Thinkware ARC 900 Front and Rear Dash Cam Review

As a computer technician, I do a lot of driving. My work takes me to customers, businesses and appointments throughout the Belleville and Quinte area, so I spend a significant amount of time on the road. Because of that, I look at vehicle technology from a practical perspective. I want something that is useful, dependable and easy to live with, rather than a device packed with features that I will rarely use.

I have also used Thinkware dash cams before, including the Thinkware F800, so I was interested to see how the newer ARC 900 compares.

The Thinkware ARC 900 Front and Rear Dash Cam appeals to me for exactly that reason. It combines front and rear recording with 4K video, Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors, GPS, Wi Fi, a 3.5 inch touchscreen and advanced parking mode. For someone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel, having a continuous record of what is happening around the vehicle can be reassuring.

Why I Like Having a Dash Cam

Most drives are uneventful, but you cannot control what other drivers do. A collision, sudden traffic incident or damage in a parking lot can happen without warning. When there is a disagreement about what happened, having a video record can provide information that memory alone cannot.

That is the main reason I like having a dash cam. It is not about expecting something to go wrong. It is about having documentation available if something does happen.

As someone who works with computers, I also appreciate technology that quietly performs an important job in the background. A dash cam does not need to be something you constantly interact with. Once properly installed and configured, it can simply record while you concentrate on driving.

4K Front and 2K Rear Recording

One of the ARC 900’s strongest features is its dual camera setup. The front camera records in 4K, while the rear camera records in 2K.

I particularly like having both cameras because a front facing camera only documents what happens ahead of the vehicle. A rear camera provides another perspective if someone approaches from behind, strikes the vehicle or causes an incident in traffic.

The higher resolution of the front camera can also provide more detail when reviewing footage. Resolution is not the only factor that determines image quality, since lighting, weather, windshield cleanliness and camera placement all matter, but having a high resolution recording is certainly useful when you need to examine something in a video.

Sony STARVIS 2 Image Sensors

The ARC 900 uses Sony STARVIS 2 image sensors, which are designed to provide improved image performance in difficult lighting conditions.

This is important for a dash cam because driving conditions can change considerably throughout the day. Bright sunlight, shadows, cloudy weather and nighttime driving all present different challenges for a camera.

I like that Thinkware has put attention into the imaging technology rather than focusing solely on resolution. A useful dash cam needs to produce footage that can actually be reviewed when lighting conditions are less than ideal.

Of course, no camera can eliminate every limitation caused by darkness, glare or weather. Keeping the windshield and camera lenses clean and positioning the cameras correctly remain important.

GPS Provides Additional Information

The ARC 900 includes built in GPS, which adds useful information to the recordings.

For me, this is one of those features that becomes more valuable when you actually need to review an incident. Video can show what happened, while location and related information can provide additional context.

When working with digital information, I appreciate having useful data associated with a file rather than relying on memory to determine when and where something occurred.

Wi Fi Is Convenient

The built in Wi Fi is another feature I appreciate because it can make accessing recordings easier.

If an important incident occurs, being able to access footage without immediately removing the memory card is convenient. It can also make transferring recordings to a mobile device simpler.

This is a practical feature rather than something that sounds impressive only on a specification sheet. When you need a particular recording, convenience matters.

The 3.5 Inch Touchscreen

The ARC 900 has a 3.5 inch touchscreen, giving you a direct way to interact with the camera.

I like having a screen large enough to make basic settings and camera positioning easier to manage. You can also use the display to check what the camera is capturing rather than relying entirely on a phone.

The camera should still be installed where it does not interfere with the driver’s view. A dash cam should provide useful documentation without becoming a distraction.

Advanced Parking Mode

Another feature that stands out is advanced parking mode.

Your vehicle can be vulnerable even when it is parked. Someone could accidentally hit it in a parking lot, scrape it while manoeuvring or cause damage while you are away.

Parking surveillance can provide a recording of what happened, provided the dash cam has been installed and configured appropriately for this function.

For someone who drives to different customers and businesses, I can see the practical benefit of having this additional coverage when the vehicle is unattended.

Installation Is Important

A good dash cam still needs to be installed properly. The front camera needs a clear view through the windshield, while the rear camera needs to be positioned so that it can record effectively through the rear window. Wiring should also be routed safely and neatly.

This is especially worth considering with a pickup truck such as a 2020 grey Ford F 150 XLT with a BackRack. The vehicle’s configuration needs to be taken into account when positioning the rear camera.

I would also recommend checking the cameras periodically. Dirt, condensation or anything placed in front of the lens can affect the recording.

What I Look for in Vehicle Technology

Working with computers has made me fairly particular about technology. I do not necessarily want the device with the longest list of specifications. I want features that solve actual problems.

That is what I like about the ARC 900. The front and rear cameras address coverage, GPS adds useful information, Wi Fi simplifies access to recordings and parking mode extends its usefulness beyond driving.

The touchscreen also means you are not completely dependent on another device to manage the camera.

These are features I can see myself actually using rather than simply having because they sound impressive.

Remember to Protect Important Footage

Dash cameras continuously record, which means older footage can eventually be overwritten. If something important happens, the recording should be saved as soon as possible.

This is an area where my computer background influences how I approach the device. Important digital information should never exist in only one place when it can reasonably be backed up.

If a recording is needed for an insurance claim or other purpose, preserve the original file and keep a backup rather than repeatedly editing or moving the only copy.

Is the Thinkware ARC 900 Worth Considering?

The ARC 900 is designed for drivers who want more than basic front facing recording. Its combination of 4K front video, 2K rear video, Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, GPS, Wi Fi, a touchscreen and parking mode makes it a comprehensive system.

For me, the front and rear coverage is particularly appealing because it provides a more complete record of the road around the vehicle. The Wi Fi connectivity is convenient, while GPS and parking mode add functionality that can become valuable when something unexpected happens.

A less expensive dash cam may be perfectly adequate for someone who only wants basic recording. The value of the ARC 900 comes from the combination of features rather than any single specification.

Final Thoughts

As a computer technician who spends a lot of time driving, I appreciate technology that has a clear practical purpose. The Thinkware ARC 900 fits that description for me.

Its combination of high resolution front and rear recording, Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, GPS, Wi Fi, touchscreen controls and parking surveillance provides useful coverage without requiring constant attention from the driver.

No dash cam can prevent an accident, and no recording can guarantee that every detail will be captured perfectly. Proper installation, camera positioning, clean lenses, suitable storage and promptly saving important recordings are all part of getting the most from the system.

For drivers who want comprehensive front and rear coverage and are willing to invest in a more advanced dash cam, the ARC 900 offers a feature set worth considering.