Thinkware Q1000 Front + Rear review

The Q1000 is Thinkware’s 2K dual. Both cameras are listed at 2K QHD with Sony STARVIS sensors and Super Night Vision 3.0, and True HDR is on the published spec. If someone bumps you from behind in a car park, a 2K rear is a clear advantage over a kit with only a 4K front.

Once you've fitted a hardwire kit, parking covers motion, impact, time-lapse and energy saving. Here's the catch: radar for this model is the separate U4KRADAR puck. That puck is how Thinkware stretches overnight recording while drawing less power, and it isn't in a typical Amazon Q1000 dual box. We give parking a B+ because the features are well documented but the radar costs extra. The U3000 PRO gets an A because its radar is built in.

If your car's parked on the street overnight and that's the main reason you're buying, we'd usually spend the extra on the U3000 PRO. If you want Thinkware’s parking habits on a matched 2K dual, the Q1000 covers that. Either way, you'll still need a hardwire or OBD-II install.

Who this suits

You like Thinkware’s hardwire-and-forget approach to parking.

You can live with 2K instead of 4K.

You want a 2K rear without buying a separate radar kit today.

When another camera fits better

You're expecting the radar module in the box. It's a separate part.

You want 4K at the front (we'd look at the U3000 PRO or a VIOFO dual).

You only plan to use a cigarette-lighter lead.

What works well

• 2K on both cameras, which is a fairer dual than a 4K front with a 1080p rear
• Thinkware parking modes and battery protection are the reason many people choose this brand
• No screen, so it stays small on the glass

What to watch for

• Not 4K
• Radar is optional, unlike the U3000 PRO
• Install still needs a hardwire kit

Common questions

Is radar included?

No. The U4KRADAR puck is optional on the Q1000, whereas it's built into the U3000 PRO.

Why not buy the U3000 PRO?

If overnight radar is why you're shopping, we'd go for the U3000 PRO. But if a 2K dual with Thinkware’s parking modes covers what you need, the Q1000's enough.

Are front and rear both 2K?

Yes, on this dual listing they're both 2K QHD at about 30fps, or 1080p at 60fps on the front option Thinkware lists.