VIOFO A119 Mini 2 review

The A119 Mini 2 is VIOFO’s compact front camera, and it's built around the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor. VIOFO lists 2.7K-class recording at 30fps and 2K at 60fps. That's a real step up from older 1080p mini cameras, which is why we've put it in our budget slot rather than next to a generic Full HD puck.

You get three parking modes: buffered auto-event, time-lapse and low bitrate. Buffered mode keeps a short rolling buffer, so when something triggers it, the clip includes the seconds before the impact. Here's the catch: VIOFO’s own notes say you need the HK4 hardwire kit for these modes, and without it we wouldn't rely on parking mode at all. The night grade is B+ thanks to the STARVIS 2 sensor VIOFO publishes. That's fair for this price band, but it can't promise every plate will be readable.

The body's small enough to sit behind the mirror on most UK cars, which keeps your windscreen clear and helps if you need insurance photos. It's still front only, so if you want front and rear you'll need a different camera. And if night plates are your main worry, we'd look at the A229 Pro dual kit, because both its cameras use STARVIS 2 sensors and the rear records at a higher resolution.

Who this suits

You want a compact front camera with a Sony STARVIS 2 sensor.

You're happy to fit a hardwire kit so buffered parking can run once the ignition's off.

You don't need a rear camera in the box.

When another camera fits better

You need a rear camera to catch bumps in car parks.

You only plan to use the cigarette-lighter lead. Parking mode doesn't run properly on that lead alone.

What works well

• STARVIS 2 sensor in a small body, which is a better starting point for night recording than many budget minis
• The manufacturer lists buffered parking that keeps about 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after an event
• GPS sits in the mount, so the camera body stays compact

What to watch for

• Front only, so a rear bump in a car park is outside the frame
• The 1.5-inch screen is mainly for setup rather than reviewing clips in the car
• Parking still needs a hardwire kit bought separately

Common questions

Will it show a plate at night?

It's got a decent chance. The night grade is B+, based on the STARVIS 2 sensor VIOFO publishes.

Can I use parking mode without hardwiring?

No, sadly. Buffered parking needs the hardwire kit, and the cigarette-lighter lead on its own isn't enough.

How does it compare with the Garmin Mini 3?

On the published specs, we'd pick the Mini 2, thanks to its STARVIS 2 sensor and buffered parking once it's hardwired. The Mini 3 is smaller, but it records at 1080p with no STARVIS sensor listed.