Thinkware U3000 PRO Front + Rear review

The U3000 PRO is Thinkware’s model for overnight parking, and it replaces the U3000. The big reason to choose it is radar parking built into both cameras, on top of 4K at the front. The camera can stay mostly asleep until something moves nearby, then wake and save a short clip. Thinkware publishes a 20-second clip that covers the moments before and after the event, with energy-saving modes designed to last overnight without killing a 12V battery. Thinkware also says radar parking on the PRO uses about 10% less power than on the U3000.

That's why it gets an A for parking. Other cameras here have parking modes, but few have radar in the box, and the U3000 PRO has it in the rear camera as well as the front. The Q1000 can add a radar puck as an extra, and BlackVue can add cloud alerts with LTE, but Thinkware designs the U3000 PRO around overnight parking, with radar built in. You can set the radar range in five steps, from about 1 metre to about 5 metres. It's designed to react to movement slower than 20 km/h, so traffic passing at speed shouldn't keep waking it. Worth knowing: Thinkware says metallic window tint can reduce what the radar detects.

The good news is that driving footage looks strong on the published specs too. The front camera uses a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 sensor and records 4K at 30fps, and switching it to 2K raises that to 60fps. The rear camera in this kit records 2K at 30fps on a STARVIS 2 IMX675, and Super Night Vision 4.0 is listed for low light. HDR runs on the rear camera, and on the front in 4K mode, while you drive. It balances bright and dark areas in the same frame, which matters at night when headlights sit close to a number plate. The kit comes with a 64GB microSD card, and the camera takes cards up to 512GB.

We haven't parked this camera on a street for a week ourselves. The grade is based on Thinkware's published parking features and its own hardwire requirement. Here's the catch: this Amazon kit includes a hardwire lead, but it still has to be fitted. If you won't hardwire, a Thinkware bought for parking won't give you the overnight recording you paid for.

Who this suits

Your car's parked on the street or in an open car park overnight.

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

When another camera fits better

You want to tap a screen in the car to set things up.

You only plan to use a cigarette-lighter lead.

What works well

• Radar in both the front and rear cameras, so parking does not mean recording 24 hours at full power
• The manufacturer lists STARVIS 2 sensors on both cameras and Super Night Vision 4.0
• Energy saving and low-voltage cutoff are documented as core parts of Thinkware’s parking setup

What to watch for

• No screen — setup is through the app and the 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, in both the front and rear cameras of the U3000 PRO. On the Q1000, radar's an optional puck.

Is this front only or dual?

It's a dual. This Amazon listing includes the 2K rear camera, a hardwire lead and a 64GB microSD card.

Can I skip hardwiring?

Not if you bought it for parking. Without a live supply once the ignition's off, the feature won't run.

How is it different from the U3000?

The U3000 PRO adds radar to the rear camera and HDR on the rear, and Thinkware says radar parking uses about 10% less power. The front sensor class and Super Night Vision 4.0 are the same as on the U3000.