Subj : I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam and it has heaps of pot To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Tue Dec 09 2025 11:00:08 I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam and it has heaps of potential but it's outshone by affordable rivals Date: Tue, 09 Dec 2025 10:54:33 +0000 Description: The Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam is armed with a host of powerful features and functions but comes with a premium price FULL STORY ======================================================================Thinkwar e U3000 Pro: two-minute review Thinkware has recently introduced the U3000 Pro Dash Cam as a beefier edition of its existing U3000 model. The company is already well-known for producing some of the best dash cams out there, but this model takes things a step further with Connected Service support. Anyone wanting the ability to monitor their vehicle remotely will find thats now possible with the Thinkware U3000 Pro, with an optional LTE module that will be sold separately. Another bonus with the Thinkware U3000 Pro, much like the excellent 70mai 4K T800 , is that it's able to work in a three channel setup. That means it can be configured to shoot forward-facing video, capture video out of the rear window and also enjoy an infrared view of the cabin area too. That said, if the LTE module is being used, Thinkware states that the cabin cam component cannot be engaged at the same time. Nevertheless, the latter is a handy option for anyone who needs to keep an eye on occupants, from small children through to anyone transporting passengers. On paper too, the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam has an impressive set of features and functions. My two-channel review bundle came with twin cameras that feature Sony Starvis 2 sensors, one 8.4 megapixel IMX687 for the front and one 5.14 megapixel IMX675 for the rear, shooting 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p) at 30 fps or QHD (2560 x 1440p) at 60 fps for the forward-facing unit. The rear backs it up with 2K QHD (2560 x 1440p) and 30 fps, which is all perfectly serviceable. (Image credit: Future) This is a slightly different camera to look at too, with a slender body shape for the front that sits neatly tucked up and out of the way of the windshield. That could be a blessing for anyone with a small viewing area at the front. There isnt any built-in screen though, which means the setup, configuration and day-to-day management of files mainly needs to be done in partnership with the Thinkware app. The app is workmanlike and gets the job done, while built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi covers the connectivity part of the equation without much in the way of fuss. Like most dash cam models now, this is a unit that can be boosted still further with the optional addition of a hardwire kit. Plumbed into your vehicles electrics, the specification is boosted with smart parking modes that enhance the U3000 Pro's appeal. Features including built-in radar and Super Night Vision 4.0 that tap into the power of the Starvis sensors adds up the appeal even further. Meanwhile, the ADAS (advanced driver assistance) tools and built-in GPS means the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam wants for nothing. It is, however, priced on the higher side and, and for anyone who prefers a rear screen on their dash cam, it might not fit the bill at all. Thinkware U3000 Pro: price and availability The Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam is available now and is priced at $429.99 / 399 for the single channel U3000 Pro (roughly AU$800). Meanwhile, the two-channel variant is priced at $549.99 / 479 (around AU$960). This makes it a premium model, with lots of rival models to choose from, including the aforementioned 70mai 4K T800 . Anyone wanting a similar dash cam but not requiring the additional features might prefer to just settle with the original U3000 model, which can currently be found discounted via some retailers. Thinkware U3000 Pro: specs VanTrue Nexus 5S specs Video Front: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p) @30 fps or QHD (2560 x 1440p) @60 fps Rear: 2K QHD (2560 x 1440p) @30 fps Field of view (FOV) 147 degrees front / 156 degrees rear Storage MicroSD up to 512GB, Cloud GPS Yes Parking mode Yes, with constant power cable, not included App support Thinkware app Dimensions 69.8 x 102.6 x 55.5 mm / 2.75 x 4.04 x 2.19 inches Weight 0.31 lbs / 140.7g front / 0.09 lbs 41.1g rear Battery No Thinkware U3000 Pro: Design Thinkware has gone down a slightly different route with the design of the U3000 Pro. While many dash cams are either boxy or rectangular, the main unit of the U3000 Pro is a little bit quirkier. The front portion of the body is where most of the bulk is as this houses the lens. This in itself is an interesting idea as its angle can be adjusted to suit the rake of different windshields. I found this very stiff to adjust at first, but I guess that prevents it from changing position due to vibration or rough roads. The back end of the camera body is thinner and contains the slot for the microSD card and has ports for the cables. At the top, theres a bracket that slides on to the body once its out of the packaging and this has the self-adhesive pad that sticks to either a static sheet or directly to the windshield. I think the design works quite well, with a form factor that isnt quite as blatantly dash cam-looking as some rivals. Handy for anyone wanting a low-key look. (Image credit: Future) On the underside of the camera, facing downward from the roof, are three illuminated indicators that show BT/Wi-Fi, Rec and GPS from left to right. This panel also contains physical buttons Rec, Power, Wireless and Microphone symbols, for when manual intervention is needed. The easiest way to get set up, though, is to do everything via the supporting Thinkware app. Thinkware has kept things blocky for the design of the rear-facing camera and, again, I quite like the rectangular shape used here as its different from the many barrel-style units out there. The rear camera is linked up to the front-facing main unit via a decent length cable. Meanwhile, my test unit arrived with a 12V cable connector that could be connected to a standard in-car power port. The alternative is to buy the version with the hardwire kit, which unlocks the extra functionality mentioned above. (Image credit: Future) Thinkware U3000 Pro: Performance It took me a couple of tries to successfully pair the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam to my iPhone, for whatever reason, possibly issues with the wireless connection. Once that was sorted, I was easily able to manage the camera and functionality using the options contained therein. Of course, one potential downside for this model is the lack of a built-in screen. However, in its place, the app let me adjust the angle of the camera correctly by showing a view across the bonnet of my car. Those on-camera buttons were useful for basic tasks too, but the app will be the way to go for most users. Whilst it was operating, the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam got on with the job in hand without fuss, with the red recording button letting me know that it was capturing content as expected. Once Id used it for a bit, I got the video off the card and checked it out. Ill admit that wintry conditions didnt prove the best for capturing good video but overall, I thought the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam footage was a bit on the average side. It was undeniably clear, but dark winter conditions seemed to take the edge off the overall look of the content. (Image credit: Future) Neither did it didnt seem to be that good at capturing low light content, while picking out detail including license plates was less impressive than other models Ive tried. A bit surprising given this model uses the ever-popular Sony Starvis hardware. I thought the detail (such as GPS data, speed and so on) added to the bottom of the footage was a bit on the small side too, especially compared to rivals, although the Wi-Fi and GPS functionality of this model all worked as expected. Overall, the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam felt good, but not as great as Id hoped for. (Image credit: Future) One important thing to note is anyone wanting to enjoy the parking monitoring will need to do so by enlisting the services of an optional hardwire kit . This does increase the potential of the bundle, especially for anyone wanting the extra parking features that get unlocked by going down the hardwire route. Should you buy the Thinkware U3000 Pro? (Image credit: Future) Buy it if... You're after an always-on model The Thinkware U3000 Probenefits from an optional always-on feature, which offers remote monitoring via your smartphone. However, this requires an optional LTE module to work. You like a slimline design Another bonus of the Thinkware U3000 Prois that the main body is quite compact. This makes it a sensible choice for anyone with a fairly small windshield. You don't care about a rear screen While the Thinkware U3000 Prolacks a rear screen, it can be used easily thanks to the supporting app. This lets users manage every aspect of the dash cam with fuss. Don't buy it if... More basic shooting is all that's required The Thinkware U3000 Prois just that, a beefier edition of the U3000 Pro, which can be had discounted and while lacking some extra features, it's a solid alternative. Hard wiring a dash cam doesn't appeal The Thinkware U3000 Pro will work via a standard 12V car power port if that option is chosen when purchasing. However, any additional features and functions require a hardwire installation. Footage is vital for piece of mind The Thinkware U3000 Proshoots good quality footage in a variety of scenarios. However, I've tested rivals that do it better with the benefit of clearer on-screen GPS data too. How I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro I installed the dash cam in a car for an initial period of three weeks I used it for various day and night journeys in all types of weather I connected it to my phone, downloading recordings to check on quality I tested the Thinkware U3000 Pro Dash Cam overall several weeks, which consisted of using it in a test vehicle and in a variety of weather conditions. This allowed me to try all of the features and functions, aside from the hardwire options due to it being powered via a 12V power port. In addition, I downloaded the Thinkware app, which was installed on an iPhone 17 and used during the installation process and also for file management duties. The Wi-Fi connectivity between the main camera unit and the app was also tested, which based on the size of the 4K video files was a big part of the testing procedure and everything worked as anticipated. First reviewed December 2025 ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/dash-cams/i-tested-the-thinkware-u3000- pro-dash-cam-and-it-has-heaps-of-potential-but-its-outshone-by-affordable-riva ls --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .