Is radar really built in?

Yes on the U3000. Optional puck on the Q1000.

Confirm the Amazon listing. Some UK listings are front only; 2-channel kits add a 2K rear.

Not if you bought it for parking. Without a live supply, the feature is off.

Thinkware U3000 review

Buy this if parking mode is the reason you want a dash cam. Skip it if you want a screen or you will not pay for a proper install.

The U3000 is Thinkware’s parking specialist. The headline is not only 4K. It is 4K plus a radar module in the camera, so parking mode can sleep until something moves in range, then wake and save a short clip. Thinkware publishes a 20-second radar clip around an impact, with energy-saving modes that are designed to last overnight without killing a 12V battery.

That is why the parking grade is an A. Other cameras on this site have parking modes. Few have radar in the box. The Q1000 can add a radar puck as an extra. BlackVue can add cloud alerts with LTE. The U3000 is the one that treats overnight watch as the product.

Driving evidence is still strong on paper: Sony STARVIS 2, Super Night Vision 4.0, 4K at 30fps or 2K at 60fps, optional 2K rear. Check the Amazon listing is the channel count you want. Some UK listings are front only.

We have not parked this camera on a street for a week. The grade is from the published parking suite and the maker’s own hardwire requirement. If you will not hardwire, do not buy a Thinkware for parking. You would be paying for a feature you have switched off.

Who it is for

Drivers who park on the street or in open car parks overnight.

People who want the camera to keep watch without recording all night at full power.

Who should skip it

Anyone who wants to tap a screen in the car.

Anyone who will only use a cigarette-lighter lead.

The good

Built-in radar, so parking does not mean recording 24 hours at full power
4K STARVIS 2 and Super Night Vision 4.0 on the spec sheet
Energy saving and low-voltage cutoff are first-class Thinkware features, not afterthoughts

The bad

No screen — setup is app and install
Hardwire is not optional if you bought it for parking
Dearer than a VIOFO dual with a similar driving sensor

Common questions

Is radar really built in?: Yes on the U3000. Optional puck on the Q1000.
Front only or dual?: Confirm the Amazon listing. Some UK listings are front only; 2-channel kits add a 2K rear.
Can I skip hardwire?: Not if you bought it for parking. Without a live supply, the feature is off.