Underwater Camera...I want one!

[DuckBlind]

Thinking about getting an underwater camera for ice fishing, any suggestions? I want one where the camera turns without having to twist the cord...

[Quackaddict9]

I'm not sure if Marcum still makes these where they came out with the first ones that will do 360* turns. Aqua Vu has the quad which has 4 will show 4 screens on the camera tv. It's not all that bad where you have to twist the cord to be where your jig can be seen, just a little practice and you will get it right on in less time. I have the Aqua Vu ZT model but don't make them anymore and I am in the market for a new one so looking at the new Marcums...the 7" screen is nice!

[MuleShack]

A few had said that the aqua view 360 had a few issues with the camera leaking. Same with the Marcum VS560, there are numberous issues with the camera head leaking so that is why it was discontinued.

The Marcum 820 B&W and the 825 Color are nice cameras. You would have to rotate them manually but the picture is very nice.

I heard a "rumor" that Marcum might be coming out with a new model this fall that just "May" rotate similiar to the Vs560 Model but with the high definition of the 800 series models.

I'm waiting until this fall to see what they are coming out with before I make any purchase. I'm sure what ever they come out with will be made from top notch products so they dont have the problems they had with the older 560. Regardless, the 800 series might come down in price if they come out with something better...

[Ed Carlson]

Thinking about getting an underwater camera for ice fishing, any suggestions? I want one where the camera turns without having to twist the cord...

The Nature Vision Quad is a good unit, if you can find one. The 4 way view and the ability to switch to any 1 of the 4 views to full screen mode at any time is a handy function, as is the remote to operate it. The new square camera assembly is very durable and resists leakage. Good picture, very good SI Lighting to lessen suspended particulate clutter concerns.

[FYGR8]

I have an Aqua-Vu Scout with both a black/white and color camera. Watching in black/white and recording in color makes for getting home to review footage interesting. I own the DVR recording unit and the Mo-Pod which allows me to turn the camera 350 degrees with the push of a button. I have tons of clips on Youtube if you want to see the quality. My YouTube channel is "[YouNeedAuthorization]".....or if this is not allowed....email me and I will share some footage.

[harvey lee]

One could go with the MarCum VS380. A great camera for the money. Then I would purchase the MarCum camera compass for very little in the jing department.

I realize you asked for an automatic turner but this avenue is for very little in cost and is very easy to work. Just a less expensive option.

Total cost would run about $315.00.

These VS380 camera have an awesome picture and is offered in B&W only.

[BriGuy88]

Duck -

If you live anywhere near Chisago City/Lindstrom there is a well-known baitshop/boat dealer in the area that has some discontinued MarCum 460 and 560 units for $299 and $399, respectively. Smokin' deal IMO.

[St_Croix_Banks]

Do you guys ever use the camera in the summertime? I just wondered if it might be cool when we anchor the pontoon over a pannie patch for the kids to watch all the fish swimming around. Just for bobber fishing.

[BriGuy88]

I have a MarCum VS380 and have tried to use it in open water but find it very hard to see much because of glare on the monitor screen (one of the downfalls of a larger screen in the summer I guess). I'm sure if I put myself under a hood like an NFL ref reviewing a play I'd have more luck seeing things!

[Brad B]

I thought the marcum VS820 and 825 where usable during the open water season since they use a larger lcd screen. the only draw back to me is the cost of these ($600 to $700). I just can't justify that much money for a carmera. I run a marcum VS250 B&W ($100 clearance special) during the winter and it works for me but I have yet to try it during the open water season.

[Dave]

I use my 820 during the summer. Keep in mind that it's not like watching TV in the family room, we can still view the display without shrouding it.

[harvey lee]

Duck -

If you live anywhere near Chisago City/Lindstrom there is a well-known baitshop/boat dealer in the area that has some discontinued MarCum 460 and 560 units for $299 and $399, respectively. Smokin' deal IMO.

Thats a great price but I may be concerned about the warranty as they are discontinued models.

[FYGR8]

I use mine all summer long for video trolling and doing promotional bait videos. I had to build a shroud from some black felt, but it works very well and folds up to fit in my case with all the other gear.

[gonehunting]

Check out the Cabelas underwater panning camera. Older versions had issues but have heard good things about the new ones. Last I heard they were on backorder but should be able to pick one up new for about $300.00. My friend has one and it works great. Comes with handheld remote.

[HandySpence]

I bought the Fish TV last year and lost my receipt and over the summer the lens got some condensation in it so it was either spend 75 for a new camera or buy a fancy one. I went out on Mille Lacs a lot this winter and used my brothers Cabelas camera and insisted on buying a new one. With as much as i usually hit the ice i decided to buy the Marcum 825. We set up our cameras so they would face each other in 32fow and i could see 3 ft farther than his b&W 5" screen. The detail is MUCH clearer and it is always nice to see things in color! I normally fish 10-15fow on a very clear lake and can see shapes up to 20 ft away. If your going to buy the 7" B&W spend the extra 100 so you can analyze the lake better with weed color, ground color and just because its cool. This summer i plan on using the camera to check out some spots i fished on a river when i was younger to look around the pillars and deep holes to see what kind of fish are really there. I will probably also use it on some lakes just to check out the scenery. Another good point about any of the LCD's is that you can share your viewing pleasure with others in the house. Trying to watch a 5" screen with 3 guys side by side can give you a neck ache, and gives you some room to be comfortable.I thought about buying the camera stand stablizer but the wife wouldnt go for that so i just bought the hole cover, but the 11" hole cover doesnt sit well on 10" holes...

[Brad B]

Yea Marcum needs to make a larger camera compass for people that use 10" holes. I had this same issue this year after I switched to the 10" hole.

[BriGuy88]

Time for some scrap plywood, a boat cleat and 5 minutes with a jigsaw.

[WyoChris]

Underwater cameras are pretty cool..... however be careful with the Marcum 380 - My father bought one for me this x-mas. After the first outing some moisture started getting into the camera and fogging it up. Then on the 3rd outing, the thing just stopped working. I believe something was wrong with the cord. I sent it back to get fixed but haven't gotton it back yet... pretty frusterating.

[HandySpence]

My fish tv i bought 2 years ago condensated last year so I got the upgrade. The fishtv is sitting in the closet in a bag of rice, half price to get a new camera after i tried to fix the issue.

[Ed Carlson]

The new MarCum and the new Vexilar camera systems really impress me. Both have good flat screen displays and Sony cameras.

The Nature Vision Quad is a solid and proven UW camera package. It is very popular with permanent shack users. But can be hard to find...a very popular unit.

[Finlander]

Can you hook any of these to a large scrren LCD tv?

[Ed Carlson]

Yes, all 3 models I mentioned can be hooked up to a TV, Digital Camera recorder, DVR, or laptop through a RCA out cable.

[rodmoen]

I use aqua-vu scout, and love it. I just use the tripod over my 8 inch holes and turning the camera where you want it is a breeze.. They also make a view finder of sorts to be able to see the screen in daylight hours outside a shack or in a boat . Much easier to keep the kiddies entertained while you fish that way. and get them excited to fish themselves..

[fishmounter]

I just bought a used Marcum 820 used for 325.00 and can't wait to use it ice fishing, the picture seems really clear. Used it once in open water before I put the boat away, it was neat to actually see what the bottom looks like and seeing fish, I think the wife will enjoy just as much.

[Random guy]

For you guys that want a rotating camera check this bad boy out!

MarCum Automatic - Remote Control Camera Panner

The MarCum automatic Camera Panner is the easiest, most convenient Way to rotate the lens of any Underwater Camera. Place the Camera over the ice hole, grip the the camera cable, and scan the entire underwater landscape using the remote control. Operates on two "C" cell batteries (not included)

Product SKU: 8 5722400214 9

As for summertime use the new Marcum line is using Solar Intelligent screens that are totally daylight viewable, a feature that has to be seen to truly be appreciated.