There are dozens of choices for dash cams on the market today, and narrowing down the options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help and tell you exactly what we love and what can be improved on the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam.
Thinkware has become a trusted and leading name in the dash cam world, and the Thinkware U1000 is considered to be one of the best dash cams out there. So, let’s take a look at what it has to offer and answer the question, “Is the Thinkware U1000 worth the expense?”
How Does Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam Work?
When it comes to size, the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam is small, ensuring it’s not obtrusive or obstructing for the driver. Its front-facing camera’s 4K recording capabilities provide crystal clear footage during the day. During low-light and nighttime hours, the Super Night Vision 2.0 is excellent at capturing light and recording crisp, clean images.
For adventurers who want a visual ledger of their travels, the Thinkware U1000’s 2K 60fps capability allows for details, such as the information on license plates, to be captured while the vehicles are traveling at speed.
The 150° angle view of the front camera and 156° angle view of the rear camera keep you aware of what is happening around the vehicle. These angles are perfect for truckers because they don’t distort the image and give the most coverage while recording, enhancing the safety factor for everyone on the road.
Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam FAQs
So what about the specs? What kind of storage does the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam have? Does the camera have Wifi? Let's take a closer look at some of the most frequently asked questions about the Thinkware U1000.
What Type of Resolution Does the Thinkware U1000 Have?
The Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam has a front-facing camera with a 4K Ultra High-Definition camera and a rear-facing unit with 2K Quad High-Definition capture capabilities, making it one of the highest resolution dash cams on the market.
Can You Use Any SD Card for Thinkware Dash Cam?
The Thinkware Memory Card is the only one guaranteed to work with the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam. The dash cam accepts microSD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
Does Thinkware Need Wifi?
This dash cam has built-in Wifi that connects to your mobile devices.
How Do I Update Thinkware U1000?
Connect your mobile device to the Thinkware U1000 via Wifi and easily update the dash cam’s firmware. Once you download the app, open it and tap on the three dots in the bottom right corner to view any available updates.
How Do I Upload a Video From My Thinkware Dash Cam?
Upload videos right from the mobile app. You’ll be able to view live recordings, previously recorded incidents, recent footage, and more.
Performance Factors of a Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam
If you’re looking for a dashcam that takes great pictures but doesn’t have much else to offer, then the Thinkware U1000 is not the one for you. This little camera is one of the most popular cameras on the market because of the safety features it offers.
The driver assistance feature sends out safety alerts for speeding, lane changes, or if you are not following the car in front at a safe distance. A voice alert from the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam will caution you about the possible danger so that you have time to make any needed adjustments.
The built-in GPS feature warns you of upcoming speed cameras so you can continue traveling safely. The Anti-File Corruption Technology works to keep your memory card free from data corruption should you need to use the footage to win an insurance claim.
Some customers have complained that the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam voice alerts are too frequent, while others believe they should be louder and more frequent. As of now, there is no way to adjust the warnings as the sound system is all-in-one. That means you can either have sound or no sound, but your safety is a top priority either way.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches |
| Resolution | Front: 4k UHD Rear: 2K QHD |
| Display Type | No screen |
| Mounting Type | AdhesiveWindshield |
| Voice Command | No |
| Camera | Yes |
| Storage | 32 GB included expandable up to 128 GB MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Lane Assistance | Lane Departure Warning System |
| Speed Limit Indicator | No |
| Traffic Services | Forward Collision Warning SystemFront Vehicle Departure Warning |
| Mobile App Available | Yes |
| Wide Angle View | Front: 150° Rear 156° |
| Battery | Built-in Supercapacitor |
How Has the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam Improved?
The Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam is a huge improvement over its predecessor, the F800 Pro. For one, the U1000 is slimmer and taller, making it much less conspicuous. The F800 Pro is 7x7x6 inches, which is much bigger than the U1000.
The most noticeable change is the camera quality and angles. The 4K UHD offered by the U1000 is four times more pixelated, leaving you with a video that translates well to larger screens. The front-facing camera viewing angle on the F800 is only 140° while it is 150° on the U1000, enabling more road coverage and higher safety.
Best For
With all of the possible hazards on today’s roads, the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam is a great investment for everyone. Some drivers may find the particular safety features of the U1000 an added benefit.
- Truck drivers
- Fleets of all sizes
- Proof for insurance claims
- Parking accidents
- Ride-sharing drivers
- Value for features
Thinkware U1000: The Answer to Safer Driving
The Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam records incredible footage with its high-resolution cameras, and the driving assistance provided will keep you and your loved ones secure on the road. If safety is your main concern, don’t wait any longer and purchase a Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam today.
Cost
$399
Pros & Cons
Advantages
So far, we’ve discussed the safety aspects of the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam and the precise video quality. Now, let’s look at a few other reasons owning the U1000 is more than a good idea.
- Geo Fencing. This feature is ideal for fleet managers or parents who want updates on the vehicle’s location. Zones can be preselected, and alerts sent to a mobile device when the vehicle enters or exits the area.
- Thinkware Cloud App
- The mobile app for the Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam permits the user to adjust certain settings and easily upload and download footage. There’s no need to hook the camera up to a computer for firmware updates as everything can be completed remotely.
Energy Saving 2.0. This feature increases energy efficiency up to twenty-six times the normal duration when in Parking Surveillance mode. The camera only awakens to record events once triggered by an impact.
Disadvantages
While the U1000 is a great dash cam, there are a few drawbacks that can be improved with a few updates or in the next model.
- Alert Chattiness. Some found the alerts too chatty and desired a way to choose the alerts they wanted to hear.
- No Voice Control. For a dash cam that touts safety as a priority, a hands-free device would be a welcome improvement.
No Display Screen. The Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam size does not leave room for a display screen, so videos cannot be played back on the device.