Marcum vs625sd vs. the vs825sd

[dubl_deuce]

Hello all...I've been a long time viewer of the HSOforum and have learned countless tips and tactics over the years. Thanks all.

This upcoming season I'm looking to get into the camera game and have been looking at the 2 cameras listed in the title. I am wondering if any of you have experience with the vs825sd compared to the vs625sd. Is the 825 worth the additional 150 bucks?

As far as I can tell you get a bigger viewing screen and a high res screen. The cameras appear to be exactly the same.

Can you please weigh in on some of the differences that I may be missing....and if you think it's worth the extra money to step up to the 825.

If this has been discussed I apologize...could you just kindly point me to the appropriate thread.

Thanks!

[Random guy]

I have both and I find when the conditions are poor the 825 does display better. Simply haviong a bigger screen does make a huge difference. I also noticed the 825 is easier to see from across the room verses the smaller 625. Just like the TV in your house, bigger is easier to see.

[dubl_deuce]

Is there a difference in the make up of the screens between the two or is just a size thing?

[Brad B]

looking at the spec sheet in front of me the only difference is the size and the pixel count of the screen. the 625 is 640 X 480 pixels and the 825 is 800 X 600 pixels. everything else is the same. both are lcd screens. they have a built in on demand heater in them to keep the screen from freezing. Normally lcd stuff should not be used in the cold but marcum has found a way to keep them from freezing by adding this heater.

[PerchJerker]

Everything is the same on those cameras other than the screen size and the pixel count. Both provide excellent pictures. I prefer the larger screen on the 825 SD also since it's easier to see (this makes a bigger difference for open water use in the boat in the summer imo), but if you're going to have the camera close to you the 625 SD works great too.

If you want, you can check out all the features and pricing on both cameras HERE at Pro Fishing Supply

[Neiko]

I got the 625 and my buddy got the 825. Afterwards he thought it was alot more money for the 2 inches but he doesn't use it on open water. I also sent you a private message.

[CJH]

Always go with the bigger screen if its in the budget. Nobody ever says, man this screen is just too big, I need the smaller one. Bigger screen means you can see the details better and less strain on your eyes.

Normally lcd stuff should not be used in the cold but marcum has found a way to keep them from freezing by adding this heater.

Why haven't these switched to LED's? They work better in the cold, are more rugged, and use less energy = longer battery life)? Fluorescent LCD's are being phased out in the TV market already, and they don't even have to consider the environmental(cold) and usage(bumps/drops/etc) problems these units endure. Can't imagine the cost of LED's on that small of a screen would cost more than an LCD + custom heater.

[Brad B]

I'm not sure why they haven't made the switch. I will have to ask the reps at the ice show. the info I have is off the spec sheet the one rep gave me.

[dubl_deuce]

Thanks for all the great info...it's much appreciated.

I think I'll probably just have to go in and see both units side by side and make the final decision based on what I'm seeing there.

Regardless which one I settle in on I'm certain either one will be a nice compliment to my flasher. I hope a camera will help me interpret my flasher even better.

[Brad B]

Thanks for all the great info...it's much appreciated.

I think I'll probably just have to go in and see both units side by side and make the final decision based on what I'm seeing there.

Regardless which one I settle in on I'm certain either one will be a nice compliment to my flasher. I hope a camera will help me interpret my flasher even better.

it will help you especially in the situation where the water is super clear(if you fish this type of lake) the camera should be able to see farther then the cone angel of the flasher. so you could see fish that are not showing on the flasher but are in the area. I have also seen it where I had my camera down and was seeing tiny perch but right under me but they wouldn't show on the flasher and they should of but they where that close to the bottom of the lake.

[Neiko]

Flashers definitely have helped me catch more fish but the camera has helped me know what kind of fish is down there and allowed me to see what baits work better.