Marcum VS560 Camera - Close Up Look

[Dave]

With ice fishing season approaching fast and knowing how difficult it was last year for some of you to find a Marcum VS560 on a store shelf (due to being sold) or to drive quite a distance to get a closer look, since many of you live in remote areas, I thought I’d update this thread so you can get a closer look at the Marcum VS560 underwater camera design. Nothing has changed for the 2005 model.

It was fun using it throughout the summer and I have no problems to report.

Uncased Monitor

The Control Buttons are easily accessible with the soft cover on or off.

Camera Plug (bottom "ACC" plug on the back of the monitor is not used) Notice the plugs are "keyed".

Top Of VS560 Camera. The tan colored "dot" below the light housing is the temperature sensor.

Camera Eye rotates 360° behind the sealed lens housing using the "pan" controls on the monitor or remote control.

Video Output, Brightness, Contrast and Vertical adjustment controls on rear of VS560. The rubber plug seals out moisture and debris from entering the monitor.

Remote Control. Attached to a lanyard and worn around your neck would be the ideal way to keep track of the remote control, in my opinion.

The Charge Plug is easy to access on the front of the monitor after flipping open the soft cover.

The Cord Reel keeps the camera cord neatly stored and rests in a mesh bag on the back of the VS560 monitor.

Battery Compartment and in-line fuse. The battery is held securely by a plastic hold-down strap.

Camera Weight. Used during soft water season to keep the camera vertical while drifting or slow trolling.

Overall, I like the compactness design of the VS560. The velcro flaps on the soft cover allow fast access to the controls, when needed. The camera itself is stored in a separate storage pouch that clips onto the monitor case. The monitor case has extra storage pouches on the sides. Recharging the unit is easy with the plug-in port so there's no chance of crossing the charger wires.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask here or "test drive" a Marcum VS560 at one of the Fishing Minnesota Ice Series events.

[Hemlock]

I think the proof is in the pudding...I mean, it looks nice and appreciate what you've done to get a good look at it, but is there anyway of posting either still pics from actual video taken, or even better, let us look at some video footage?

[ice_shack]

Does it get HBO?

[Dave]

Quote:

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.....but is there anyway of posting either still pics from actual video taken, or even better, let us look at some video footage?

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Hemlock, good question. Some of us Pro Staff just got our 560's this week, because of the high demand for delivery to retailers instead of us little guys Streaming video from the 560 has been on my mind since I received the unit a few days ago, and I'm sure other staffers are also working on a project like that. As soon as someone has some, I'm sure it'll be posted ASAP.

[Dave]

ice_shack, I think that's for next year's model. It only gets Underwater World, right now.

[rod bender]

Thanks for posting the pictures Dave. A lot of thought went into the design of the unit.

[hanson]

Like Dave, I just received my VS560 the other day also. I'll be giving it a test drive on Medicine this Saturday.

There are a number of things that have sold me on this camera and Marcum, one of them is the thought that went into the design and packaging of their units. They are well thought out. As an architect, I can really appreciate good design in general and Marcum has done one heck of a job packaging their units.

[hanson]

Just finished up my first full day on the ice with the Marcum VS560. I was very impressed. I spent most of the day at the Medicine Lake I.C.E. Series playing with the new camera.

I spent most of the day sitting over a 20' hole on the northwest side of the lake. With the camera near the bottom, I could see about 3-4' with the light on. I might have been able to see more but I didn't do a full test. For most of the morning, I had 3-4 bluegills swimming into and out of the view of the camera. The gills were very light biting and you could see why on the camera. As quick as they sucked the little ratfinkee in, they spit it out. I was also treated to 2 northern pike and 1 little largemouth bass that I couldn't connect with.

I was earlier considering getting the VS460 instead of waiting for the VS560 but the extra features of the 560 are definitely worth it. The depth reading is nice, and the autopanning feature is awesome.

I know a few people have posted about problems with the camera such as flickering screens and leaky cameras but mine functioned quite well throughout the day.

Hemlock-

It might take me some figuring out and I'm not sure if I have the right equipment yet but the images I saw today would have made good video & or still shots. I'm pretty excited about this camera and can't wait to use it on a clear water lake.

[rod bender]

I'll have to agree with you Hanson. The auto pan is wonderful. It gets a little boring just watching your bait sometime and is nice to sit back, hit the auto pan on the remote and see what's around. 8 years ago I couldn't believe that I fished without an FL-8, 2 years ago I couldn't believe I fished without an LX-3 and now I can't believe I fished without a VS560. What's next??

[Dano2]

man, , I cant wait til tax time so I can put some money down on one, (if I find one).

So you mean my LX-3 will have to start collecting dust.

naaaahhh, I'll have to teach the 4 year old how to use it, but i can imagine what hes going to say when he sees the VS-560

[Dave]

Hemlock, part of your wish is granted, for now.

I spent another good day out with the Marcum VS560 underwater camera and managed to take some still photos (when I finally remembered my still camera was in my truck ) plus about two hours of video.

For now, I'll tell ya, there's plenty of room behind the VS560 for your hand to connect the recorder cable easily. Lift the velcro flap on the case, remove the rubber plug and connect the cable to the video output jack and to your recording device.

I set up the VS560 in the middle of my Otter Lodge, with a hole about three feet on each side.

The jig/waxworm on this shot is the whitest part on the VS560 monitor, towards the center.

The only thing wrong with using the VS560, I spent more time (read: FUN) viewing and studying different lake contours than fishing. And, I forgot to pack my GPS.

There was a couple inch snow cover on the lake and viewing was at least fifteen feet in 14.5-foot water depth. I forgot to actually drill holes and confirm the viewing measurement but, those results would be only relevant to the water clarity of this lake anyhow. So, results will differ from lake to lake. There was no difference in daytime viewing with lights on or off either. I also "cam'd" in 38 FOW without any problem but did not set up the Otter house to take still photos. Anyhow, here's some still shots.

[Hemlock]

COOOOOOOOL! Thanks Dave.

[Dave]

Still using the Marcum 560 and decided to update my report. No problems with my test unit. The user manual states to open the battery compartment lid when charging. That can't be done without removing the monitor from the case and, it looks like the compartment is vented so, I don't open the battery compartment when charging. So far this ice season, this unit's been easy to operate, educational to know what's under the ice and.......FUN to use.

[Rip_Some_Lip]

I recently bought a vs500. It says in the manual to charge the battery until the light shuts off. Well I have charged it a couple times and the light hasnt shut off yet. I left it plugged in for 24 hrs last time. I have an automatic charger for my vexilar. Should I use it instead? It is the same battery I think (7amp, 12 volt). Does the light on the charger for 560 shut off?

[hanson]

Dave bounced this question off me awhile back and I don't remember replying. Sorry Dave.

I think my light goes off. I didn't pay attention but last time I unplugged it, I thought the light was off.

I will double check on that tonight.

[Northlander]

I believe my light goes off as well. I guess I dont pay too much attention. I will check and see. I usually charge it overnight and then take it out. Great unit! I love not having to play with a cord to move the camera angle and I always know where its pointing.

[Dave]

Rip_Some, glad you jogged my memory. My charger light does not shut off either. During a visit to Marcum, I mentioned this to them. I was told they have heard of this but not from very many users and, have had none returned for the problem. The charger does charge the battery, however, the indicator circuit isn't sensing to shut off the light. For me, I like using the battery meter on the 560 anyhow. If the indicator not going off concerns you, Marcum will take care of it. Contact Marcum customer support here.

Marcum Customer Support

Although a small problem, sorry I forgot to check my notes to report on this finding. Thanks again.

[Rip_Some_Lip]

Its no big deal, I have a better charger for my vexilar. I believe they are the same battery, arent they?...lol. I did loose my clip (in the first 15 minutes)to hold it up, that goes on the motorized ice arm. I ordered 2 more from their HSOforum but still waiting on them to send it.

[Dave]

TTT - with updated comments.