Choosing the Right Underwater Camera

[Dave]

An underwater camera, any camera, will only see as far as the lake clarity will allow. Day time viewing is easier since more light (sunlight) is covering a larger area under the ice.

[LOWinEYEin]

I have not found a camera, that will give ANY visability at night, no matter the clarity of the water. Maybe one of the new models give some visibility at night, but a Prostaff would have to answer that...

[live_2_fish]

I have an aqua-vu zt and havn't had any problems so far. I din't have any fish hit it yet, but it has a kelvar reinforced cable. Some tires are made of that so i am not too worried about it breaking.

[Jim Hudson]

In Matt's first post, he mentioned he did not know much about the new spool series from Aqua Vu. I just want to mention that this line of cameras should be looked at seriously. I do not personally own one, but have had the pleasure of using one. The Color SPC-80. A colored daylight viewable screen. A great product for an angler in search of green weeds during the early ice period. Or even right now during the fall. These green weeds can be key for catching fish right now an into first ice and this camera makes searching them out that much easier.

Another great thing about any of the cameras in spool series line, is that the cable is a lot easier to wind up. Just crank it back up!! And they come with a auxillary power cord, with a 12v cigarette plug end. A great way to run the unit if you have a 12v hook up in your ice shack or boat!!

[hardwaterfishing]

what aqua-vu works best for night time viewing

[Jim Hudson]

Hardwater

For the Aqua Vu line, check out any of the units with the Spectral Response Lights. The Scout SRT, ZT, Quad 360, SV, DT, and, SP-80 units all have this option.

But at night, things will be tougher to see, even with these lights. They do work but visibility will be less. Same with darker waters.

[Ebiz]

I'm trying to decide between the AquaVu ZT, SV, DT, & Scout SRT cameras. Aside from the having the camera direction on the SV & the depth display on the DT, is there any difference between these 2 & the ZT in the picture quality or clarity?? According to the web site, all 3 have the 12 Spectoral Response sensors.

In addition, the Scout SRT & the ZT appear to have the same features with the Scout having a larger screen. Are there any differences/benefits between these two that I'm missing?

Any ideas or opinions you guys have would be much appreciated.

[Dave]

There's probably no company that's going to be using different quality cameras between models. The different models represent different features that are on the unit. That accomplishes giving a consumer what they want, at a cost of course. Some want a camera but can't afford the one with all the bells and whistles. That doesn't mean the camera on the less expensive model is low quality. It wouldn't be cost effective for a company to stock different quality levels of cameras, IMO.

[bmc2b]

Ebiz

The scout srt is not a waterproof monitor, just a water resistant soft pack. The DT is waterproof.

[JP Z]

Actually,

The Scout XL and SRT and original Scout for that matter are all Dipped in Conformal coating. So they are very water resistant....of course if you dunk it you may have problems. But otherwise there is nothing to worry about.

[Wish2Fish]

I have an AquaVu and really like it. I like drilling a triangle of holes; two for inside my Fish Trap, and the third for just outside; I lower my camera and adjust it so I can see both lines in the water...one on each edge of the monitor. I'm forever confusing left from right, but it's still a real kick to watch the fish take the bait.

I don't find the light to be very useful, as it typically reflects badly off the suspended particles in the water.

Come on ice!!

[hardwaterfishing]

i have an aqua-vu scout that cant be used at night. and i was wondering if its worth it to buy one with lights.

[caster]

I too am consider an underwater camera and I am trying to decide if the spectral response lights are worth the extra money. How effective are these lights? Can anyone that has a unit with these lights give us some feedback? How much do you use these cameras at night anyway? Thank you.

[JP Z]

You'll be able to see a bit at night. But say if you can see 10feet during the day......you may only be able to see a couple feet at night. So you CAN see, just your distance is cut down quite dramatically.

[Fergus Mor McErc]

I bought the Marcum 560, used it last ice season and have had no regrets with it's purchase. I didn't get the chance to use it this last open water season (motor problems all summer...arrrrgh) but it's a sure bet the 560 will be back on the ice as soon as there is some. It's a great (and expensive) tool/toy.

[LocalGuide]

So does anybody know when I can get a chance to purchase a new Marcum 560 at all this year yet? Or are we going to run into the same kind of issue as last year?

I would really like to look into buying one this year. I have a Aqua-Vu MC2X and it works ok, but its definitly seen better days and has had some home repairs on it. Im just trying to hold out until that 560 becomes available.

[tightlines]

As far as I know the 560's are available now, unless there is something going on with production that I haven't heard. I have one and didn't have a problem finding one last winter. I got really lucky and located a new unit for 499.00 including shipping. I think I got it at Marine General in Duluth or Reeds sporting goods. I doubt you will find em at 499.00 this year. Ya do see used ones offered here at FM on occasion. Check HSOList too......

[jigginjim]

DaveyG, cameras after dark are really tough to use.

I'm looking at the new aqua views with th e adjustable nite lights. As for distance, It all depends on the lakes water clarity.

I have 2 aqua-vu zt, 1 with the panfish camera, 1 without the panfish, both work great. I haven't had a pike try to eat it yet! The panfish cam has been nice as it doesn't spook the other panfish.

[blakjack23]

Fleet farm had a camera package in their ad last weekend for $140. Obviously the cheaper camera won't be as nice as the $300-500 ones but has anyone ever used one of these cheaper ones? Does it get the job done? I don't expect I will use it all that much so I don't feel I need to spend a fistful of dollars for the top notch ones.

[DaveyG]

Thanks, jigginjim. If you end up getting the Aqua Vu with the adjustable nite lights, I'd love to hear what kind of performance you get out of it.

[minnesotatuff]

davey,

ive had an OVS for 4 years or more? i never use it for night fishing. im not sure the lights dont scare away the fish. visibility is really limited too, if you can see at all. i always use the old reliable fl-8 w/30' scale for any type of night fishing.

regards,

minnesotatuff

[hanson]

blakjack-

I'm not sure which camera was in Fleet Farm's ad that you are referring to but if you are looking for an inexpensive camera, I'll recommend a couple choices to you.

#1 Marcum VS350

#2 Aqua-Vu Scout

Both cameras will run you $199.99 and both of those brands are the top 2 companies in underwater viewing systems. Both Marcum & Aqua-Vu have extensive product lines and have been around for awhile so I trust their products the most.

[black max]

I recently picked up a Aqua view SRT and am looking foward to using it. It has the lights to use at night, but alot will depend on water clarity. I haven't used it ice fishing yet, but I will be very soon. I'll post how it performed after my 1st trip.

[minnesotatuff]

just dug mine out today. its an OVS300. must be one of the earlier ones? the thing that sold me on it was the sales person tried 4 cameras out in their minnow tank and the OVS had the best picture. just something to try if the place you are getting it at has a minnow tank...

regards,

minnesotatuff

[Mr. Pike1]

I keep it simple. I have the Aqua view scout. Great little camera for the money and gives you a great picture. I have seen most of them in action and at night or murky water you are simply not going to get a view no matter what. I like the camera to get a better look at the structure and weeds to determine "where" to fish. of course the occassional fish is always a blast. I rely soley on my Vex FL-18 anyway for fishing and after dark. For under 200.00 you can pick up the scout or the new marcum with the 7" screen. They will both do the job. The others in the 400-500 range have a few more bells and whistles and larger screen but my opionion limited return on your investment. Then again everyone has a different level of disposable income and should get what is best for there budget and enjoyment.