Contents
The A119S dash cam is the latest wedge shaped camera from VIOFO. This camera is meant to be an evolutionary improvement over the A119. Main differences are the use of the Sony IMX291 CMOS sensor instead of the Omnivision OV4689 and a narrower lens (135 degrees vs the 160 degrees in the A119). The A119S maximum resolution is 1080p at 60fps which is lower than the 1440p resolution of the A119.
Our member Mtz has shared a photo comparing the A119S lens with A119 lens. Note that the A119S lens is not adjustable from left to right like the A119.
Video quality during the day is very good and night quality is good. While many people expected video quality to be better for the A119S over the A119 particularly at night, initial videos are about equal. The A119S does perform better in pitch black but in most other situations the original A119 performs marginally better. Note that we expect video quality of the A119S to improve as future firmware updates are provided.
Other key specs of the A119S are the same as the A119. It comes with a 2″ screen and an optional GPS mount. Build quality is good and the camera comes with a G-Sensor. Size is not the smallest at 85mm x 52mm x 36mm but the wedge shape allows it to be mounted discreetly. Like all the cameras in this series, the A119S does not have buffered parking mode. An optional Circular Polarizing Lens (CPL) is available as well.
Known problems
Buttons Not Working
Some owners have indicated when the camera is on, all the buttons do not work and the camera does not record. Reflashing the firmware appears to resolve this problem.
GPS Pin Stuck
A few owners have indicated that the connecting pin for the GPS can get slightly bent and then gets stuck as shown in the following picture. It doesn’t affect all owners but could be a concern for people who plan to attach and detach the camera frequently.
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
Comparison of A119S (top) and A119 (bottom)
Comparison of A119S (top) and A119 (bottom)
Should I Purchase?
On paper, the A119S should be a better camera than the A119 given its Sony CMOS sensor. With the first iteration firmware, the A119S performs on par to the A119. In some recording situations it does better, in other situations it does worse. Overall they are both very capable cameras but the higher cost of the A119S makes it difficult to recommend over the A119.
All other aspects of the camera are excellent (form factor, build quality, initial reliability). On the positive side, VIOFO does release firmware updates on a regular basis. Future updates may improve video performance which could easily justify the premium. Overall an excellent camera but the A119 is a better value for money.
See what other owners have to say about the A119S on our forum.
Where to purchase for lowest price
The A119S sells for approximately $120.
With GPS:
- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca
- estore009 on eBay.com, eBay.co.uk, eBay.ca and eBay.com.au
- foxoffer on eBay.com, eBay.co.uk, eBay.ca and eBay.com.au
Without GPS:
- Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.ca
- estore009 on eBay.com, eBay.co.uk, eBay.ca and eBay.com.au
- foxoffer on eBay.com, eBay.co.uk, eBay.ca and eBay.com.au
Firmware
WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Firmware Update Instructions
- Download the firmware file
- Unzip the file using an unzip program
- Open the file and copy the .bin file directly onto the MicroSD card root file (use a 32GB maximum card, FAT32 format)
- Insert the MicroSD card into the camera and power it on via a 5V/1A power source, e.g. cigarette lighter or power bank, it will start upgrade automatically.
- While upgrading the front REC red LED starts blinking. The light will blink slowly at the beginning, then it will blink quickly. After the light stops blinking, the upgrade is compete. Note the firmware will be deleted automatically after the upgrade
Latest Firmware
Previous Firmware
Specifications
| VIOFO A119S | |
 | |
| Price | $120 |
| Read Review |  |
| Manufacturer | VIOFO |
| Country | China |
| Specifications | |
| Processor | Novatek NT96660 |
| CMOS | Sony Exmor IMX291 |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | 2" |
| GPS | Optional |
| G-Sensor |  |
| Wi-Fi |  |
| Parking Mode | |
| Lock Files | Auto and Button |
| Video | |
| Max Resolution | 1080p 60fps |
| Max Bitrate (Mbps) | 22 |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle | 135° |
| Recording | |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 128GB |
| Max Size (User) | 128GB |
| Other | |
| Size (mm) | 100 x 50 x 50 |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -10 to 65°C |
| Battery | Capacitor |
| Release Date | Dec 2016 |
| Apps | None |
| Unique Features | CPL Supported (optional) Camera not recording warning (beeps if missing card or camera not recording) |
| Rating | |
| Advantages | Video quality Discreet Wedge shaped |
| Disadvantages | Firmware is not mature yet |
| Video Day |   |
| Video Night |  |
| Reliability | |
| Size / Discreetness | |
| Price | |
| Available Support | |
| Overall Rating | |
| Final Word | A very capable camera but until firmware improves the cheaper A119 is a better buy. |
Published: Feb 2, 2017