What camera to buy

[The Chemist]

Well the wifr gave me a gift cert. for x-mas and adding all of the ones I have together I am going to be able to purchase a Aqua-vu or other camera my only question is which one is the best to get? Most of my fishing is done up in the St. Cloud area but will be taking a trip to Red and LOW late in Jan. There is one thing though I will have to either purchase them from Bass Pro Shops Catalog, Cabela's or Galayan's.

[rod bender]

Chemist, my vote would go to Marcum's OVS 560. I've had mine out a few times and really like the pan feature as well as the directional arrow. Also the lights on this unit are second to none. Had it out after dark last night and saw some gills as well as the structure we were set up on. The case is handy as well. It's got a cord real that will help you set up and take down fast. You'll love it.

[Duffer]

i went to a seminar on the cameras they keeped talking up the aqua vu and they said that marcums cameras wernt that great yet but they are the number one competitor to aqua vu maby this had to do to the fact the seminar was put on by and aqua vu rep.

[viking_fan]

A little info

capra's owns aqua-vu

Or at least that is what the guy at JR's told me.

Marcums 560 is the best out there in my opinion.

[Bob_D]

I've used Aqua-Vu's but I decided to buy a Marcum VS500 last year and I'm extreamly happy with it. The picture quality is better (screen) and the connections seem to be a lot better. The new 560 looks like a great unit. If I were to buy another, I'd get the 560.

[ChadM]

Zernov is the President. He perfected the camera.He, Lindners and Capra's were all involved in the business.

Here is a short story.http://www.outdoorsweekly.com/mn_naturevision.html

[Dennis Steele]

Both Marcum and Aqua Vu are the best in the industry. I would stick to those two companies when deciding on a camera.

You just have to decide which features you would like.

I decided on the Aqua Vu Quad 360 because I think it would be valuable to see in all directions at the same time.

You can see fish coming in no matter what direction they are comming from. Plus the 4 camera's on the head of the unit can swivel downward so that you can get a broader view when "downviewing". Its a pretty cool camera.

[The Chemist]

Hey Dennis: since I'm assuming that you have used yours already and did on your last trip to the chain, how did it work out there? The one thing that I have noticed and this could also be from advertisement picture enhancements but whenever you see an ad for the MArcum the screen looks clear and vivid but when you look at a Aqua-vu ad the screen looks snowy. Also w/ the 360° is it easy to view all 4 screens or do they appear too small? And can you select to only see certain cameras and not view others?

[Bob Horn]

I seen the quad being used the other day and you can see ok on the screen but you can`t tell which direction the cameras are facing. So if your looking at the upper left picture you don`t know which one it is. I only seen it used for a couple of minutes so I don`t know for sure if there a directional button of some sort and the guy useing it didn`t know either. I ordered the 560, just waiting for it to get here.

[paperlipz]

The quad is also a very large unit. The Marcum unit is much smaller and easily portable.

[JP Z]

The Chemist, as for "snowy" screens I'm not really sure. But my cameras have always been good. As for using the Quad, and switching screens. You are always viewing the 4 screens at the same time. The easiest way to know which camera you are looking at is to jig your bait. Then I believe the cameras go clockwise along the screen from that. So say your bait was in the upper right corner then the bottom right corner is the camera to the right of it.

[The Chemist]

One thing I can't seem to find is the weight of the units. As for the snowy affect in the ads for the AV it seems as though the screen looks a little cloudy where as the Mar shows this really vivid screen. I was wondering if this was a true picture of both units or if the mar picture is more of a marketing scheme. Or would I be better served to get one of the lesser models? Say like the Scout? I plan on using it in 40ft of water and at all times during the winter, I believe the water is murky in the area I typically fish. I know that some cameras don't work as well in murky water or at night. What model will give me the best picture for the price. I may have to go with one of the lesser ones. I do appreciate everyones input. Thanks alot.

[Deitz Dittrich]

This is just my opinon Chemist.. But no camera will work all that well in murky water... Just think of it as scuba diving without having to get wet or drown... Some lakes they work awesome, some, not so good. But they all pretty much use the same camera, just different lighting. And lights in murky water are not a good combination.

I love my Aqua Vu, I have used quite a few different models including the new Scout. For the money.. its a great unit!