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6 Features That Make the VIOFO A119 Mini 2’s Image Quality Superior in its Class | 6 Features That Make the VIOFO A119 Mini 2’s Image Quality Superior in its Class | BlackboxMyCar

6 Features That Make the VIOFO A119 Mini 2’s Image Quality Superior in its Class

Mini-sized, mega performance – this is how VIOFO describes their new flagship dash cam, the A119 Mini 2. And since we got the chance to test this camera, we dove into its features and functionalities from driving to parking, day to night. Overall? We can say that VIOFO definitely speaks the truth about this dash cam; the A119 Mini 2 is a total level up.

Not just because of its compact size, but on what lies inside. Convenience-wise? There’s GPS, dual-band Wi-Fi, Voice Notifications, and even a new feature called Voice Controls. Yup, the same feature from dash cams like the Nextbase and Garmin are now in the A119 Mini 2.

But above all, what really amazed us is the image quality of this dash cam. When compared to the A119 Mini, A119 V3, or even some 4K dash cams that we have tested, the A119 Mini 2 delivers sharper, clearer and more vibrant colored footages. Although we know that it has an improved image sensor, there are still a lot of features that are responsible for the A119 Mini 2’s stunning image and video quality, and we are going to discuss it one by one.


Reason #1: Sony STARVIS 2.0 IMX 675

When we first launched the VIOFO A139 Pro and Thinkware U3000 dash cams, one of the questions we got was “Is there going to be a 2K dash cam with Sony STARVIS 2?” – yes, and it’s the A119 Mini 2. While the 4K dash cams have an IMX 678 sensor, the A119 Mini 2 sports a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX 675 sensor that’s best fitted for 2K QHD dash cams. With this sensor, the highest resolution of the A119 Mini 2 is 2592 x 1944P @30fps

If you’re wondering how the STARVIS 2 is different from the standard Sony STARVIS sensor, it allows the A119 Mini 2 to have a wider dynamic range of 78 dB in a single exposure, this is significantly higher compared to the previous generation STARVIS sensor. Lower noise, less motion blurs, and sharper details for both daytime and night time recording. Additionally, the A119 Mini 2’s Sony STARVIS 2 sensor can capture images precisely without overexposure, especially in low-light circumstances. So, if you often drive on roadways, tunnels, or indoor parking lots during night-time, the A119 Mini 2 can display sharp contrast changes to your footage – automatically.

Reason #2: 2K QHD @ up to 60 FPS frame rate

We know that 2K dash cams do better than full HD, but what makes the A119 Mini 2 is its frame rate options. Useful for drivers who spend most of their time on highways, the A119 Mini 2 can record a variety of resolutions, including 2592 x 1944P @ 30fps, 2560 x 1600P @ 30 fps, 2560 x 1440P @ 60fps, and further decreases in resolution.

We have tested the 60fps option of this camera a couple of times and we can say that the video is extra smooth and fluid compared to those that record in 30 frames per second. This is because higher frame rates enable more photos to be taken per second, resulting in more detailed visual information. It can help you distinguish license plates, read road signs, and catch minute details without you having to squint and take a closer look! However, do note that when the next feature – HDR – is turned on, the maximum frame rate will only be at 30 frames per second instead of 60.

You can also change the video bitrate from low, medium and high on the A119 Mini 2. A high bitrate may increase video quality and smoothness, particularly when filming fast action or high contrast scenes. On the other hand, using a low bitrate saves space and allowing you to record for longer periods of time.

Reason #3: Multiple Exposure HDR

Another feature that contributes to the A119 Mini 2’s superb image quality is HDR. Not all dash cams have this, so we’re happy to see it in the A119 Mini 2. In the context of a dash cam or other video recording devices, HDR allows the camera to provide a more detailed image in situations where there may be high contrast in lighting conditions, such as driving from a dark area into a brightly lit area, or vice versa. This helps in maintaining clear and detailed footage in various lighting scenarios.

The result is a video with the best features of both the dark and bright areas combined into one, providing better clarity and detail in both high and low light conditions.

In other words, the HDR feature of the A119 Mini 2 prevents overexposure of bright parts and underexposure of dark areas, so everything is just perfectly balanced. HDR allows for specialized shots to be taken for different situations, increasing visibility in overly bright or overly dark situations.

Reason #4: Super Night Vision 2.0

We also noticed that the A119 Mini 2's night vision has been much improved! On top of the Sony STARVIS 2.0’s bigger pixels, and HDR, VIOFO also sported the A119 Mini 2 with its new Super Night Vision 2.0 feature.

Compared to the previous Super Night Vision, this provides greater light-receiving capacity under the same illumination level, Moreover, the A119 Mini 2’s 2K HDR tech balances exceptionally bright and dark areas. Therefore, even if you are driving at night, you don’t have to worry about your image quality having poor light!

Reason #5: F1.6 Aperture 7 Elements Glass Lens

The glass lens of the A119 Mini 2 is also redesigned with an F1.6 Aperture 7 Elements Glass Lens. To explain it better, the term F1.6 aperture refers to the size of the lens opening or diaphragm of a camera. It controls how much light enters the lens and makes it to the camera sensor. Therefore, a higher aperture like the A119 Mini 2’s F1.6 value enables more light to get through, which is useful in low-light situations, recording at night, or capturing details in gloomy areas.

On the other hand, the A119 Mini 2’s 7-element glass lens refers to the lens construction. Meaning, the lens is made up of seven separate glass parts that work together to concentrate incoming light on the camera sensor. If your dash cam has multiple lens elements, it increases image clarity and sharpness by reducing optical aberrations, resulting in fewer flares – and clearer footage!

Reason #6: CPL Filter

Finally, the CPL filter accessory. While this is an optional accessory, we think that the CPL filter is one of the reasons why our A119 Mini 2 test has been a success. When we mounted the CPL filter to the A119 Mini 2’s lens, there were fewer reflections and glares – even if the sun’s shining really bright! Now what more if we add the BlackboxMyCar Aqua Shield for the clearest visibility when driving during the rainy season, right?

In Conclusion

Overall, the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 sets a new standard in dash cam performance and convenience. Its compact size does not compromise on image quality, thanks to a host of features like the Sony STARVIS 2.0 IMX 675 image sensor, the 2K QHD @ 60 FPS frame rate, Multiple Exposure HDR, Super Night Vision 2.0, the F1.6 Aperture 7 Elements Glass Lens, and the optional CPL Filter. Each of these components contributes to clearer, sharper, and more vibrant footage, making the A119 Mini 2 an essential car accessory, whether you're navigating the city streets or exploring off-road trails. As we enter a new era of dash cams, the A119 Mini 2 embodies the perfect blend of performance, quality, and innovation.

Shop the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 now!

We see the A119 Mini 2 as a technologically advanced dash cam, and a great symbol of how VIOFO has embraced innovation, while continuously improving its product line. With features like Sony STARVIS 2, Super Night Vision 2.0, Voice Commands, Built-in Wi-Fi,GPS, smart parking modes, and long-term reliability for under $120,

Whether you're navigating the city streets or exploring off-road trails. As we enter a new era of dash cams, the A119 Mini 2 embodies the perfect blend of performance, quality, and innovation. The VIOFO A119 Mini 2 will surely capture not just the best 2K footage, but the hearts of more customers.

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