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Viofo A119 review unit courtesy of gearbest

Viofo product page: viofo

Specifications and features list:
• Novatek 96660 chipset
• OmniVision OV4689 image sensor
• 2 inch TFT screen
• 160 degree viewing angle, 6G F1.8
• Resolution: 2560x1440 30fps; 1920x1080 60fps; 1920x1080 30fps
• Support up to 64GB microSD card.
• WDR
• Super Capacitor
• Supports GPS with GPS mount

The Box




Open box


Contents

• A119
• Mini USB Cable 3 meters
• Mini USB Short Cable
• 2 port USB Car Charger
• 1 x nylon string
• GPS Mount with 3M double sided tape
• Non-GPS Mount with 3M double sided tape
• 5 x Cable Clip
• Spare 3M double sided tape
• Manual in English

A119




A119 movable lens




GPS mount



Non-GPS mount


A119 with GPS mount


2 port USB charger



Firmware version that came with the A119


Siblings - A119 & A118C




Setup



CPL filter test sample from Viofo


Videos
Day


Night


Night with Beta Firmware 0805


Evening with Beta Firmware 0805


Viofo A119 Wet & Hazy Morning 1 with Beta Firmware v0813


Viofo A119 Wet & Hazy Morning 2 with Beta Firmware v0813


Night with Firmware v0829


A119 with and without the CPL filter test sample


After rotating the lens, managed to minimize the reflections... Now have to find that sweet spot...


New batches of A119 comes with the grooves on the lens cover for the CPL filter



Latest A119 firmware is released, version number is V3.1, below is the download link:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2249321...are/FWBA119.bin

Change log:

1. Added: Parking mode feature
2. Added: Lock the previous file while the button pressed in the begin of 15s of current file
3. Improved: Change the sound for taking screen shot while pressing the menu button
4. Improved: One click to stop recording, mute/unmute while in screen save mode
5. Improved: No embed GPS info in the movie while GPS feature disabled.
6. Fixed: Screen on issue while detected on detection in screen save mode

How to update:

Please do the following to upgrade the dash cam

If your camera firmware version is V1.1 or earlier, please upgrade the loader LDBA119.bin first.

If you have already installed the V2.0 firmware, not necessary to upgrade the loader, please ignore the #3--#6 steps.

From V1.4 firmware, the firmware will be automatically deleted from Micro SD card after upgrade completed.


Use max. 32GB card formatted by camera or on computer as FAT32
Insert card in camera and connect it to computer using USB cable
Copy just the LDBA119.bin on the root of the card
After LDBA119.bin is copied to the card disconnect the camera from computer
Reconnect the camera to your computer and wait few seconds until you can choose Mass Storage from camera menu
Delete LDBA119.bin from the card using your PC and
Copy the FWBA119.bin file on the root of the card
Reconnect the camera to your computer and wait more seconds until you can choose Mass Storage from camera menu, the front red LED will be blinking while upgrading.

Now you can disconnect the camera from PC and enjoy new A119 implementations.

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Sep 19 2017, 09:22 PM

3.1A charger wow...

Curious to know how it looks mounted..

Will be setting it up tonight...

These are from other users who is using the A119

juz a label, u know lah these china stuffs...

there is a taiwan brand being in pc shop and other places, whereby some buyer did a test also show no really 3.1A output by using single port (it a dual port shared power design, most others are similar unless got power marking on each port), let alone china one which bundled free with dashcam.

but it do necessary to use more than 1A port if quite long usb cable and got gps antenna there, else not even able to power up the dashcam or becoming unstable during operation.

Luckily all my dashcams is powered by Aukey USB car charger with QC3.0...

nice bro, I was thinking too to replace my D201 to A119. More discreet
now waiting for viofo A119S then only compare and which to get.

This post has been edited by uexpress: Jul 22 2016, 09:17 PM

But the A119s is using a Sony Exmor sensor which might not be 1440p but 1080p... Not yet confirm...

After the A119 review, I'm thinking of doing a A119 vs D201 review...

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Jul 22 2016, 10:45 PM

Hmm... Looking into getting this as my first dashcam. Looking for something similar to this for quite a long time - wide angle lens, gps logging, good day and night performance etc.

Any other thoughts on this unit blurjoey before i pull the trigger on this purchase?

This A119 is now my daily driver...

Ok, I buy now LOL!

this one not bad who
how much ar?

The logic bhind 3.1A is actually,

2.1 + 1 = 3.1A

2 ports running simultaneously

hows the quality compared with Xiaoyi dashcam?
I can't view the video to the highest quality due to my internet connection saks.

thanks.

rm?

Cannot compare budget dashcam with high end dashcam Specs also different...

US89.99 about RM364+- depending on the exchange rates

Quite pricey for budget dashcam...

A119 is not a budget dashcam... Let me know if you can find a budget dashcam which can records in 2K video with GPS and using Novatek 96660 chipset and OmniVision OV4689 image sensor... I want to buy also...

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Aug 4 2016, 02:15 PM

Cant trust label 100% until some1 test it & tell the result.

This thread which I have reviewed the A119 with pictures and videos is it not "some1 test it & tell the results"?

Please search a bit and you'll find a lot have tested the A119 since beta stages before final production last month... The manufacturer, Viofo, is active in the forum also...

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/forums/a119.193/

Reviews of the A119 by a few users in the dashcam review section...
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/forums/dash-cam-reviews.186/

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Aug 5 2016, 09:11 AM

from youtube video, i'd say xiaoyi still better.especially the birghtness, sharpness of picture, features, adn most importantly, night videos.but that just me.

Waiting for Viofo to release new firmware which will improve the video quality... Now they are testing the beta firmware with users before finalizing...

There is a video comparison between the A119 and Xiaoyi from 9:03 onwards...


This post has been edited by blurjoey: Aug 7 2016, 01:44 PM

the spec in the gearbest mentions this recorder supports up to 64GB microsd card, but the review in youtube says it can support 128GB card.

So, which one is correct?

Usually the manufacturer will go the safest route and say 64GB... But yes it can use 128GB as Viofo mentioned in DCT forum... They are testing 128GB with the new firmware...

Hi blurjoey, how long the time/date setting last without charging? I still prefer dashcam with super cap due to our weather here.
Currently using G1WC for 1yr+ by now. The only issue is date reset to 1/1/2000 if I not driving my car in 24 hour.

Haven't tested how long the caps last but I didn't start the engine for 2 days over the weekend... The settings remained this morning when I drove to work...

Mind to share the link or pm me where u buy this?

It's in the 1st post... 2nd line where the link says gearbest... Got discount code also...

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Aug 14 2016, 02:00 AM

Hi Blurjoey, Is there a dual dash cam solution for front and rear using this camera as a main source? i wonder if people can set up that way?

Viofo didn't release a dual dashcam version of A119 but I do know some ppl bought 2 units of A119 to use at front and back...

Oppss..overlooked the link. Thx.

omg blurjoey... i was turning my head from G1W-CB to A118C, now u poison me with this A119.... *facepalm...

Oooops... Pretend you didn't see this thread...

hi, i wanted to order the a119 from gearbest, do you add for tracking number and insurance?

Usually, I never add those...

But since your order is more than US$40, please request them to use Kerry Express to mail the parcel to you. It will take 2-3 weeks to arrive. Sometimes less than 7 days...

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Aug 17 2016, 08:18 AM

Any malaysian site sale this?

At the moment, no... Even if got, the price will be higher by rm1xx+++++ due to tax, shipping, gst, profit, etc...

Everything is online - gearbest, banggood, aliexpress, ebay, etc...

This happened to a friend who bought a mini0807 dashcam from Lazada for rm380, received a box with russian wordings, turns out to be a faulty mini0805 dashcam... He has now bought the real mini0807 from gearbest for rm313+- after discount coupon... Always buy from realiable sellers...

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Aug 20 2016, 09:19 PM

Install the latest beta v0813 from here. They improved the night performance. I'm glad I purchased the A119+GPS for my dashcam. When they come out with the front and rear camera version (they're working on it), I'll snap it up in a heartbeat!

The A119 have replaced my D201 as my daily driver now...

Where did you find the 0813? I can't find it in dashcamtalk forum... Can I have the link?

link was in my post bro https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2249321...119_FW_0813.zip

But the only difference compared to v0805 Beta is can turn off the "Viofo A119" wording in the video.

v0813 Beta - Released 08/13/2016

The only change from v0805 is you now have the option to turn off the "Viofo A119" imposed onto the video.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

v0805 Beta - Released 08/05/2016

Change log:
1. Added: The DOT . as option in customize text/car license number list
2. Improved: Removed the format warning while the files in SD card changed or not set the date/time
3. Improved: Removed setting prompt for language and date/time for first-time use.
4. Improved: Default date time changed to 2016/08/01
5. Improved: Update the menu string text.
6. Changed: Default time-zone is GMT +0
7. Fixed: Screen turned on while motion detected and start recording in screen save mode
8. Fixed: Date/Time stamp display issue in 0724 beta version
9. Fixed: MPH speed error in 0724 beta version

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

v20160724 Beta - Released 07/24/2016

Change log:

1. Added: Speed Unit Option: MPH and KPH;
2. Added: GPS info Stamp: Speed, Coordinate, Both, Off
3. Added: Display Customize Text on video
4: Changed: LDWS/FCWS only works in 1080P 30fps mode due to hardware limitation
5. Changed: Timelapse video duration is 2mins
6. Improved: No card format warning after read files on computer
7. Improved: Reduce night time video noise and optimize metering

This post has been edited by isr25: Aug 21 2016, 10:40 AM

Actually I meant the link to the beta firmware update post by Viofo... I already downloaded from your dropbox link from your earlier post...

Sorry! I misunderstood your question. Got it from here:

1. https://www.captureyouraction.com/pages/viofo-firmware - my go-to place for firmware updates now
2. https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/new-a...-problem.20940/ - stumbled upon the link here
3. https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/a119-...gestions.18628/ - usually latest firmware can be found here, but not updated for latest beta 0813 though...

Thanks... Captureyouraction is one of the official distributor for Viofo in USA...

Uploaded some videos

New firmware A119.20160829.V1.1 released yesterday...

http://www.viofo.com/home/30-a119-1080p-60fps-dash-cam.html

/***********************************************************************************************
Date:2016-08-29
Version:A119.160829.V1.1
/***********************************************************************************************
1.Added: Speed Unit Option: MPH and KPH;
2.Added: GPS info Stamp: Speed, Coordinate, All Info, Off
3.Added: Display Customize Text on video;
4.Added: The DOT . as option in customize text/car license number list
5.Added: Model stamp option: On and Off
6.Added: Turkey Language
7.Improved: No card format warning after read files on computer
8.Improved: Reduce night time video noise and optimize metering
9.Improved: Removed setting prompt for language and date/time for first-time use.
10.Improved: Default date time changed to firmware release time
11.Improved: Update the menu string text.
12.Changed: Default time-zone is GMT +0, default frequency is 50Hz.
13.Changed: LDWS/FCWS only works in 1080P 30fps mode due to hardware limitation
14.Changed: Time-lapse video duration is 2mins
15.Fixed: Screen turned on while motion detected and start recording in screen save mode

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Aug 30 2016, 10:18 AM

Ts

This dashcam not sell in malaysia yet ?

Haven't seen any local shops selling... Lazada also by overseas seller...

Price will be higher if have in local shops. Maybe RM100-300 more as need to add shipping, tax, profit, GST, etc...

Got gearbest voucher ts ? Haha

Never buy from gearbest yet, is it reliable ?

In the first post got the voucher code.

Quite reliable. Improved from last time.

Remember to ask them to use Kerry Express to send the item in the special instruction box. Kerry Express will deliver the item in 7 days or less.

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Sep 7 2016, 12:23 PM

i have been surveying dash cam for sometimes.. did you hotwire for the power source?

Nope didn't hardwire it. But there is a hardwire kit available.

Any complains? where can i get this? and how much RM? Is this better than the xiaoyi dashcam?

where to get ? The link and all related info is posted in the first post...
complain? not much complain.. most people satisfied..
xioyi dashcam? viofo is better.. viofo excels in night recording ...
rm? this is considered a high end recorder.. price is slightly less than rm500 after including shipping & tax + discount code..

This post has been edited by zeese: Sep 20 2016, 07:27 PM

Everything in the 1st post. About US$89.99 (RM372+-) with discount code.

This can record in 1440p which is 2K video. The Xiaoyi dashcam cannot as the 1296p resolution of Xiaoyi dashcam is software zoom from 1080p. And the A119 is high range vs Xiaoyi dashcam low range.

This A119 is designed with dashcam user feedbacks since last and have now been perfected to cater to everyone.

It's free shipping from GB to Malaysia and no tax as under RM500...

This dashcam is new release right? probably will wait until it's available in msia

Yes recently launched about a month+ only but in development for almost a year+... Come to Malaysia will be more than rm500 or triple the price by local shops...

I recently saw in FB some shop selling the old mini0806 for RM799 with free 8GB microSD and 18 months warranty with inclusive of installation and GST...

The mini0806 cost less than 50% of that price only and can get 2x 64GB microSD cards to use in it and still have some spare change. Installation can DIY or get an accessories shop to do for less than RM50...

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Sep 20 2016, 11:10 PM

Might get this the only thing I'l miss if getting this is, cant rotate direction to capture left/right side for example duit kopi encounter

This post has been edited by Ericz: Sep 25 2016, 01:41 PM

http://www.sicurez.com.my/product-1665669.html
Exactly

Wow! RM539... So expensive...

GB US$89.99 (RM371+-) only with discount code...

The A119 cheaper now at us$79.99 with this discount code

Which brand of micro sd cards u guys uses? see review say better stay away form san disk(high rate failure) & samsung(void warranty) & get either transcend or lexar high endurance(lifetime warranty)

I'm mostly use Samsung Evo, Evo+ and Pro for my reviews... Now I'm using in my A119 Netac 128GB U3 from GB during their sale for US$36...

but they say samsung voids warranty if used for dashcam right?

I didn't read through the fine print

any link stated the samsung SD card void warranty ?

Viofo can support 128GB? spec stated 64GB only

should buy now 10 Dollar Cheaper


This post has been edited by austinchua: Sep 27 2016, 06:38 PM

double post

This post has been edited by austinchua: Sep 27 2016, 06:39 PM

double post

This post has been edited by austinchua: Sep 27 2016, 06:39 PM

This guy reviewed SD cards


Yes can use 128GB as I'm using now. Viofo confirmed it in dashcamtalk forum.

Yes go buy now as it's very cheap at US$79.99

thanks for the info, I bought Samsung Evo+ 64GB last week, i didnt know Samsung will void warranty, how samsung know we use in dash cam ?
I should get the Netac 128G since 40 Dollar only.
May i know 128G can store how many hours of video ?

I bought the A119 with the previous Promo Code which is 89.99 Dollar. I should wait the new promo code.
is it A119s coming soon ?

This post has been edited by austinchua: Sep 28 2016, 12:37 AM

I bought xiao yi dashcam lol, here's a new quite good lookin dashcam:

https://www.facebook.com/Dfarostore/posts/434668886702049

This post has been edited by darrenwks: Sep 28 2016, 08:42 AM

so far any problem with sd card in a long run?

That's the Autobot Eye... I reviewed it before... Nice dashcam using Sony Exmor sensor. But A119 is my preferred dashcam now.

The Samsung Evo+ 64GB is good as I was using it my previous dashcam for testing and my wife's dashcam is using it also. Most say is Sandisk will die faster when use in dashcams.

128GB can roughly record 20+ hours of video...

A119S is in the plans but not sure when it is coming as Viofo will need to do pre-production testing like the A119. The A119 took more a year for pre-production testing from end users around the world. This is why the A119 is the dashcam design for end user by end user.

I don't have any issues with Samsung Evo, Evo+ or Pro and the Netac 128GB...

A119s will start its production next month..

source : https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/viofo...98/#post-280865

So xiao yi dashcam and autobot eye. which one do you prefer?

Xiao yi quite nice i checked the review but lack of GPS. that why i choose A119


Autobot Eye no GPS as well right ?


Thanks for the confirm of Samsung Evo+, since the 128GB can save 20 hours of video, i think i better change to 128G but wait for GB Netac 128G got further discount first.
A119S should be upgrade version of A119, i doubt not take too long for the pre-production testing. "

This is why the A119 is the dashcam design for end user by end user" , why they didnt come out without 3M sticker one, so user can choose Mount or stick.

Hopefully this A119 can achieve my expectation. Still waiting for the Samsung Evo+ to arrive before install.

bro do you install rear dash cam too ?

Thanks for the link.

Nice! Hope can get a unit to review.

Both got pros and cons. And I like both... Hahaha...


Autobot eye supposedly use your phone gps to work by bluetooth of the car charger. I didn't get it to work though... LOL...

A119S will be using Sony Exmor sensor for even better night videos. Not sure what else will be upgraded. But fov 135 degrees from A119's 165 degrees.

Didn't find a dashcam small enough for the rear... Wanted to try the mini0903 but my groovy shades is in the way...

Not sure the Netac 128gb will have further discount or not...

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Sep 28 2016, 04:11 PM

How to get the Free unit to Review ?

Autobot eye i want to review too see how it work, if autobot can work with phone then quite nice to put in rear dash cam, because we can view the camera in phone and can control the unit by phone too. mini0903 you need to go behind to control if you need to save any accident then need to go behind to press the button...LOL..

if got discount i will get it use as Main SD for Netac 128G and Samsung as Swap SD Card 64G.

On your A119. you got setting the Motion Detector if parking mode ? Will drain your car battery or not ?

no comment on the car battery.. not a pro. But as an alternatives, you can use powerbank also..

Power Bank is more expensive than car battery, my concern is it drain the car battery or not?

You need to start by buying and reviewing stuff. Once ppl see and they'll PM or email you asking if you're interested to review for them.

The Autobot eye is a dated dashcam, most likely they don't need to review d. Autobot eye have wifi so you can connect to your phone to view.

All dashcam have a button for emergency recording if the G-sensor didn't trigger. The mini0903 does save emergency videos to a separate folder when the G-sensor triggers.

I didn't hardwire my dashcams so I don't use motion detection or parking mode. Only the min0807, thru the OBD port, got auto parking mode. Very nice to use. Also, have a safety option to stop the dashcam once your car battery is below a certain voltage.

The code GBCNA to buy the Netac 128GB U3 at US$39.37

Powerbank, I'm scared to put in the car will have issues in our Malaysian heat. Like the lithium battery getting bloated or explodes.

Powerbank is more expensive than car battery?

Surely it will drain the car battery as your car is not running to charge the car battery and the dashcam requires power to run.

This post has been edited by blurjoey: Sep 28 2016, 09:02 PM

Thanks for the info. if you have suitable rear camera kindly share here too.
Thanks for the code for SD card Netac 128GB too. Probably will get one soon. 64GB seen like not enough big to store the video.

I thinking of Power Bank or Hardwire, power bank if heat issue. Can we just power off the power bank?

Power Bank if cheapest 20000 mah xiaomi cost MYR 99, and sure you need to have 2 or 3 unit to swap, this cost around MYR 300
for car battery depends on the brand mostly RM150-250, car battery can trade in however power bank no people want it.

my2cent

I'm still searching for the perfect dashcam to use as the rear dashcam...

You can use a car charger to charge the pb while the pb powers the dashcam (haven't try this before, just a thought)

I have 2 questions:-

1. Do you hardwire it?
2. Can i use A118 GPS mount to A119?

Thanks.

1. Nope
2. Different mounts. Not interchangeable.

Thanks Bro Blurjoey for the Kerry Express tip took a week+ for the item to arrive which is very fast considering no extra fee paid

Enjoy the A119

Those of you who use 128GB microsd card, can you confirm that the dashcam indeeds stores data up to 128GB?

since officially, it supports up to 64GB, I suspect, if 128GB memory card is used, the dashcam is still writing up to 64GB before overwriting old file. This had happened with other brand of dashcam..

I want to verify this, because upgrading my own memory card to 128GB..

I'll check mine in a few days as mine got formatted this morning