Technical Specs
– Max. resolution: 2560×1440 @ 30fps
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– Bit rate: 20 Mbps
– Aperture: f/1.8
– 2″ screen
– Optional GPS in mount
– Size: 85mm x 52mm x 36mm
– Novatek 96660 processor
– Omnivision OV4689 sensor
– Angle of view: 160° diagonal
– Video format: .mp4
– Supports up to 128 GB MicroSD cards (over 14 hours)
– Operating temperature: from -10°C to 65°C (14°F to 149°F)
– Time/date/speed stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, motion detection
– CPL filter available separately (A119 V2 only)
– Interfaces: USB, AV
– Lock file button
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker (mutable)
– Wedge shape
– Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
– Front Collision Warning System (FCWS)
UPDATE: In July 2019, Viofo released the newest version of this series, the A119 v3. It costs a bit more, but it also supports buffered and time-lapse parking modes. The A119 v2 will be discontinued (i.e. no further firmware updates).
Comparison: The Original A119 vs. the Newer A119 v2
In the summer of 2017, an updated version of the Viofo A119 was released, called A119 v2. The difference between the two is that the GPS mount of the A119 v2 has a different shape, and the electrical contacts that connect the camera to the mount are arranged differently.
Due to the improved GPS mount, the A119 v2 has better connectivity (there was an issue with the previous GPS mount that caused some cameras to power of randomly). The two are non-interchangeable, so you won’t be able to use an A119 camera with the updated GPS mount.
Also, if you’re going to get a CPL lens, it fits the A119 v2 but not the original A119 (although it can apparently be made to fit with some effort).
Viofo A119 Review
The A119 (also Viofo A119) is a Chinese dash cam based on the Novatek NT96660 processor that was released in early 2016. It supports up to 2560×1440 (1440p) resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). It can also produce standard 1920×1080 (1080p) video, at either 30 or 60fps.
This camera is manufactured by the Chinese company Viofo, but it is also sold overseas under different brand names. Therefore, you may see it advertised as Viofo A119 on GearBest, and as SpyTec A119 on Amazon (more vendors will probably appear further down the road). Nevertheless, all A119 cameras are manufactured by Viofo and hardware-wise, they are identical.
One of the first car DVRs to support 1440p resolution, the A119 records very good video quality at day and at night. Just like its predecessor, the A118, this camera uses a wedge-shaped casing, resulting in a very discreet form factor.
This camera comes with a mount that can optionally contain a GPS unit. The GPS version costs about $10 more than the non-GPS version, so it is up to you to decide whether you want the added functionality. With GPS, you can see your exact location and speed in the video footage. GPS is fast and acquires the signal almost instantly.
However, the GPS mount is slightly larger, making the unit stick off a bit. The non-GPS version is flush with the windscreen.
The A119 is quite simple to set up and use. With its high quality 2″ LCD screen, you can play back your video footage directly on the camera, or pop out the SD card (up to 128GB supported) and watch it on a device with a bigger screen.
A 128GB memory card will allow you to record over 14 hours of video before loop recording kicks in.
The lens of the A119 can be adjusted horizontally as well as vertically
The lens of the A119 can be moved both horizontally and vertically, giving you great flexibility when mounting the camera.
While the camera’s documentation says it supports up to 64GB cards, the manufacturer has confirmed that it will also take 128GB cards without any problems. At a bit rate of 20Mbps, a 128GB card will give you about 14 hours of recording time before oldest footage will be overwritten.
There’s also a lock file button on the camera that allows you to mark footage for keeping in case of an event that you’d like to review later. Unfortunately that button is surrounded by other buttons, making it slightly difficult to press while driving.
The A119 uses a capacitor instead of a battery, resulting in better durability and reliability, especially under extreme temperatures.
A CPL lens is available separately for the A119 v2.
Overall, this is a great stealthy little camera that records very good video, day and night. Video quality isn’t quite as impressive as the higher priced Dome D201‘s, but the A119 is much more compact and easier to use. While both cameras are still relatively new, first reports seem to indicate the A119 to be quite a bit more reliable than the D201.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, inconspicuous device that records at 1440p (the maximum resolution currently available), and is simple to install and configure, the A119 is a great pick. Therefore, we’re happy to add this camera to our 2016 favorites list.
Latest Version
The latest version of this camera is the A119 v3, which offers similar video quality but also includes buffered parking mode. If you don’t need parking mode, by all means do go for the older A119 v2 while it’s still available, it is an excellent value pick right now.
Where To Buy
The Viofo A119 v2 is available for sale from the following vendors:
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A119 Video Samples
For full original video quality, make sure to watch on full screen and select maximum video resolution (use the cog icon in lower right corner). You may have to rewind the video after changing the resolution.
Day Time Video Sample
Video quality at day is very good. Colors are clear and bright, and license plates of other cars are generally easy to read even when driving by.
Night Time Video Sample
At night, video quality is good. Even though it’s darker, footage is sharp and all details are still clearly visible.
