CFish R-1 Reviews?

[JoeMX1825]

Somebody posted a link to this underwater camera in a previous thread and it looks awfully similar to a model Cabela's sold under their branding a few years ago and the reviews for that unit were always negative. Curious if this CFish camera is any better?...I LOVE the concept of a turning lens enclosure, I just want it to hold up like a Marcum or Aqua view. Also any comparisons to Marcum's dark light performance would be appreciated!

[OutlawBiz]

I JUST bought one...haven't put it to real-world use yet, but excited to try it out. I read a LOT of reviews & decided to give it a try! It's made by Cuddeback who has had a good reputation in the game camera field and the $199 price was helpfull too.

Here's a site I found helpful / interesting. There is a good review written by SSSSteveSSS about 1/2 way down.

CFish review

[PurpleFloyd]

That was probably me.

I bought it last year because of the low price and the 360 degree camera.

IME they are no good in the dark but in shallow water where it is clear they are fantastic.The camera is a Sony and it produces clear images.I used it for a full season and had no issues with it. As an entry level camera it's price makes it hard to be a bad investment.

If you want a better camera with a flat screen monitor, a color camera and the 360 degree panning capability in an enclosed housing I have one that I am looking to upgrade to at some point.

[JoeMX1825]

I currently have a Marcum, but setting up the turning pod for it sux. I remember Cabela's selling a camera exactly like this a few years ago, but that model suffered from poor build quality that led to a leaky lens enclosure that ultimately fried the camera...The idea is awesome for ice fishing!

Like most folks, I saw the $200 price and immediately thought it was probably junk, but the more feedback I read says they seem pretty good.

[OutlawBiz]

From what I understand, the camera itself is Sony and so is the CRT monitor. I hooked it up in the shack in the driveway to see how it worked. Hooked it up to my 32" LCD TV and the pic is incredible when viewing images from up-close to maybe 2' out. Outside of 2' or so the pic becomes a tad more grainy but still decent! Not sure how being submerged will affect the pic...but just sitting on the table of the shack it looks great. So far I'm happy!

I wish I knew if the camera was capable of outputting color to the TV...but the CFish monitor is B/W and I'm assuming the monitor is converting the camera signal to B/W to the video out port.

[PurpleFloyd]

I believe the camera is strictly B/W. I know from experience that you will get a clear image of fish from many feet away in clear,shallow water.