1. Automatic Power On/Off with Auto-Looping capabilities

 

While action cams may provide good video quality, they do not automatically power on and off. Dash cams automatically power on when starting the vehicle. Drivers do not have to worry about powering on their dash cams.

 

Action cams often do not have Auto-Looping capabilities either. Once the memory card is full, they will stop recording. Dash cams have Auto-Looping technology to solve memory storage limits. Non-incident footages will be overwritten automatically to ensure that the dash cam is always recording.

 

2. Impact Detection

 

Action cams often do not come equipped with essential components such as a 3-axis G-Sensor to detect sudden impact. In an incident, action cams will not isolate the video footage for viewing purposes. Dash cams isolate and store footages automatically in the event of an incident using a built-1in 3-axis G-Sensor to register impact.

 

Action cams do not have the capability to detect hit-and-run incidents when the vehicle is parked. Dash cams have parking surveillance mode to record crucial moments even when the vehicle is parked.

 

**You need to hardwire your dash cam for parking surveillance mode.

 

3. GPS tracking (built-in or external GPS antenna).

 

In the event of a collision, it is important to collect as much information as possible for the purpose of supporting evidence.

 

All Thinkware Dash Cams can connect to a GPS antenna. Models with built-in GPS can pinpoint the time, your speed and location at the time of the incident. You don’t have to worry about recalling the specifics when you most need it.
 

4. Rear view recording (optional).

 

All Thinkware Dash Cams can pair with an optional rear view camera to offer rear view recording for drivers who desire the best protection against other road users.

 

Thinkware Rear View Cams are designed with the same high standard of quality and durability as Thinkware Front View Cams.
 
 

Although some dash cam apps are available on your smartphone, there are several reasons why you should not substitute dash cams for smartphones.

 

There are many more features on dash cams, which make a huge difference in monitoring and recording driving incidents. To function worthily as an on-board surveillance camera in your vehicle, we strongly recommend you to use dash cams.

 

1. Safe Recording

 

Smartphones cannot record videos if the device suddenly powers off. Dash cams are made specially for accidents with several features. With Safe Recording, dash cams can save videos even if the power gets disconnected using a backup power source.

 

Thinkware Dash Cams have Super Capacitors, which allow the videos to be safely stored even if the power is disconnected in the event of an accident.

 

2. Wide Angle

 

Smartphone has a smaller camera angle, which means it will capture less details. To act as a reliable witness in the event of an accident, dash cams capture details as much as possible.

 

Thanks to its specialized hardware, dash cams can capture more details with wide angles. Thinkware Dash Cams offer Wide Viewing Angles on both front and and rear view cameras to capture evidence for collisions from both sides.

 

3. 2CH Recording

 

Many dash cam models provide 2CH recording, which helps record the front and rear views of your vehicle simultaneously. However, you will have to prepare two smartphones if you want to record both ends of your vehicle.

 

Thinkware Rear View Cams are designed with the same high standard of quality and durability as Thinkware Front View Cams.

 

4. Super Night Vision

 

Even with the development of night mode on smartphones, these features are not meant to record driving incidents or collisions at night.

 

Thinkware Dash Cams have Super Night Vision, a feature specifically designed to record clear and visible videos in low-light, road environments.

 

Our dash cams are equipped with Sony image sensors and Thinkware’s state of the art image signal processing technology, which help the dash cam accurately identify information even in dark alleys or parking lots.
 

5. High-Temperature Protection

 

Smartphone batteries are normally made of lithium, which tend to explode when overheated. It means that you cannot leave your smartphone in your vehicle to record videos while your vehicle is parked in high-temperature environments.

 

Thinkware Dash Cams are specially designed with heat discharge construction and built-in thermal sensors to protect the dash cam against intense heat by automatically shutting down to prevent overheating.
 

Video resolutions are one of the first numbers you compare when shopping for dash cams.
There are many different resolutions such as 720P, 1080P, 2K, and most recently 4K.

 

Thinkware offers many dash cam models which vary between 1080P, 2K and now 4K resolution.

Determining which resolution is the right choice, can be a tricky task.
To make your choice easier, we have outlined the differences between 1080P, 2K and 4K.

 

1080P (Full HD Resolution)

What does 1080P mean?

 

1080P refers to FHD or Full HD Resolution. 1080P was, and still is a standard for many devices, including Blu-Ray, televisions, computer screens, and mobile device displays.

 

The resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the video/image. A single-pixel is one tiny dot on the screen. 1080P resolution is characterized by 1,080 pixels down the screen vertically and 1,920 pixels displayed across the screen horizontally.

 

Most Thinkware Dash Cams come standard with 1080P/Full HD Footage.

Thinkware Dash Cam models that record in 1080P are F50, F70, F100, F200, FA200, X330, X500, X550, X700, F800, and F800PRO.

 

1080P Sample Footage

 

2K (Quad High Definition)

What is the difference between 1080P and 2K resolution?

2K resolution is 2560 pixels horizontally and 1440 pixels vertically, compared to the 1920 x 1080 pixels from 1080P Full HD Resolution. It is referred to as QHD or Quad High Definition because it has 4 times the pixels as 720P. These added pixels allow for a wider image and more detailed recording.

 

When you zoom in on a 2K video, it will retain more clarity compared to a 1080P video. 2K is great for reading license plates or street signs as you will have less noise and artifacts when you zoom in.

 

Two 2K resolution Thinkware Dash Cams models are Q800PRO and QA100 Elite.

 

2k Sample Footage

 

4K (Ultra High Definition)

4K, also known as UHD or Ultra High Definition, refers to one of two high definition resolutions. The term "4K" is generic and refers to any resolution with a horizontal pixel count of approximately 4,000. 4K is either [1] 3840 horizontal pixels by 2160 vertical pixels or [2] 4096 horizontal pixels by 2160 vertical pixels.

 

In television and consumer media, 3840 × 2160 is the 4K standard, whereas the movie projection industry uses 4096 × 2160 due to the larger projection size.

 

4K is four times the pixel resolution of 1080P (1920 x 1080 pixels). With 4 times the pixels, the image will be four times more detailed. Due to the number of pixels, the image can be viewed on a larger screen without distortion. The 4K resolution features less visible pixels than 1080P when zooming in on the footage.

 

You might have noticed some 4K dash cam footage looks better than others.

With cheap 4K dash cams, it turns out some manufacturers do not offer true 4K resolution. These manufacturers use poor chipsets which are resizing a 1080P FHD video into 4K size instead of recording in 4K resolution.

 

The Thinkware U1000 uses Native 4K Resolution to increase detail when capturing license plates at faster speeds, and for capturing detail in low-light conditions.
 

4K Sample Footage
**Change YouTube video quality settings to 2160P 4K

Many dash cams do not support parking surveillance mode, as they are not designed to withstand the extreme temperatures on a hot summer day.

 

In such conditions, the conventional lithium batteries inside these devices could overheat and become unstable, thus affecting its performance. In extreme cases, the batteries can become volatile and potentially damage your vehicle.

 

Thinkware Dash Cams also utilize a Super Capacitor that is designed to withstand harsh conditions and enable support of the Parking Mode. The Super Capacitor allows the videos to be safely stored even if the power is disconnected in the event of an accident. 

 

Thinkware Dash Cams do not feature a built-in battery and require a constant power source to function. There are 4 methods to power your Thinkware Dash Cam.

 

The 12V Power Cable

 

Thinkware Dash Cams typically come standard with a 12V power cable which plugs into the 12V outlet in your vehicle. This cable powers the dash cam in Continuous Recording Mode only.

 

Depending on the vehicle make, some may feature a 12V outlet that has power when the vehicle’s ignition is off. Even with an outlet that has constant power, the dash cam will not switch over to Parking Mode. The 12V power cable does not enable the Parking Mode as it is missing the necessary accessory wire.

 

Running the dash cam with the 12V power cable for an extended period of time (while away from the vehicle) risks draining the vehicle's battery completely. If your vehicle has a 12V outlet with constant power, the dash cam has to be manually disconnected to prevent drainage.

 

* Powers the camera in Continuous Recording Mode only.

* Provided with most Thinkware Dash Cams (depending on the bundle).

* Plug and play.

* Does not provide access to Parking Mode features and settings.

* Can potentially drain the vehicle's battery if used with a constant 12V outlet.
 

The Hardwiring Cable

The hardwiring cable is an optional accessory that enables the Parking Mode.

The hardwiring cable has a constant wire to provide constant power to the dash cam at all times.

 

It also has an accessory wire which loses power once the ignition is off and a ground wire. When the accessory wire detects that the ignition is off by the loss of power, the dash cam will switch to Parking Mode automatically.

 

* Connects to the fuse box directly.

* Enables Parking Mode.

* Professional installation recommended.

* Optional accessory sold separately (depending on bundle).

 

The Echomaster OBD-II Power Cable

The OBD-II power cable connects to the OBD port in the cabin of your vehicle. This cable provides power to the dash cam at all times, enabling the Parking Mode feature.

 

The Echomaster OBD-II cable also provides a passthrough port in which another device can be connected to the OBD-II port simultaneously with the dash cam.

 

* Powers the dash cam in Continuous Recording Mode and Parking Mode.

* OBD-II passthrough, in which the OBD-II port can be used by other accessories simultaneously.

* Enables the Parking Mode features.

* Plug and play.

* Optional accessory sold separately.
 

Thinkware iVolt Battery Pack

Thinkware iVolt Battery Pack is a dedicated battery designed to power the dash cam for an extended amount of time in Parking Mode.

 

The iVolt connects to the dash cam directly to provide power.
The iVolt is also hardwired to the fuse box to charge while the ignition is on.

 

* Powers the Thinkware Dash Cam in Continuous Recording Mode and Parking Mode.

* Safe for luxury vehicles.

* Provides an extended Parking Mode.

* Avoids wear and tear on the vehicle's battery.

* Professional installation recommended.

 

Which power option do I choose?

When choosing the best way to power your Thinkware Dash Cam, the main point to consider is the use of the Parking Mode.

 

The OBD-II cable, hardwiring cable and Thinkware iVolt Battery Pack enable Parking Mode and the corresponding Parking Mode settings.

 

The OBD-II cable is the easiest wiring to install, which enables Parking Mode.

This is a plug and play cord which is simple and quick to install yourself.

 

The hardwiring cable has a more complex installation than that of the OBD-II.
We highly recommend professional installation to prevent incorrect wiring.

However, we do offer a Hardwiring Tutorial Video on our YouTube channel.

 

The 12V power cable is a safe option if you do not wish to use the Parking Mode. This cable easily plugs into the 12V outlet in the vehicle’s cabin. The 12V power cable powers the dash cam while in Continuous Recording Mode and does not enable the Parking Mode option. 

9

1. Check the power jack.

 

2. Check the SD card.

- Remove any contaminants on the SD card.
- Format the SD card.
- Diagnose for a faulty SD card.

 

3. Upgrading Firmware File or Safety Camera Data again.

(If it occurred when you upgraded the dash cam)

 

4. Troubleshoot Hardwiring Cable if used.
- Check whether the ground wire is installed properly to the car body.

 

- Check whether the fuse is connected to the accessory wire and B (battery positive voltage) wire.

- When fuse tester comes into contact with the points, put the core wire on the point with no buzzer sound to protect current overload.

 

If the GPS is not connecting when the device is powered on, the GPS signal may not be received in out-of-service areas or between tall buildings.

 

GPS signal reception may not be available during storms or heavy rain. Try again on a clear day at a location that is known to have a good GPS reception. It may take up to 5 minutes until GPS reception is established.

 

Follow the instructions below to reset the GPS for your dash cam.

 

F200/FA200/F800/F800PRO/Q800PRO/QA100 ELITE/U1000/M1

 

Connect to the Thinkware Cloud App and go to “Dash Cam Info”.
Select “GPS”, then the “Arrow” in the top-right corner to reset GPS.

 

Ensure the GPS status says "Connecting". Wait a few minutes and listen for the message "GPS Connected."

 

M1

 

You can also test by changing the placement of the main unit to ensure the signal is not being interrupted.

 

F750/F770

 

Connect to the Thinkware Dash Cam Viewer App and go to “Dash Cam Info”.
Select “GPS”, then select “Reset”.

 

Ensure the GPS status says "Connecting".
Wait a few minutes and listen for the message "GPS Connected."

 

If this process does not work, please contact our support team on the Email Support page for further assistance. 

If you wish to reset your Thinkware Dash Cam, follow the instructions below.

Resetting your Thinkware Dash Cam entails that all settings and the Wi-Fi password will be returned to factory defaults.

 

**Please save all crucial footage beforehand as formatting your SD card erases the entire SD card.

 

U1000

 

Hold the “REC” “microphone symbol” buttons at the same time until the device begins to beep. It will then restart, reverting to default.

 

F800, F800PRO, QA100 Elite, Q800PRO

 

Hold the “microphone symbol” “middle” buttons (Manual Record) at the same time until the device begins to beep. It will then restart, reverting to default.

 

FA200, F200

 

Hold the “microphone symbol” “REC” buttons at the same time until the device begins to beep. It will then restart, reverting to default.

 

All Other Models

Dash Cam Model	How to Reset
F50, FW10, FA10	System Settings
F70	System Settings
F100	System Settings
X330	System Settings
X350	Hold REC & WIFI Buttons
X500	System Settings
X550	System Settings
X700	System Settings
F750	Hold the REC & Format Buttons
F770	Hold the REC & Format Buttons

 

 

All Thinkware Dash Cams come equipped with various recording modes that can be tailored to your needs.

 

All our devices offer various Parking Mode options which can be configured based on your requirements. In addition to Parking Modes, Thinkware Dash Cams all have Continuous, Incident and Manual Recording modes.

 

Continuous Recording

 

Records constantly while driving.

When you power up any Thinkware Dash Cam the camera will begin Continuously Recording Mode.

 

- Automatically triggered by starting the vehicle's ignition with the car charger or the hardwiring cables.
- Records in 1 minute segments.

- Rear cam records simultaneously with the front cam (optional rear cam accessory required).
 

Incident Recording

Begins an incident clip if an impact occurs while driving.

Thinkware Dash Cams come standard with a built-in Gyro-sensor which detects impacts while on the road.

 

- Incident Recording Mode is combined with Continuous Recording Mode.
- Built-in G-Sensor detects accidents.
- When the sensor is triggered, the video file will be saved in the Event Recording folder.

- The Event Recording folder saves only Incident Recordings which makes locating that crucial accident footage easy.

 

Manual Recording

Manually begin a video clip when you see something video-worthy while driving.

We recognize that some moments while driving are worth keeping, thus all Thinkware Dash Cam models come with Manual Recording Mode.

 

- Also combined with the Continuous Recording Mode.
- All Thinkware Dash Cams have an easy to access Manual Record button.
- When the Manual Record button is pressed the dash cam will record a 1 minute clip.
- Manual Recording files are saved solely in the Manual folder.

 

Parking Mode

 

Records any incidents while away from the vehicle.

All Thinkware Dash Cams come standard with Parking Mode Built-in. With Parking Mode enabled you can put your mind at ease knowing that your vehicle will be protected while you are away.

 

- Requires Hardwiring, OBD-II, or Thinkware iVolt Battery Pack.
- Cannot use the car charger to activate Parking Mode.
- Detects motions and impacts while away from the vehicle.
- Stores all Parking Mode files in the Parking Recording folders.
- Built-in voltmeter and timer to prevent battery drainage.
- Choice Between Motion and Impact Detection, TimeLapse or Energy Saving Mode.

 

**TimeLapse and Energy Saving Modes are only available on select dash cam models. 

All Thinkware Dash Cams come equipped with a built-in microphone for recording audio in the vehicle’s cabin.

 

Certain countries/states have regulations that prohibit audio recording or require all parties in the vehicle to consent to any audio recording. Due to these regulations, many dash cam users prefer to disable the audio recording to prevent possible ramifications.

 

Disabling the audio recording on Thinkware Dash Cams is extremely simple. Audio recording can be disabled on the device itself and does not require a connection to a Thinkware mobile app or Wi-Fi.

 

Refer to the following steps to disable audio recording on your dash cam.

 

F50/F70/F100/F200/FA200

 

Hold the “REC” button on the dash cam for 3 seconds.

You will hear “Voice recording disabled”.

 

X330/X350/X500/X550

 

Press the “3rd button down” next to the microphone symbol.

You will hear “Voice recording disabled”.

 

F750/F770/F800/F800PRO/Q800PRO

Simply press the “microphone symbol” button.
You will hear “Voice recording disabled”.

 

X700

 

Tap the “microphone symbol” icon on the left-hand side of the touchscreen.

You will hear “Voice recording disabled”.