Thinkware ARC700 4K+2K 2-Channel HDR Dash Cam

Two recording views in a screenless design

The ARC700 front camera records at 3840 × 2160 at 30FPS. Select the alternative 2560 × 1440 setting for 45FPS front recording. The supplied BCQH-20E rear camera records at 2560 × 1440 at 30FPS in both modes.

The manufacturer lists a 135.6° diagonal front view and a 134° rear view. Mount the rear camera inside the rear window and check both angles using the app. There is no separate cabin camera or touchscreen.

This Thinkware overview shows the ARC700 hardware and core functions. If you prefer to review clips directly on a screen, compare the Thinkware ARC900 touchscreen dash cam.

Use HDR for changing daylight

Front and rear HDR combine exposures to balance bright and dark parts of driving scenes. Thinkware’s IQ Tuning processes the recorded image.

The manufacturer’s daytime sample gives you a way to judge the scene and lighting. View at the highest available playback quality, then compare original files from your own setup after installation. Streaming compression can hide fine detail.

The 45FPS option applies to the front camera at 2K. It is not a 4K 45FPS or rear 45FPS mode.

Review the front camera’s night recording

Super Night Vision 3.0 adjusts brightness through image processing on the front camera. You can select continuous recording, parking, or both in the app. It is not a rear-camera Night Vision setting, and this model uses the original Sony STARVIS generation at the front.

This Thinkware night sample shows the ARC700 in low-light driving conditions. Available light, reflections, weather and movement still affect what you can read. Keep both camera lenses and the glass clean.

HDR is available for both cameras during driving. Use the app’s camera settings and review saved clips when deciding which settings suit your route.

Choose a parking mode and keep important clips

Choose Motion Detection for a 20-second clip with 10 seconds before and after movement or impact. Time Lapse records at 2FPS. An impact file covers 50 seconds before and after, compressed into 20 seconds of playback.

Choose Energy Saving to reduce standby power: it starts a 20-second clip within one second after impact detection, without Motion Detection's pre-event buffer. Use one parking mode at a time.

Back up parking files before changing modes: the manual warns that changing the setting deletes footage recorded with the previous parking setting. Loop recording also reuses storage, so export important recordings to another device.

Illustrative parking photograph. Not ARC700 footage.

Add radar or a separate parking power supply

The optional radar module detects nearby objects and wakes the ARC700 from Energy Saving. If an impact follows, the camera can save a 20-second event. Without an impact, it returns to Energy Saving without keeping that recording. The module is not included.

The supplied hardwire cable connects to constant power, ACC and ground. Configure the battery cutoff and recording timer for your vehicle. The separate OBD-II power cable is another supported installation option; check the vehicle and cable requirements before choosing it.

For a separate parking supply, consider our PowerCell 8 with Thinkware-compatible output wiring. Runtime depends on recording mode, temperature, activity and available charge.

Illustration of optional radar operation. Radar module sold separately. Detection varies.

Connect nearby and manage files

Use Bluetooth-assisted pairing and the camera’s 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi to connect with Thinkware DASH CAM LINK. The app provides live view, saved clips and settings. Wireless transfer speed varies with the phone, distance and interference.

This is a local camera connection. The ARC700 does not provide built-in cellular service or remote cloud live view. Built-in GPS can add speed and location information and support safety-camera alerts where the data is available.

The camera has physical controls for manual recording, voice recording, card formatting, connection and power. Manual recording saves a one-minute clip covering 10 seconds before and 50 seconds after pressing REC. Recording stops while you configure settings in the mobile viewer.

A 64GB card is supplied. For a replacement, the current manual specifies 64GB–256GB microSD and at least UHS-I, Class 10, U3 and V30 when using a non-Thinkware card. Choose a card suitable for repeated dash-cam recording.

Install with its operating limits in mind

The ARC700 uses a supercapacitor for shutdown support, not an internal battery for parking recording. The camera’s operating range is −10°C to 60°C; its storage range is −20°C to 70°C.

When enabled, Smart Parking Recording can switch Motion Detection or Time Lapse to Energy Saving at high temperatures, then restore the prior mode when temperatures settle.

Mount the cameras inside the vehicle, keep ventilation clear and route wiring away from airbags and moving parts. Our dash cam installation guides cover placement and cable routing. Use an installer if you need help with fuse selection or electrical connections.