There are not really better and much cheaper options than the newer Blackvue models that have the same quality or reliability. The DR770x plus is going to meet the needs unless you're willing to pay a premium to get a bit more video quality, and if that's the case the Thinkware U3000 is likely to be a more attractive option and a bit less money. You can buy Thinkware anywhere and get decent warranty/support, but BlackBoxMyCar is the only place I'd by current Blackvue (or if you believe others, Viofo) due to warranty and support challenges in Canada. Visions typically has black friday and boxing day sales on older models. There can be decent savings.

Thinkware u3000 is the better choice if you're not using cloud services. Viofo has ongoing SDcard corruption issues, and currently has a bug where event video gets lost. Rove and Vantrue aren't great, and if you have problems getting support and replacements from Canada is a hassle.

It's preorder, so you won't see legitimate reviews for a while. That brand is focused on providing a high margin accessory to installers rather than value for customers. They claim it's starvis instead of starvis2, and the resolutions listed are potentially problematic. You can get a much better cam for the money. Thinkware U3000 being an example, with the ODB2 power option simplifying the installation to the point if you can hook up a TV you can install yourself.

Thinkware U3000 if you want the best 2ch 4k. Viofo also make a really great option too.

Thinkware u3000 Went to a stereo shop to have it installed cleanly and so that it remains on even when parked.

THINKWARE U3000 just purchased a pair for both cars. 3 days after install was rear ended, was amazed at quality of video as I had not even installed the app or checked video before. Tech support was super good and explained how to transfer video to PC, as I did not want to lose anything by missing a step. The obo connection and parking mode efficiency help me chose after weeks of research. Called a couple installers and same model was in their top 2

Yes my crash was at night and rear camera which is only 2K had what I consider perfect night vision. I could clearly see her facial expressions as she plowed into the back of my car. I install commercial security cameras and license plate recognition is challenging with fixed 4k cameras with much bigger lenses and ccd chips with parked cars and fixed cameras. So I put little faith in Internet reviews claiming brand xyz can read license plates better than 123 so this did not influence my choice. No I have never done side by side tests in a controlled environment between brands which I never found online only options. I am happy with my choice. So buy whatever brand you trust, your money your car

I have U3000 and night vision is great. I was rear ended 3 days after install at night and footage shows every expression on the ladies face as she slammed into me. Tech support is amazing, I work in IT and deal with support companies all day and THINKWARE support is better than 90% of computer software vendors

Either Thinkware, Viofo, or Vantrue. Just pick which one has the feature set you want. I went with Thinkware 3000 for its parking mode features and OBD power cable.

Go with one of Vortex Radar’s recommendations that fits your budget. Viofo, Thinkware, Vantrue, and Blackview all make great stuff. I personally run a Thinkware U3000. https://www.vortexradar.com/best-dashcams/ If you specifically want the best parking mode features, I would go U3000. If parking mode isn’t that important to you, then A229 Pro.

I use a Thinkware U3000 front and rear camera. I used the ODB2 plug so the camera goes into park mode 30 seconds after turning it off. It seems to take 1 image a second or so to keep from running down the car battery. It uses radar to detect motion. The only drawback I find with it is that it catches A LOT of moments of nothing and turning on the car reports the number of incidents that are sometimes so high that I don't even bother to review. Cars passing by, people walking thru the parking lot. I guess if you're trying to catch something happening to your car you'll only really look when something actually does happen so it's not that big of a deal.

Just installed the U3000 in my car on Sunday. 99+ alerts this morning during overnight parking in my own driveway. Must have detected every car that went buy. Makes the feature useless. I suppose I'll have to park so that my cams don't point toward the road.

I struggled with that as well. I could not get wifi to connect at all... so I downloaded the correct app (different than my old thinkware cam), connected via bluetooth and I could access all my settings.. then when I looked at recordings it asked to connect via wifi and it did it kind of without any further input. I find the app a little lacking except to change settings... so I bought a USB reader for my phone and not only does it work.. .but it works WAY faster.

I bought Thinkware U1000 for the parking mode. If money is no concern, go with the U3000 and have it professionally installed. I had mine installed by Best Buy and so far so good.

At this point, I'd go with Thinkware U3000 dual channel setup with batteries and radar for parking mode. And the best prices and warranty are usually through www.blackboxmycar.com

I have the u3000 and the viofo a329 (almost the same as 229). The thinkware has a better experience and probably more reliable and far better parking mode, the viofo has a worse but still usable parking mode and better night time video quality as it has HDR. The thinkware, while you can see a lot, is blown out so bad you can't make any license plates or signs out. Exactly like what you said. I personally prefer being able to see important details, and the viofo does a far better job at it. I run the viofo, and it's been working very well so far. I would go with the viofo since I care about image quality, but if you want the best of the best parking mode, thinkware is the leader.

[dashcam comparison ](https://youtu.be/tJeK03JIOGA?si=KfL3PSV34nMCmXLV) That may help solidify your choice. I like the better video quality that viofo offers. However, the thinkware performs really well for parking mode, and the app is really polished. Btw if you are using a battery pack, you alleviate the recordtime hurdle from viofo. The powercell8 is ancient in terms of tech. What vehicle is it going into?

I had a Blackvue DR900X that took the heat from 21-24 when I sold it and it was still working. Parked every day in the sun in Corpus Christi. It doesn’t have a battery so it takes getting cooked a lot better. The rear camera was impossible to keep attached though so I just got rid of it. But today’s adhesives are probably better. My new car I got a Thinkware U3000 that even has a sun guard sticker to block the direct sunlight. I can’t attest to it because I now have a garage that I park my car in.

I used Nexar for several years, but changed to the Thinkware U3000 because is has front and rear cameras. There is also radar for when parked. You should also look into a separate hotspot so it can send alerts to your phone.

I had the Thinkware U3000 put in my cars. It’s hardwired. The 4K camera is great. It was like $600 all installed at the local radio shop. Very first drive after installing it, we recorded an accident right in front of us and a high speed chase complete with a road spikes finish a few days later. https://amzn.to/3NrFDtQ

I put in Thinkware U3000 just to the right of the Eye Sight system. https://amzn.to/3XY6J1z

Thinkware U3000. Draws power off ODB, so I put a splitter in and it was too easy.

If you want parking monitoring the top camera in the reviews is consistently the Thinkware U3000

I think you can adjust the sensitivity of the features as well. Might be able to tone that down a bit. I park in the garage and also just started using the camera this past weekend and have been frustrated trying to get on the Thinkware Connected app. I like the camera, image quality, and features. Now I need to learn how to use them.

I have the thinkware U3000.

The video quality, it doesnt destroy itself in the heat. Front cam 4k Good rear cam If someone even touches the car while it's parked it gets video.

I would do that or the Thinkware U3000 or U1000 I just prefer the size and shape of the BlackVue. Both are top rated and can be transferred to any newer car you get pretty easily. I work at a dealer and we charge like 3hrs for install. But it could definitely be done by anyone with reasonable ability and time.

I spent about $180 install + $515 w/ tax on a Thinkware U3000 for my 2025 Subaru Forester Sport. The app/dashcam interface is a little quirky but the video (day/nite) quality seems to be excellent. My installer says he uses the same dashcam on his car (I bought mine on sale from Best Buy).  Thinkware is on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Thinkware_Dashcam/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x&utm_name=mweb3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button If you live in Vegas/hot climate, be sure to factor in ur dashcam performance in those conditions (I think a "capacitor" (?) battery supposed to handle heat best).

My current and previous dash cams were Thinkware. I only changed cameras to upgrade, not because there was anything wrong with the old camera. Had a Q800 Pro previously and am now using the U3000. Both have been good. I had them professionally installed because I can't be bothered to do it myself.

I have a Thinkware U3000 (Q800 Pro before that) with an external battery in mine. Not cheap but I like the quality. Viofo is generally the recommended brand for budget cameras. If you want a more OEM look then FitCamX. r/dashcam is the sub to ask if you have more questions.

You will have a difficult time reading license plates, especially at night. During the day, if the speed differential is great, like if you are passing or being passed, the license plate may not be clear. You’ll definitely want a 4K dashcam but I’m not aware of any which have a 4K rear camera. There may be some, I just don’t know. My last two dashcams have been the Thinkware U-1000 and the U-3000. The image quality is excellent. The hardware and software functionality allowing you to retrieve recordings is way better in the U-3000 than the U-1000. They both have a feature which will turn off the camera (parking mode) when the 12v battery drops too much. If you’re in an EV or just want the added assurance that the parking mode won’t eat up the cars 12v battery, you can add on an iVolt backup battery which supplies the camera power in parking mode.

I would disagree that the Fitcamx is the blanket "recommended dashcam". It might be the recommended dashcam if you want a dashcam that doesn't take up any additional windshield space. However, there are several MUCH better dashcams in terms of video quality and other features such as robust parking mode. For example, the Thinkware U3000

We had this [Dash Cam](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/thinkware-u3000-4k-uhd-front-and-2k-qhd-rear-dash-cam-with-built-in-gps-wifi-and-radar-black/6552793.p?skuId=6552793) installed by Best Buy and it's worked very well so far.

Dashcam is absolutely worth it but forget about the built in one. Get something like the Thinkware U1000 or even better the newer U3000. 4k front cam 2k rear, has parking mode so it still records while you're parked, gives red light/speed camera warnings. It's like $600 USD if you do professional hardwire installation but absolutely worth it for a car that's almost $100k all in. Don't want to be hit or vandalized while parked without knowing who did it or what happened. I'm running the U1000 myself which I also had for my previous car and I couldn't be happier, worth every penny, paid for itself the first time I got into an incident and proved I wasn't at fault. For a few hundred more you can get the U3000 which is the newer version, which I've read gives you real time alerts to your phone for example when it detects something hitting your car when parked.

I have a Thinkware U1000 and I have the U3000 in the wife’s 10/10 I love them and will continue to buy them. Clear picture and great recording when parked

I have the Thinkware U3000. Reason I got it is for the OBD power option. Just run the wire to the OBD and not have to worry about it.

I bought the thinkware u3000. This is because my vehicle sits for extended periods without driving - so combined with the thinkware battery I have 1-2 days of radar recording and once that battery gets low it goes into impact detection which should last many days. This for me is the best case scenario. If you drive your vehicle often and it doesn't sit - you have a lot more options.

I have a Thinkware U3000 2ch, love it overall, great at reading license plates

It’s a lot better compared to cams I’ve had in the past, especially with the rear cam / no headlights. I decided to turn off Super Night Vision when I first got it (Idk if I heard it’s improved since then?). Parking mode works perfectly with the OBD port, I will note that it doesn’t seem to be buffered.

I actually mainly had lower end Thinkwares, so go figure… but it was well worth the investment. I’ve never had a proper setup with parking mode before but motion detection works very well and I attibute that in part to the RADAR

I have a U3000 got it last week I might be trading it in for the blackview hopefully this will help you decide cause it would have helped me if someone would have told me…First off go to your App Store and look up THINKWARE reviews it’s absolutely terrible..THINKWARE is were you have to hook up your camera to watch remotely but here’s the catch.. Are you ready to add a hotspot to your phone plan I did I got t mobile hotspot 10 gigs $30 extra a month added to my phone bill but blackview you can put a SIM card in ready made camera no hotspot needed but you will have to pay for there service which I would have preferred but that’s just me…I didn’t know that you have to go actually turn your car on to look at footage if you don’t have hotspot I don’t know if all dashcams are made like that but the sucks to have to have your car idling to look at footage..Having your dash cam on radar mode it’s so mOn any recordings it’s like a needle in a hay stack to find what you actually looking for on

Thinkware, Viofo, BlackVue I have a Thinkware u3000 with a dedicated backup battery. I wanted an awesome parking mode and 4K. it will last 30 days with the backup battery in radar mode. Expensive as hell. Camera was $550 and the battery was $200+ If you don’t need or want radar activated parking mode then the Viofo a229 pro 3 channel is probably a better option. 4K Starvis 2 sensors like the thinkware but I think Viofo has better quality video for some reason. It’s $280-$300 on Amazon. BlackVue has been around a while and makes good cameras from cheap to expensive. Under $200 I’d get a lower end Viofo. Try and get a 2 Channel system. All the camera apps are garbage. Buy a high quality sd card.

FitcamX is nice because of the fit, but something like a Thinkware U3000 or Viofo a329 is going to capture better video. I am getting the A329. I don’t plan on doing any monitoring during parking, but it’s compatible with battery packs if you want that feature. It would probably be easy to run the wiring down the passenger A pillar and to the fuse box the secure the battery down there somewhere.

I love my Thinkware U3000 paired with a Powercell 8 parking mode battery bank. It has outstanding video quality and in parking mode would last weeks with the truck turned off.

I have been running a thinkware front and back combo for over 5 years now with no issues. It even saved me in court once after an idiot crashed into me and lied about it.

I got a thinkware 4k for the bronco, fits really nicely behind the mirror and works great

I got the bottom left dual channel Thinkware with GPS receiver from Best Buy for 129.99 on sale. Install wasn't in a Colorado but a 2010 Tahoe and once I found some unused pins to hardwire to, running the wires was a piece of cake. From the driver's seat, you cannot see the front dash cam or wires as it's tucked up in front of the the rear view mirror with wires running behind the covering that hides the auto dimming/compass wiring.

I've had my 2 channel Thinkware front and rear dashcam installed 4 years ago. My car hasn't been broken in. I also put black electric tape to the front LED notification lights as you can't disable it in its Settings. Don't get the ones that look like a camera those are way more obvious when seen from the outside. Viofo, Thinkware, Blackvue are wedge-shaped and less conspicuous