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

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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!

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?