Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 1920×1080 @ 30fps
– Price: – more countries & vendors (ad)
(out of stock)
– Bit rate: 20 Mbps
– Aperture: f/1.6
– 2″ screen
– Optional GPS in mount
– WDR Super Night Vision
– Size: 85mm x 52mm x 36mm
– Novatek 96660 processor
– Sony STARVIS IMX291 sensor
– Angle of view: 135° diagonal
– Video format: MP4
– Supports up to 128 GB MicroSD cards
– Time and date stamp on video
– Operating temperature: from -10°C to 65°C (14°F to 149°F)
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, motion detection
– Interfaces: USB, AV
– Lock file button
– Optional CPL filter
– Internal capacitor instead of battery
– Internal microphone and speaker
– Adhesive mount
– 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 A119S and A119S v2 will be discontinued.
UPDATE: Newer A119S V2 Available — What’s The Difference?
In summer of 2017, Viofo released newer versions of the A119 and A119S cameras. The only change has been an update to the GPS mount. The older GPS mount apparently had some connectivity issues that could cause the camera to randomly lose power.
If you’re going for the GPS version, make sure to get an A119S v2. Note that the two are not interchangeable, so you cannot use the older A119S with the v2 mount, or the newer A119S v2 with the original GPS mount.
If you don’t want GPS, you can ignore this update.
Viofo A119S Review
The Viofo A119S was released in late 2016 and is a modified version of Viofo’s highly successful A119 car camera. From the outside, the two devices look almost exactly the same, apart from the lens which has been updated.
The most striking change with regards to its predecessor is that the Viofo A119S has a lower maximum resolution. It records 1080p video at 60 frames per second, which is significantly less than the A119’s 1440p (at 30 fps). This change was made mainly to improve night video quality. Less pixels mean each individual pixel is larger, and therefore more light sensitive.
As a result, the A119S records slightly better footage in low light situations than the A119, however the difference is actually minimal.
Let’s have a detailed look at what the A119 and the A119S have in common, and what sets them apart:
A119 vs. A119S: The Similarities
- Both the A119S and the A119 use the same casing and mount. (The mounts can be used interchangeably.)
- An optional GPS receiver can be built into the mount. The GPS version of each camera costs about $10 more than the non-GPS version.
- Both cameras use a capacitor.
- They record at a bit rate of 20 Mbps.
- Both can take up to 128GB SD cards.
- Both are highly discreet due to their stealthy wedge shape.
- The two cameras are straightforward to set up and use, with a simple interface and an integrated 2″ screen.
- Both cameras allow you to attach an optional CPL filter, for reduced glare when driving in bright sunlight.
- They are both based on a Novatek NT96660 processor.
A119 vs. A119S: The Differences
- The A119S comes with a Sony STARVIS IMX291 sensor. The STARVIS has a maximum resolution of 1080p@60fps, which is less than the A119’s 1440p. The A119S’ lower resolution helps improve night video quality.
- The A119S has an aperture of f/1.6, as opposed to the A119, which has f/1.8. The lower the number, the better the light sensitivity of the camera. This is another factor contributing to the A119S’ better performance at night.
- The A119S uses a better lens (7G) than its predecessor (6G). However, the lens of the newer A119S can only be adjusted vertically, not horizontally.
- At 135°, the A119S’ angle of view is lower than its predecessor’s, which captures 160°.
- Depending on where you buy, the A119S presently costs about $10-20 more than the A119.
Summary
Viofo made some changes that result in slightly improved night video quality. At day, both cameras record very good video footage, however, the older A119 has an advantage as it supports a higher resolution.
At night though, due to the changes listed above, A119S footage has better colors and looks slightly sharper. The difference isn’t huge, but noticeable.
So Which One Should You Get?
If you drive predominantly during the day, the A119 allows you to record at a much better video resolution (1440p), so go for the older model. If you mainly drive at night time, go for the A119S v2 as it performs better in low light situations.
If in doubt, we recommend getting the A119 as it is cheaper, and the differences in video quality aren’t that big. If you are looking for really good video, check out the Street Guardian SGGCX2.
Viofo A119S 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
At day, video quality is very good, comparable to the A119 but possibly a bit less sharp. However, all license plates are well readable, even when driving by at some distance.
Night Time Video Sample
At night, video quality is good. The camera’s large aperture allows for decent visibility of surrounding details. License plates are readable when close, however they are blurry when just driving by.
Where To Buy
The Viofo A119S and A119S v2 are no longer available for sale. Check out the A119 v3 which is the latest updated version.
