Thinkware U3000 4K Radar Dash Cam (Front + Rear)
Thinkware U3000 4K Radar Dash Cam (Front + Rear)
Help me choose the right setup
Overview
The Thinkware U3000 puts the brand's signature radar parking mode and a 4K Sony STARVIS 2 front camera into a front-and-rear kit under $1,000 — with the widest driver-assistance suite in the Thinkware range, including rear collision warning.
Who it's for
Pick the U3000 if radar parking protection and 4K clarity are the priority, and the Pro's dual-HDR rear and cabin-camera option aren't worth an extra $429 to you. It suits new-car owners, commuters in busy car parks and anyone who's come back to a dented panel and no note once too often.
- Radar parking protection
- 4K on a sensible budget
- New-car owners
- Busy car parks
Want HDR on both cameras, 512GB support and the cabin-camera option? Step up to the U3000 Pro. Prefer 2K at both ends for less? See the Q1000.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Built-in dual radar parking — buffered clips of approaching cars, minimal power draw
- 4K STARVIS 2 front camera with a wide 152° view
- The fullest ADAS in the range, including rear collision warning
- Super Night Vision 4.0 low-light processing
- Hardwire cable and 64GB card included
- Supercapacitor build with Australian safety-camera alerts
Worth knowing
- No HDR — at night, headlight glare can wash out plates that the Pro's HDR would hold (the main reason to upsize)
- microSD tops out at 256GB, endurance cards only
- Rear camera is STARVIS 1 with a narrower 128° view
- Connected features need your own Wi-Fi hotspot — there's no LTE module option for this model
A closer look
What it captures
A reversing SUV clips your bumper in a shopping-centre car park: radar caught it approaching, so the clip starts before contact and ends with their plate leaving. On the highway, 4K keeps signage and plates legible in a way 1080p simply can't.
Radar parking, Thinkware's signature
Dual radar built into the front and rear cameras watches for approaching movement while parked, waking the camera to record buffered clips — the lead-up, the event and the exit — while drawing a fraction of the power of always-on recording.
4K where it counts
The front 8.42MP Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 records 4K at 30fps (or 2K at 60fps if you prefer smoothness), with Super Night Vision 4.0 processing. The 2K rear camera covers the other direction.
The fullest driver-assist suite in the range
Lane departure, front collision (urban and highway), front vehicle departure and — unique to the U3000 among current Thinkwares — rear collision warning, plus Australian speed and red-light camera alerts.
EV and smart-alternator friendly
Thinkware recommends pairing radar parking with the iVolt Max battery in EVs and vehicles with smart alternators — weeks of protection with zero load on the car.
Installation options
Hardwire cable (included — unlocks parking mode): fuse-box install with battery-voltage cut-off; an auto electrician makes it a tidy job.
OBD-II harness (easy DIY alternative): the Thinkware OBD-II Power Cable enables all parking modes straight from the OBD port.
iVolt Max battery (EVs / long parking): up to 40 days of radar parking without touching the car battery.
Recommended accessories
| Accessory | What it does | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|
| iVolt Max battery | Weeks of radar parking without using the car battery — the EV answer | Optional |
| OBD-II power harness | Plug-and-play parking mode, no hardwiring | Optional |
| High-endurance microSD (256GB) | 4K files are big — max out the history | Recommended |
Recording time by card size
| microSD size | Approx. continuous recording |
|---|---|
| 64GB (included) | ~4–5 hours |
| 128GB | ~9 hours |
| 256GB | ~18 hours |
Recording times are estimates only. Real-world figures vary with resolution, bitrate, the number of channels recording, how often parking mode is triggered and your settings. Footage loops (oldest overwritten first) unless saved or protected. Use a high-endurance microSD card rated for continuous recording.
Specifications
| Front camera | 4K UHD 2160p @ 30fps (or 2K @ 60fps), Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678, 152° |
| Rear camera | 2K QHD 1440p @ 30fps, Sony STARVIS IMX335, 128° |
| Night vision | Super Night Vision 4.0 (no HDR — see U3000 Pro for dual HDR) |
| Radar | Built-in dual radar (front + rear) parking surveillance |
| Parking modes | Radar, Smart, Motion, Impact, Time Lapse, Energy Saving 2.0 (HWC or OBD-II required) |
| Driver assistance | LDWS, FCWS, uFCWS, FVDW + rear collision warning; AU safety-camera alerts |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS; Thinkware Connected via your own hotspot |
| Codec | H.265 (HEVC) |
| Storage | 64GB included; up to 256GB (high-endurance cards only) |
| Power | DC 12/24V; supercapacitor; voltage cut-off |
| Warranty | 3-year Australian warranty (TDJ Australia) |
What's in the box
U3000 front camera, 2K rear camera, hardwire cable (HWC), 64GB microSD card, mounts, heat-blocking film, cable clips and quick-start guide.
Frequently asked questions
How is the U3000 different from the U3000 Pro?
The Pro adds HDR on both cameras (the biggest night-time difference), a STARVIS 2 rear sensor with a wider 156° view, 512GB card support and the LTE module / cabin camera options. The standard U3000 counters with rear collision warning and a lower price.
Does radar parking really save the battery?
Yes — that's the point of it. The camera sleeps on minimal power and radar wakes it only when something approaches, instead of recording continuously. The hardwire cable's voltage cut-off is the safety net.
Can I use Thinkware Connected with this model?
Yes, via your own Wi-Fi hotspot in the car — the U3000 doesn't take the LTE module (that's a U3000 Pro option). Recording, radar and ADAS all work with no internet at all.
What microSD card should I use?
Up to 256GB, and Thinkware specifies high-endurance cards (Samsung PRO Endurance or SanDisk High Endurance) for reliable continuous recording.
What warranty applies in Australia?
3 years through TDJ Australia, Thinkware's official distributor, on genuine Australian stock — plus Australian Consumer Law rights.
Downloads
The free Thinkware Dash Cam Link app (iOS and Android) handles setup, playback and downloads. Ask our team for the latest manual and firmware for your unit.
Watch it in action
Official Thinkware video — the U3000 explained, from radar parking to 4K STARVIS 2 clarity.
Official product overview — radar parking, 4K STARVIS 2 and the full ADAS suite.
Why buy from The Dash Cam Co
- Genuine Thinkware stock from an authorised Australian reseller — 3-year Australian warranty via TDJ Australia, plus your full rights under Australian Consumer Law
- Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 1pm AEST, Monday to Friday
- Free Express Post Australia-wide on orders over $200, tracked with signature on delivery
- Honest, expert local support before and after you buy — we only sell dash cams, so we know them inside out
Add the Thinkware U3000 to your cart for same-day dispatch, or compare the U3000 Pro, browse 4K dash cams, or ask our team which fits your car and parking situation.