Thinkware U3000 Pro Review

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Today I received a Thinkware U3000 Pro
Specifications
· Resolution:
Front : 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30 fps or
2K QHD (2560 x 1440) @ 60 fps
Rear : 2K QHD (2560 x 1440) @ 30fps

· Camera (Image Sensor):
Front - 8.4M / 1.18" Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 678
Rear - 5.14M 1/2.8” Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675

Viewing Angle:
Front - 147.2°, Rear - 156.4°

Dual HDR
HDR (Driving Only): Front (4K Mode Only) & Rear

Dual Radar parking Mode

Connectivity: LTE Module or Cabin Camera
(on additional USB-C port)

· Capacity: MicroSD Card
64GB/128GB/256GB/512GB

· Interface:
DC-IN, V-IN, MicroSD Card Slot,
EXT. Port, BAT.Port, USB-C Port

· Input Power:
Front - DC 12V/24V,
Built-in Supercapacitor
Rear - DC 5V

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

What are differences between U3000 and U3000 Pro

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

12.5 hours to the unboxing of the new Thinkware U3000 Pro

 

[paratrooper1987]

Do I need to buy both front and rear, or can I just buy the front and use my existing U3000 rear camera?

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Do I need to buy both front and rear, or can I just buy the front and use my existing U3000 rear camera?

Rear camera has been upgraded

 

[Dashcamuser567]

Are the cables the same for a retrofit from the u1000?

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Not same as u1000 except powe cable is

 

[mentadent]

I like the form factor.

 

[indigo]

so what really different between u3000? just hdr??

 

[Onetenner]

I'm looking to upgrade from a Thinkware Q850 - I did briefly consider a Viofo A329s but being a long-term Thinkware sufferer, sometimes it's better the devil you know....
Anyway, the reason for posting:-
One of the issues I have is excessive reflection from the rear screen picked up by the rear camera - could you, during the course of your review, give me an indication if the supplied polarising filter will fit the rear camera lens?

If anyone knows of a likely stock release date, that'd be handy too.
Thanks.

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

so what really different between u3000? just hdr??

Optional 3rd channel/ or LTE module add on
HDR
2K STARVIS 2 rear HDR

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

I'm looking to upgrade from a Thinkware Q850 - I did briefly consider a Viofo A329s but being a long-term Thinkware sufferer, sometimes it's better the devil you know....
Anyway, the reason for posting:-
One of the issues I have is excessive reflection from the rear screen picked up by the rear camera - could you, during the course of your review, give me an indication if the supplied polarising filter will fit the rear camera lens?

If anyone knows of a likely stock release date, that'd be handy too.
Thanks.

There is no supplied CPL filter for rear. The current TWA-CPL (U3000 and older) polarized lens that works for front camera will not work. The new U3000 Pro CPL filter which is completely different may work but i do not have another one to test. It comes supplied for front..... Will have to ask

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

I like the form factor.

it is same as previous gen U3000.

 

[Onetenner]

Thank you - I get minimal reflections from the front screen so if it fits, I'll likely use the supplied polarising filter on the rear.

 

[Onetenner]

I'd also be interested to know if the LTE function will be available whilst the RADAR parking mode is active, I gather previous models it was one or the other, not both.

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

I'd also be interested to know if the LTE function will be available whilst the RADAR parking mode is active, I gather previous models it was one or the other, not both.

I would say a hard no on this as it makes no sense to have energy saving mode features with an LTE module. But I will find out as we test.

 

[Onetenner]

Doesn't the LTE module have it's own battery? details are hard to find but having a long history in the automotive industry, I'd expect it to behave much like a telematics module - i.e. <5mA current draw in passive mode with <30mA whilst active but with an internal battery to supplement that when required.
Sending a short message and potentially streaming GPS and / or a relatively small video file (~200Mb) isn't massively power hungry, especially if you've got a decent bandwidth, what kills battery life is constantly scanning for or registering on marginal signal strength networks

 

[SafeDriveSolutions]

Doesn't the LTE module have it's own battery? details are hard to find but having a long history in the automotive industry, I'd expect it to behave much like a telematics module - i.e. <5mA current draw in passive mode with <30mA whilst active but with an internal battery to supplement that when required.
Sending a short message and potentially streaming GPS and / or a relatively small video file (~200Mb) isn't massively power hungry, especially if you've got a decent bandwidth, what kills battery life is constantly scanning for or registering on marginal signal strength networks

It is powered off of the USB C port. I dont think there is any battery in there. Thinkware is a company with no battery powered dash cameras. So I doubt they are putting a battery intop an LTE module that would also sit on the windshield

 

[Onetenner]

Then that would be a big drop in expected functionality for me, whilst not a 'deal breaker' I most likely wouldn't bother with the LTE module if it can't communicate when in parking mode with RADAR.

Why do you say the LTE module would be windscreen mounted - for signal strength? most vehicle telematic modules are buried deep in the body, only a few have remote antenna so I'd imagine somewhere like under the top of the dash would be suitable.