In June 2019, the Viofo A119 V3 was introduced to the market, offering impressive features and advancements. With upgraded hardware including the Sony 5 MegaPixel IMX335 Exmor R Starvis Image Sensor and the advanced Novatek NT96670 chipset, the V3 sets a new standard for dashcams.

While the camera body remains unchanged, notable improvements have been made to the V3 GPS Mount, which now supports advanced Parking Mode and requires the use of an EVA foam pad to ensure stability and reliability. The V3's F1.6 Aperture and a 135-140 degree Field of View Lens deliver exceptional video quality at a resolution of 2560x1440P, making it an enticing option for dashcam enthusiasts.

It is important to mention that although the V3 supports a resolution of 2560x1600p, it is not in a 16:9 aspect ratio and captures more sky, thus the recommended choice is 1440p. Viofo has effectively laid the groundwork for the future of dashcams, combining the best features of the A119 V3 and the A129 Duo to create the highly anticipated A129 Pro Duo 4K Dual-Channel WiFi Dash Camera, which is set to be released soon.

For those seeking a budget-friendly dashcam with a narrower field of view and 1440P (2K) resolution, the A119 V3 is an excellent choice. Its narrower angle lens eliminates the fisheye effect and reduces distortions on smaller car windshields. Personally, I find the A119 V3 to be a reliable choice for my daily driving needs, and I plan to mount it permanently on my windshield.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to view videos or photos in the playlist on the A119 V3 Dashcam's LCD screen:

1. Press the REC button to stop recording.
2. Press the middle red triangle Emergency snapshot button (also known as the Triangle button).
3. Use the REC or MIC buttons to navigate and select Video or Photo files.
4. Press the Triangle button to access the playlist.
5. Select a specific clip using the REC or MIC buttons, then press the Triangle button to confirm your selection.
6. The clip controls are as follows: REC button (erase), Triangle button (play), MIC button (lock/unlock), and MENU button (go back or exit).
7. Press the MENU button to go back or exit the playlist.

Pros:

• Affordable price range, offering great value for the features provided.
• Excellent 1440p resolution, ensuring clear and detailed video footage.
• Fantastic 30 Mb/s High Bitrate for optimal video quality.
• Brighter Sony 5MP sensor, improving image clarity and low-light performance.
• Narrow angle FOV F1.6 Lens, reducing distortions and enhancing overall video quality.
• Buffered Parking Mode for enhanced surveillance and protection of your vehicle.
• Option to use a CPL Filter, allowing for better control of glare and reflections.
• Supports high-capacity 256GB memory cards, providing ample storage space.
• GPS mount option for added location and speed data.
• Standard MP4 format, ensuring compatibility and ease of playback.
• Ability to power the dashcam from a 5-volt power bank, adding flexibility and convenience.
• Easy disassembly for maintenance and adjustments.

Cons:

• Internal vent blocking issue, requiring periodic checks and cleaning.
• Unstable single clip mounting bracket, potentially requiring additional support or replacement.
• Wear and tear of the mount stabilizing EVA foam pad, necessitating regular maintenance.
• Weak RTC rechargeable battery with a limited lifespan of 8-18 days, requiring frequent recharging.
• MicroSD card protrudes too far from the socket, potentially increasing the risk of accidental damage.
• Recorded clips have very low audio volume, which may affect audio clarity during playback.

Viofo A119 V3 Specifications:

The Viofo A119 V3 Dash Cam offers a range of specifications to meet diverse needs:

• Resolution options: 2560x1600 30fps, 2560x1440P 30fps, 1920x1080P 60fps & 30fps
• Recommended resolution: 2K - 2560x1440P at 30fps with H.264 codec
• Supports 2K - 2560x1440P resolution at 30fps with hidden H.265 compression
• Supports 4K - 3840x2160P interpolated resolution at 24fps with hidden H.265 compression
• Novatek NT96670 chipset, ensuring reliable performance and efficient video processing
• Sony 5-MegaPixel IMX335 Exmor R Starvis Image Sensor, enhancing image quality and low-light performance
• F1.6 Aperture 7 Glass Element Lens in a durable metal holder, delivering sharp and clear images
• 135-140 degree Field of View, providing a wide perspective for capturing important details
• Buffered Parking Mode for continuous monitoring and recording of events while the vehicle is parked
• G-sensor & Motion Detection, ensuring automatic event recording and protection of critical footage
• 2.0-inch LCD Display for convenient menu navigation and playback of captured videos
• SuperCapacitor powered, offering enhanced reliability and longevity compared to traditional batteries
• Quick-release mount for easy installation and removal of the dashcam
• Supports MicroSD Card Class 10 up to 256GB, accommodating extensive video storage
• MP4 video format with H.264 AVC codec or hidden H.265 HEVC codec, providing efficient video compression and compatibility
• High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) compression for reduced file sizes without compromising image quality
• Optional GPS logger for capturing location and speed data
• Optional CPL Circular Polarizing Lens filter for minimizing glare and reflections in videos

Viofo A119 V3 Setup Tips:

To maximize the performance of your A119 V3 dashcam, consider the following setup tips:

• The narrow field of view of the A119 V3 lens offers the advantage of bringing objects closer, resulting in larger and more detailed visuals compared to wide-angle lenses. This design choice reduces side distortion and eliminates the fisheye effect, producing more realistic and accurate video footage.
• Angling the camera slightly downward on the hood optimizes visibility by capturing less of the sky and emphasizing the ground, particularly useful during nighttime driving.
• For superior detail and clarity, select the 2560x1440p resolution option. However, it's important to note that most 1080P Smart TVs may not support 2K video playback, as they typically resize the video to fit their screen size. Additionally, certain browsers may have limitations with resolutions higher than 1440p.

Viofo A119 V3 Parking Mode:

The A119 V3 offers three parking mode options:

1. Auto Event Detection: This mode automatically activates the dashcam and starts recording when someone approaches your vehicle or in the event of an impact. It ensures comprehensive surveillance and captures critical moments.
2. Time-lapse: The time-lapse mode captures footage at predetermined intervals of one or two frames per second. This mode is ideal for scenarios where continuous recording is not necessary but important events still need to be captured.
3. Low Bitrate Recording: This mode records continuous video at a lower bitrate without relying on the ignition signals of your vehicle. It is particularly suitable for extended parking periods and is compatible with power banks and modifications.

Please note that the Viofo A119 V3 does not have a built-in battery. Instead, it is equipped with two supercapacitors, ensuring proper shutdown of the device when power is disconnected. If you have concerns about the security of your device, it is advisable to remove it from your vehicle overnight. The installation and removal process of the A119 V3 dashcam is straightforward and can be completed with ease.

If you are in the market for your first dashcam or looking to upgrade your existing one, the Viofo A119 V3 is a top-notch choice. During extensive testing, no significant issues or bugs were detected, confirming its reliability and performance. I highly recommend considering a split system setup for your vehicle, with the Viofo A119 V3 serving as the front camera and an additional device capturing footage from the rear. Split systems offer enhanced coverage and a more comprehensive recording solution from multiple angles.

Tags: Viofo A119 V3 Dashcam Video recording Night vision Sony IMX335 Novatek NT96670 Resolution options Field of View Parking