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. The A119S performs better in night situations when compared to the original A119.
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?
The A119S is the best all around dash cam available on the market today. Video quality is one of the best available particularly at night. There have been numerous firmware updates which have improved performance. All other aspects of the camera are excellent (form factor, build quality, initial reliability). Overall an excellent camera.
If video quality at night is less important for you, you can save a few dollars and get the original A119 instead. See what other owners have to say about the A119S on our forum.
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
The latest firmware can be downloaded at the Viofo site or below:
Previous Firmware
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V2.61.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V2.6.zip
- A119S_180115_V2.4.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V2.2.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V2.1.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V2.0 Beta.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V1.7.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V1.6.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V1.4.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V1.3.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V1.2.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V1.01.zip
- VIOFO_A119S_FW_V1.0.zip
Custom Firmware
On our forums, a number of passionate owners (known as the DCTeam) have customized the firmware to optimize picture quality and functions. The full thread can be found here. Use at your own risk.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Wedge |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Novatek NT96660 |
| CMOS Front | Sony STARVIS IMX291 |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | 2" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| GPS | Optional |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Parking Mode | No |
| Lock Files | Auto or Button |
| Max Resolution Front | 1920×1080p |
| Front Frames Per Second | 60 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 22 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 135° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 128GB |
| Max Size (User) | 128GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 100 x 50 x 50 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 5V |
| Operating Temp | -10°C to 65°C |
| Battery | Capacitor |
| Error Notification | Screen |
| Swivel (To Record Side Windows) | No |
| Apps | None |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Dec 2016 |
| Warranty | 18 months with registration |
| Unique Features | CPL Supported (optional) Camera not recording warning (beeps if missing card or camera not recording) |
| Advantages | Video quality Discreet Wedge shaped |
| Disadvantages | None |
| Final Word | Best all around camera. Excellent video quality, discreet and reliable. |
Published: Feb 2, 2017
Updated: Jan 6, 2019
VIOFO A119S - DashCamTalk
The VIOFO A119S is a discreet wedge shaped dash cam with excellent video quality, good build and GPS built into the mount. An excellent camera.
Product SKU: VIOFO A119S
Product Brand: VIOFO
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 120
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
7.3