Underwater Camera in Tea-Color (Tannic) Water

[DaSwede]

I've been considering getting an underwater camera for ice fishing, but a lot of the lakes that I fish in northern WI are flowages and have tea-colored water. How well will the cameras work under these conditions? One of the reasons I would like one is for the kids. I know I could keep them a little more occupied if they could see what was going on down there.

[Iambjm]

I am not sure about the newer camera's, mine is an older Aqua-Vu Scout and it does not work real great in stained or murky water.

[walleye44]

I've been considering getting an underwater camera for ice fishing, but a lot of the lakes that I fish in northern WI are flowages and have tea-colored water. How well will the cameras work under these conditions? One of the reasons I would like one is for the kids. I know I could keep them a little more occupied if they could see what was going on down there.

Where abouts in Northen Wi? I am from the Ashland area. I have the New Aqua Vu Micro & have used it on Rush Lake, which is a dirty lake. It depends on how deep of water you are fishing & what the weather is like also.(sunny or cloudy) I fish alot of pan fish in 10-15 approx. foot of water & you will see nice color fine. If you start out on a cloudy day in deeper water your color will turn automatically to black & white & you will still be able to see detail. It is more how far you can see the deeper you get. Again this does depend on the day & the lake water clearity. I am really looking forward toward this ice fishing season to use the camera.

[DaSwede]

Where abouts in Northen Wi? I am from the Ashland area. I have the New Aqua Vu Micro & have used it on Rush Lake, which is a dirty lake. It depends on how deep of water you are fishing & what the weather is like also.(sunny or cloudy) I fish alot of pan fish in 10-15 approx. foot of water & you will see nice color fine. If you start out on a cloudy day in deeper water your color will turn automatically to black & white & you will still be able to see detail. It is more how far you can see the deeper you get. Again this does depend on the day & the lake water clearity. I am really looking forward toward this ice fishing season to use the camera.

We fish a lot in the Winter area, but are hoping to get out on to the Chippewa Flowage a little this year. I was looking at the Micro as well. Where did you pick yours up at?

[DaSwede]

ttt

[walleye44]

You can get the Micro directly from Aqua-Vu HSOforum.

[DaSwede]

You can get the Micro directly from Aqua-Vu HSOforum.

Saw it on the Mills FF HSOforum also. I'll have to raid the piggy-bank!

[Random guy]

I use my Marcum cameras on Upper Red Lake and out water is well, "red" from tannic stain. With Marcums cameras and Darkwater Technology I am able to see clearly in Upper Red Lake. Even better in the wintertime.

[DaSwede]

I use my Marcum cameras on Upper Red Lake and out water is well, "red" from tannic stain. With Marcums cameras and Darkwater Technology I am able to see clearly in Upper Red Lake. Even better in the wintertime.

I'm going to take a look at those. Didn't know they had that feature.

[walleye44]

Check them all out! Check this camera out to that coming out.

The First and Only Color HD Underwater Video Camera with Zoom!

The new Aqua-Vu 760cz features 3X digital zoom and the only 1/3” CCD color camera in the industry. All other underwater video cameras on the market use 1/4” CCD or CMOS sensors. The 1/3″ CCD sensor is able to reproduce a wider and larger area coverage due to the larger sensor. In addition to a great picture, you also get camera depth and direction and water temperature, right on the screen. The AV760cz has 7” sunlight viewable LCD display that has a back-light heater for cold-weather performance, and is IP67 rated (waterproof to 3-feet.) This top-of-the-line underwater camera system lets you see fish, structure and your lure like never before, with unmatched clarity, low-light visibility and field-of-view.

[DaSwede]

Check them all out! Check this camera out to that coming out.

The First and Only Color HD Underwater Video Camera with Zoom!

The new Aqua-Vu 760cz features 3X digital zoom and the only 1/3” CCD color camera in the industry. All other underwater video cameras on the market use 1/4” CCD or CMOS sensors. The 1/3″ CCD sensor is able to reproduce a wider and larger area coverage due to the larger sensor. In addition to a great picture, you also get camera depth and direction and water temperature, right on the screen. The AV760cz has 7” sunlight viewable LCD display that has a back-light heater for cold-weather performance, and is IP67 rated (waterproof to 3-feet.) This top-of-the-line underwater camera system lets you see fish, structure and your lure like never before, with unmatched clarity, low-light visibility and field-of-view.

My main concern is seeing in stained water though. I'll look into this one as well.

[walleye44]

I know what you mean. I fish alot of the darker lakes too. Post up what you find & likes & dislikes.

[Random guy]

One thing I have found with the Marcum units is the on screen menu is awesome for fine tuning on the stained water such as Upper Red or Lake of the Woods. Granted the higher quality camera and large screen do produce a good picture to start with before fine adjustments. Although you have other factors at play; one is the lens itself. The Marcum camera actually works like the iris of the human eye, opening and closing for the optimum light conditions. This of course is a huge part of how the well the camera performs. Now add in the Darkwater Technology, the fact a button push takes you from color to black and white and a few other tricks. The information being sent to the screen is already high quality. Now once the picture is above the water it is displayed on a larger screen that is truly daylight viewable without shields, shades or shadow flaps. This bright big screen then has the option to be fine tuned to match the conditions. Brightness, contrast, sharpness, color all adjustable to personal preference.

I have owned lots of cameras through the years and see lots of them come through the rental houses. I can honestly say Marcum has performed the best out of all of them in the stained water. Granted that’s a bold statement to make but I have no qualms about it. I guess that’s why the Marcum’s cost more. Just like a 1 ton heavy duty truck cost more than a ¼ ton with a four cylinder. The one ton is built to perform, not to hit a price point or sell cheap like the little ¼ ton. You get what you pay for when performance is needed in trucks; you see the same thing in fishing equipment.

[walleye44]

One thing I have found with the Marcum units is the on screen menu is awesome for fine tuning on the stained water such as Upper Red or Lake of the Woods. Granted the higher quality camera and large screen do produce a good picture to start with before fine adjustments. Although you have other factors at play; one is the lens itself. The Marcum camera actually works like the iris of the human eye, opening and closing for the optimum light conditions. This of course is a huge part of how the well the camera performs. Now add in the Darkwater Technology, the fact a button push takes you from color to black and white and a few other tricks. The information being sent to the screen is already high quality. Now once the picture is above the water it is displayed on a larger screen that is truly daylight viewable without shields, shades or shadow flaps. This bright big screen then has the option to be fine tuned to match the conditions. Brightness, contrast, sharpness, color all adjustable to personal preference.

I have owned lots of cameras through the years and see lots of them come through the rental houses. I can honestly say Marcum has performed the best out of all of them in the stained water. Granted that’s a bold statement to make but I have no qualms about it. I guess that’s why the Marcum’s cost more. Just like a 1 ton heavy duty truck cost more than a ¼ ton with a four cylinder. The one ton is built to perform, not to hit a price point or sell cheap like the little ¼ ton. You get what you pay for when performance is needed in trucks; you see the same thing in fishing equipment.

I know what you mean. I drive a diesel!

But seriouly, What does this Dark Technology do for you? Any more detail on this?

Marcum cameras uses a Sony Super HAD II CCD, .01 lux Camera

Aqua-Vu new cameras used a 1/3” Sony CCD HD Image Sensor, 0.001 Lux

The new Aqua-Vu's cameras are ten times better in low light condition then. That would be your better bet in darker water.

[DaSwede]

I think I'm leaning toward the Marcum, but the price is a killer. Hard one to explain to the wife!

[walleye44]

I think I'm leaning toward the Marcum, but the price is a killer. Hard one to explain to the wife!

Is it because it has a larger display? Well anything that is fishing or hunting related that cost money is hard to explain to most wifes.

[DaSwede]

Based off of the videos that go along with the products. I'd like to find a better way to put them head to head, but not sure if that's possible. Maybe at an Ice Fishing Show?

[Random guy]

I was just going to say when at the ice show compare units. Put them side by side and see the difference. It sounds like I will be at the ice working with both Marcum and Lindy Tackle so I would be happy to help ya check and test drive a few units.

[DaSwede]

I was just going to say when at the ice show compare units. Put them side by side and see the difference. It sounds like I will be at the ice working with both Marcum and Lindy Tackle so I would be happy to help ya check and test drive a few units.

I'll do my best to get up there!

[Random guy]

Can't miss me, bald headed guy with a big mouth.

[walleye44]

I was just going to say when at the ice show compare units. Put them side by side and see the difference. It sounds like I will be at the ice working with both Marcum and Lindy Tackle so I would be happy to help ya check and test drive a few units.

That would be nice to see!

[kg2]

I have a couple year old Marcum VS380 (black and white). The picture is not good in our algae-filled southern MN waters, but I doubt any cameras would work too well here. Usually I can only see a foot or so.

My suggestion is to try to find a friend to go with that has a camera to see how it will work in your waters. Some local bait & tackle shops may offer daily rentals, too. Testing at a sport show may not be the optimum, but it may be your only choice. I wouldn't be happy to drop that cash and then find out it isn't up to your expectations on the water (or ice). Good luck!

[PurpleFloyd]

Where abouts in Northen Wi? I am from the Ashland area. I have the New Aqua Vu Micro & have used it on Rush Lake, which is a dirty lake. It depends on how deep of water you are fishing & what the weather is like also.(sunny or cloudy) I fish alot of pan fish in 10-15 approx. foot of water & you will see nice color fine. If you start out on a cloudy day in deeper water your color will turn automatically to black & white & you will still be able to see detail. It is more how far you can see the deeper you get. Again this does depend on the day & the lake water clearity. I am really looking forward toward this ice fishing season to use the camera.

Do you live in Ashland or in the neighboring area? I went to Northland and speny 5 years up there. My wife is from the Ino area and we still spend alot of time in the area.

Are the fish biting?

[DaSwede]

I have a couple year old Marcum VS380 (black and white). The picture is not good in our algae-filled southern MN waters, but I doubt any cameras would work too well here. Usually I can only see a foot or so.

My suggestion is to try to find a friend to go with that has a camera to see how it will work in your waters. Some local bait & tackle shops may offer daily rentals, too. Testing at a sport show may not be the optimum, but it may be your only choice. I wouldn't be happy to drop that cash and then find out it isn't up to your expectations on the water (or ice). Good luck!

The only problem with that is that none of my friends have newer cameras. There have been a lot of technology upgrades in the last year or so. Tough to judge the quality of new products based off of the older models. Catch 22, I guess...

[Random guy]

Very true. We have cameras coming out of our ears up here as I rent them out to cleints in the sleeper houses. We have the 380s and the old 560's a few 820s ad now a coule 625s. To be honest each model from each year you can see them getting beter and better with each turn.