Is a ‘Handier’ Dash Cam Easier to Handle?
Decades ago, the design and weight of electronics such as cameras and mobile phones consume huge space. Fast forward to today, manufacturers give us the option to have handier versions of these gadgets so we can fit them inside our bags, and in our pockets.
In the case of having dash cams, the more discreet they are, the lesser it attracts attention to you, your passengers, the police, and even thieves. VIOFO took note of this and introduced compact and lightweight single-channel dash cams that can surprisingly capture great image quality despite their size.
Let’s take a look at two of their small and affordable entries, the VIOFO A119 V3 and the VIOFO A119 Mini.
Launched in 2019, the A119 V3 is an upgraded model of the popular A119 series, replacing the A119S and the A119 Pro.
The VIOFO A119 V3 is the most recommended 2K QHD dash cam on Reddit and the DashcamTalk. With the new Sony Starvis 5MP technology and advanced Parking Mode features, the A119 V3 is the top model in the A119 Series, offering brighter, clearer and more detailed images captured in day or nighttime lighting for super clear night vision.
Equipped with a 5MP Sony STARVIS sensor, the single-channel dash cam showcases vibrant video quality in 140° wide angle, 2K QHD+ @30 frames per second, giving you a clearer and sharper view of key details on road signs and license plates - with night vision and bright daylight settings.
Maximizing its recording capacity through the Sony IMX335 technology, the VIOFO A119 V3 can also support interpolated up to 2160p resolution. In fact, VIOFO has implemented the 2880*2160P 30FPS on the A119 V3 V2.5 version.
Built with a compact design, the VIOFO A119 V3 has a 2-inch LCD screen to view the road ahead, and five buttons for adjusting the settings menu and playing back recorded video. It also employs a quick-release mount to simplify and user-friendly installation on the windscreen.
In terms of security, the VIOFO A119 V3 is also built with G-sensor and three parking mode functions: buffered parking, time-lapse, and low bit rate recording.
The buffered parking mode captures the 15 seconds preceding and 30 seconds following the triggered event for more concrete evidence. To be able to activate this function, you'll need the HK3 hardwire kit which can be bought separately.
Unlike certain dash cams that can record at a low frame rate while the car is parked, the A119 dash cam offers a super capacitor rather than a battery.
In addition to its security, VIOFO included an external GPS module to the VIOFO A119 V3. This tracks the speed, location and time on the footage, allowing your footage to be time-stamped accurately for more credible evidence.
As the name suggests, the A119 Mini is a smaller version of the A119. Despite the narrower body, VIOFO managed to take the specifications of this unit higher than those of the early model releases.
Adapting the wedge-shaped design of the A119 V3 and VIOFO A129 series, the A119 mini measures only 46mm x 41.5mm x 74.5mm - just a little large than your car keys. This innovative upgrade enables you to have a device installed even in tiny spaces in a discreet manner.
With a STARVIS IMX335 similar to the VIOFO A119 V3, the A119 Mini front camera can capture license plates from fast-moving cars at a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440P at 60fps even in low-light settings.
It uses a similar f/1.6 lens with a 140-degree angle FOV to cover multiple lanes without image cuts or stretches. An optional CPL (circular polarizing lens) filter can also be added to eliminate glares from the windshield as well as reflections from the road and other cars.
For guaranteed security, the A119 Mini begins parking recording automatically even when the engine is turned off. The three parking modes are auto event detection, time-lapse filming, and low bitrate recording which can all be activated by a separate hardwiring kit like the VIOFO A119 V3.
It also has a built-in GPS logger that records speed, time, and driving route into the video file, which is useful for filing an insurance claim or defending traffic tickets.
Another upgrade is Bluetooth connectivity. With a single press, you can prevent current important videos from being overwritten while also instantly sharing them.
Drivers no longer have to look and reach for the device when operating, as the Mini is equipped with Voice Notifications. This alerts the driver of key moments such as "Recording started" and "Video protected” to verify activities on button presses - allowing you to focus on the road rather than becoming preoccupied with checking the screen for total convenience.
Unlike the VIOFO A119 V3, which only supports setting changes on the dashcam, the A119 Mini can perform on both the dashcam and the smartphone like the all-new VIOFO A229. With dual bands 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi, the enhanced connectivity can now transfer data four times faster than the 2.4GHz band. This means you can effortlessly live stream, download and share the videos from the VIOFO App.
Since both models are equipped with 5MP image sensors, the VIOFO A119 V3 and A119 Mini can confidently serve their purposes and offer great video quality, capturing sharp and crisp images in bright and low light conditions.
Both have GPS for enhanced security, G-sensor for your car’s safety even when parked, plus a compact and minimalist design that makes the device easy to install and use. For storage, you must buy a separate micro SD card.
However, the more recent A119 Mini is built with more connectivity and convenience functions such as dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth, and voice notifications. Little few features, but can heavily save you more time when used.
The only downside that we see is the Mini has a smaller screen, which can make viewing more difficult, especially for drivers with poor vision. If you want to have a more straightforward and clear view of the road ahead, the A119 V3’s slightly larger screen is what’s right for your sight.
