MarCum Goes “One Step Ahead” in the 2007/2008 Season

[Matt Johnson]

MarCum Technologies prides itself on making our job as ice anglers easier by creating equipment that is both user-friendly and leading edge. Going One Step Ahead is only fitting as the slogan for MarCum Technologies, and for the 2007/2008 season it’s safe to say that step is fast becoming a leap into what the future holds for underwater cameras.

Flat screen seems to be the rave in recent years. Whether you’re looking for a TV, computer, or anything where clarity plays an important role in your purchase, you’ll soon realize that having a flat screen gives you a better picture. Now, quality in a flat screen takes clarity one step further, and MarCum has not cheated you on quality. Using only the highest quality parts and technology will assure the user that they are using only the best. Products designed by anglers for anglers: that’s what MarCum does.

Introducing the new VS825c color underwater viewing system for the 2007/2008 season, MarCum has offered a colored underwater camera that produces an excellent picture but at an affordable price. Built around a sunlight viewable LCD screen, the VS825c uses the highest quality 4:3 aspect 8-inch flat screen with 600v x 800h resolution. No need for a viewing shade to block out sunlight, this camera is clear in direct sunlight. Sunlight readable is the name of the game.

Using Darkwater technology, the VS825c greatly reduces particle reflection and improves viewing distance. The VS825c uses a Super HAD Sony camera which is enclosed in the new Manta camera design incorporating super high intensity bright white LED lights. The Manta is a very durable camera catering to the demands of ice and open water anglers alike.

VS825c

A few more features of the VS825c include a weather-resistant soft-pack that helps protect the monitor when transporting. The soft-pack is made from a durable PVC backed 600 denier material and is held closed with zippers and Velcro straps. This pack helps keep things compact, again, keeping things easier for the angler. The VS825c also comes with a battery and charging system that includes a 12-volt 7-amp hour battery and 1-amp two-stage charger so you’re always ready to hit the ice. And last but not least, the VS825c is loaded with various camera controls for different viewing and recording modes. These controls allow you to turn the lighting system ON/OFF, increase/decrease the lighting intensity, contrast, and brightness, as well as record in color with the video output jack. The VS825c has it all and for a retail price of only $599.99!!!

Next on the list of new additions to the MarCum lineup is the VS820. Much like the VS825c, the VS820 has the same 8-inch screen, but uses a Super HAD CCD Sony black/white camera. The VS820 still produces that same sunlight readable display, but only with a black/white picture.

VS820

The VS820 does however offer the choice between the super bright high intensity blue LED’s or the non-visible infrared lights utilizing Darkwater technology for superior low light viewing. So now you have the ability to switch between both modes to help maximize viewing quality.

The VS820 comes with the same soft-pack, battery and charger, as well as camera controls as the VS825c. And all of this is available for only $499.99!!!

The third new camera making its way into the list of MarCum viewing systems is the VS380. The VS380 is a 7-inch rugged black/white CRT monitor once again using the Super HAD CCD Sony camera in the Manta housing. It has a built-in sunshield and also incorporates the Darkwater technology allowing you to see more of what’s under the ice. You can also adjust the contrast and brightness of the VS380 and you also have the ability to hook up two cameras to the monitor allowing for use by two anglers. Enclosed in a padded soft-pack you have yourself a package that has it all and only for a price of $249.99!!!

VS380

On top of the three new cameras added for the 2007/2008 ice fishing season, MarCum has also come out with a couple new rod/gear bags. The new IcePac allows you to house not only your rods and tackle, but also your flasher unit inside one complete and user-friendly pack. The IcePac has built-in crush-resistant compartments for your flasher as well as for your rods, reels, tackle, hand-held GPS or digital sonar. The IcePac is made from rugged 600 denier polyester with water-resistant PVC backing. The IcePac also offers a golf-bag-style shoulder strap for easy transportation. The IcePac takes mobility to new level!!! Retails at $59.99.

IcePac

Besides the IcePac, MarCum has also unveiled the new RodPac. The RodPac is very similar to the IcePac expect without the ability to house a flasher unit. Built with the same top-quality parts and materials, the RodPac allows you to hold rods, reels, tackle, hand-held GPS and other accessories. Stay light and mobile with the new RodPac!!! Retails at $39.99.

RodPac

Other new items for the 2007/2008 ice fishing season include the new Camera Compass and the BCI 50 battery monitor. Built from a molded plastic, the Camera Compass is an ice hold cover that allows you to keep you underwater camera in place and your ice hole from freezing up. Also change your viewing direction and steer your camera by turning the cover by the built in finger grips. The Camera Compass retails from $12.99 to $14.99.

Camera Compass

The BCI 50 is a new battery monitor which shows status of charge remaining in the battery and indicates with blinking LED lights when the battery reaches full charge. Very compact and portable, the BCI 50 is designed to mount on the top of the battery or to your flasher or other electronic device.

BCI 50

Taking you “One Step Ahead” is the name of the game, and MarCum Technologies comes up big once again for the 2007/2008 ice fishing season!!!

For more information on the new MarCum products please visit www.marcumtech.com.

[wishing for walleyes]

Great Post.You have more info then marcum has on their HSOforum.When i read about the vs825c they dont say its an 8 inch screen.Thats a big selling point for me.Does this one have infra red?

[gman2002]

any idea when thorne bros will start carrying these new cameras ?

[Matt Johnson]

Only the 820 has the infrared option...

Thorne Bros should have them sometime in November or early December. The new line of cameras is expected to be out in late November sometime...

[harvey lee]

Thanks matt for the great info on Marcum. They are always on the top of their game with technology.

[crappace]

The rod pack looks great. If you were to choose between the Revolution and this one...which would you buy??

[Scott M]

Both! It's an excuse to buy more rods! J/K

Seriously, great information there Matt. I love my Marcum and will probably look into the 40.00 case and flasher holder. MarCum is the best out there. Try the rest and then get the best.

[vikingmeatwad]

I highly doubt those screens are that clear in normal mn lakes but I can't wait to see these new products in action.

[hondavxr]

I have had color 8" CCD LCD and a color underwater camera for a few years now. I made it myself and I have to say that it is not as good as you would think. When you think colors underwater, there isn't many different colors once it is tinted by water, so even with the color underwater camera and color LCD the contrast and texture is not something to drool over. I think black and white even had more depth than with color. Trust me I have a pretty good color underwater camera.One thing that suck about the color LCD screen was that on sunny days you couldn't see anything, just like the color Lowrance H2O's. I do want to see the Marcum one in action.

[Hotspotter]

Black and white should provide more contrast for you, esp. in lakes with poorer clarity. Overall it might provide a clearer depiction in turbid waters, but you miss out on all the extra information color provides. A lake like Mille Lacs however should provide a good proving ground for the color in-action.

I like to take my cues from what I'm seeing on the lake bottom, specifically for pannies in soft-bottom natural lakes, and walleyes in the big mayfly waters. In clear enough lakes, I feel the color will be a valuable tool in assessing everything from colors to best "match the hatch", to finding the last green weeds to concentrate panfishing efforts. These are just two instances where I think color has a major role to play for underwater cameras.

Joel

[waskawood]

I really enjoyed the panning ability of my old VS560 Marcum. I wonder if there is a reason that they discontinued it in their new line. I hate twisting the cord to follow fish.

[Matt Johnson]

Quote:

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I really enjoyed the panning ability of my old VS560 Marcum. I wonder if there is a reason that they discontinued it in their new line. I hate twisting the cord to follow fish.

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Give it some time. You'll see the new units with the rotational feature in the near future I'm sure. The Manta camera that MarCum is using with the new cameras doesn't currently come with a rotational option. As for right now, you're going to get a top-of-the-line flat screen monitor with a top-quality camera for a very inexpensive price. Color runs only $599 and black/white runs $499. The picture quality is very good. I had the opportunity to check these cameras out and they are indeed very nice units. Very compact too, so transporting is going to be easier than before.

MarCum has always prided itself on going one step ahead by taking products to the next level. Adjustable zoon in the LX-3 and LX-5... push-button rotational features with the VS460 and VS560... and now a pocketbook-friendly flat-screen color camera. This is not the first color camera to hit the market, but the price point is definitely something to consider, especially for the quality you are receiving.

But yes, I agree that the rotational features of the VS560 are tough to beat and it saves on a lot of frustration, but I also think you'll like the larger screen and the sunlight-readable clarity on the new VS820 and VS825c. It's a tough call really, each have their place...

[waskawood]

Thanks Matt, I appreciate the info.

[Dave]

Even though it's not an "auto pan" or one touch button pan (like the 560) I tested the Camera Compass last year and it makes turning the camera direction a lot easier than trying to hold the cable manually. Once the camera is stabilized (like any underwater camera), using the Camera Compass holds the camera in place and makes turning directions easier. I think the Camera Compass with the 825c is going to be a great combination.

[Hotspotter]

An additional feature that I like as part of the Manta camera is the positioning of the lights. With the manta, they're above the camera (not around the lens) reducing particulate reflection in low light viewing conditions. For anyone that's used an underwater camera near dark, the ability to reduce the "blizzard with high beams" effect will we worth it's weight in gold.

As mentioned, I'd like to see it rotate as well, but am willing to couple it with the camera compass to enhance viewing in lower light as the tradeoff. Add that to the more compact case, and 8" flatscreen vs. 5.5 tube screen of the 560, and I think I'll be upgrading.

Joel

[Tom Linderholm]

Wow! I just got the Ice Pac and loaded all my gear into it getting ready for ice!!! The golf bag kick stand is a great addition, I can already see myself running and gunning with all my gear (-auger) tucked away in this pack.

Now if it just had a chair built in I would be set.

[bassNspear]

They are always on the top of their game with technology. I love the look of the flat screen. They do make a AWESOME product.