Which camera to buy?

[The Chemist]

I'm looking at possibly getting a camera but need to know which would be the best value (cost/performance) I tend to fish on cloudy lakes (Horseshoe Chain, Rice Lake and some local lakes, along with Red and LOW). Would prefer not to drop alot but don't want to get out to find that the camera wont work. Thanks for the help.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I assume you are talking underwater cameras, IE Marcum and Aqua Vu.. ect...

I dont want to be your joy kill here. But think of these units as scuba diving without getting wet. These cameras are not magic, they are limited by water clarity. If you can see a lure drop 2 feet down the hole, that is about how far your going to see with the camera. And that speaks for all cameras. I myself have the Aqua Vu Scout XL, and love it. However, there are a ton of lakes out there that they are just not all that good to use in.. and unfortunatly, you have names most of them.

My suggestion for you. Rent one for a day, there are a few places out there that rent them. Try it out and see if they work well enough for you on the waters you want to use them on.

[so haaad]

Hey Chemist,

Just to give you a heads up...cameras don't work all that well on the Chain because of the poor water clarity. You can see 3-4 feet on a great day. However, it's still pretty cool seeing those whiskers come in to view! You had the kids out on the ice yet? It's been a little slow.

[The Chemist]

Thanks for the info. May just have to wait on the camera. No I haven't been out as of yet. Been busy helping my brother building his house. Currently installing PVC and copper. Was told I could go last weekend but opted out thinking I could go this weekend, but now birthday parties have been scheduled. Plus I'm going to need to be close to home until the baby arrives. Hopefully before the end of the month. Then I should have a couple of weeks of free time. Just bought 3 new poles and can't wait for them to arrive so I can test them out. Drop me a line some time.

[so haaad]

Another camera to check out is the Marcum 350. It's a lower end unit, but my dad seems to be very happy with the quality/clarity.

Chemist, I've still got your email.

[Smallmouth]

Hey Fella's, I am in the same boat, however I fish some clear lakes - Waconia and Mille Lacs. For my B-day, my old lady bought me an fl-18 not knowing I had one already. So needless to say I am going to exchange this for an underwater camera. Any model suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance !!

[Dragon Fish ll]

Go with the Quad 360. four way 360 degree viewing. and If one camera fails you you have three more to continue your viewing. this years model goes for 500.00 last years gos for around 290.00.the great thing is if your not happy with it you can take it back.

[nytelyter]

i have the marcum ovs 400 and have had it for five years or so. i use it almost as much as my lx3tc. BUT the water clairity is an issue. in clear water i love it. lakes like sylvia, waverly, and others it is so cool to watch the fish come in and out, and also to see if those light biters are picking up the bait. from what i have heard and read about with the quad cam is. it is a great idea, BUT the four pics are so small. it is very hard to view. i have seen them hooked up to a 20 inch screen. and wow way cool. but most will not have one of these for their normal, to the lake, equipment kit. also i in my opinion think the camers is way to big and bulky i also think that of marcums high end unit. but i love the idea of the pan mode onit. there are threads about water in the camera on them . are they failing, i dont know, but you can read the posts in this forum about it. in short yes they are a great tool of the trade under the right conditions, but dont believe that they will work on all lakes. will i give up mine? HA!!! no way. .... paul

[EJ]

Does the Quad 360 have a compass on the screen?

EJ

[Smallmouth]

Per the aqua-vu HSOforum, it does not have any onscreen displays. The sv-100 and dt-100 have a direction on the display.

[icedoctor]

I just bought the Aqua-Vu Quad 360 and I'm taking it back. The four images are way to small and the camera when dropping it down with the lights on must be like a space ship dropping on their heads. You can't downward view with the Quad 360 which I think would be great. So if any of you have any recommendations for a single camera lets here it. Thanks J

[dieguy]

I just purchased the Marcum ovs350 about 2 weeks ago. I actually purchased the gander Mountain version which to my understanding is exactly the same. I did this because nobody had the Marcum and Gander was offering 10% off if you opened a credit card. so the grand total was under $200 ($180 plus tax). I have been fishing with it 3 times now and am very happy. It takes a little work (or should I say practice) aiming it where you want (the ice arm helps this a great deal). The picture is nice and clear and the 7" screen is nice. The carrying case is also very handy and portable. The lights are worthless which from what ive heard is the same no matter which camera you choose. In my honest opinion this is the best bang for the buck. I can't believe how many fish are interested in you jig but just wont bite. I watched a very cool dance between a school of sunnys and a few northerns. And I saw a Musky swim right up and past my camera. I was so excited. I can only imagine how much better a fisherman I will become with this technology. I am just back to the same old problem, finding the fish consistently. Anyway this is my opinion.

[shamalex72]

I just purchased the guide series camera too. At home I turned it on and had a nice clear picture, but it was slanted. The camera inside the housing must not be level. I like the seven inch screen, and the case it comes in. I will have to go back to gander and exchange it.

[Smallmouth]

Ice Doctor or anyone else, do you know if any of the aqua-vu's can downward view? I do not believe the marcums can but I may be wrong. Thanks

[Dave]

Smallmouth,

Any camera is capable to downview, obviously. You'll have to rig the back of the camera to attcah the the cable is all. Some of the Marcum models come with a downview plastic piece that attcahes to the camera and cable, in order to make it easier.

[BradB]

Quote:

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Ice Doctor or anyone else, do you know if any of the aqua-vu's can downward view? I do not believe the marcums can but I may be wrong. Thanks

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The Aqua Vu cameras have a plastic rear fin with a notch that you can loop the camera cable in for down viewing.