Which underwater camera should I get???

[stoneeyes317]

I know someone started a post similar to this, but I have to get to Cabela's by this weekend to get some extra $$ off my purchase price, so here is my dilemma: I will have ~ 170 "free" dollars (gift certificates & points) to apply towards a camera. I am considering:

1) Marcum VS380 @ $250

2) Cabela's Advanced Angler camera @ $180

3) Aqua-Vu Scout II @ $300

4) Marcum Vs 250 @ $150 (they had 1 left last week when I went scouting around the store)

Anyone want to weigh in on my purchase with their opinion/s?? I like different features about all of the units, like the longer (60ft.) cord and 7" screen on the VS380, the marine grade epoxy and realistic camera of the Aqua-vu, etc.

I also need to mention that Cabelas drops off $30 for spending $100-$200, $50 when spending $200-$300.

Please help me decide...

eyes317

[gopher_nation]

One thing to consider, bigger screen means shorter battery life.

[JigginIsLife]

second thing is to look around on here for stuff, there are deffinatly some awesome deals to be had, wish i would have done that instead of buying my stuff new... and you know the guys on here are good for thier word.

[bpoli2]

Tried the aqua view next to the Cabela camera. No comparison, Cabela by far.

[gvg_uwec]

One thing I have learned this fall on FM is that the aquavu has the DVR unit that is only compatable with the aqua vu. The marcums have no "add on" recording device. You can use a video camera to record from the video out line on the marcum, but if you dont have a video camera at your disposal the aqua vu is the way to go for recording what you see underwater. The DVR has 15mins of built in memory or you can add SD cards for under $50 to exted the capacity to hour(s). The recording option is swinging me towards the aqua vu, but if you dont plan on recording then the marcum may be the way to go.

[Kyle Sandberg]

I had the Cabelas camera (made by marcum so you get the realiability of their product) and like it. The larger screen is a bonous and the battery life last 6-8 hours depending on the temp. Buying it at cabelas allows you to, if you don't like the product or there is something wrong with it, to return it with no questions asked. You could then, theoretically get another camera and see how that one preforms.

[BTrauma1]

MarCum 380 or MarCum 560. Easy choice.

[stoneeyes317]

If you don't mind my asking, could you elaborate on why you feel this is an easy choice?? I'm not passing judgement, just looking to be as informed as I can before I make my purchase.

thanks,

eyes317

[bassNspear]

i have a marcum and i love it. i have never had any problems with it, and it has been a very awesome unit for what i use it for. I would recommand it.

[gopher_nation]

I bought an original scout last year at cabelas. I went there planning on buying their marcum version but the adjustible screen and $50 mail in rebate are what sold me. Whichever you choose you will have a good product backed up by good companies.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I've never had a marcum or used a marcum camera. But I own 2 aqua vu cameras. I will tell you that I am very happy with them, and have found nature vision to have extremely great customer service. Last year I draged my camera on the ice and cut the cord up, called aqua vu and they mailed me a new side view fish cam for an old ice pro camera. At no cost couldn't believe it. Also bought a genz rod and reel combo last year, and I called in because I thought the reel wasn't working very good on it. Had a new one sent in less then 3 days to my house no cost. Due to the customer service and quality that I have gotten from nature vision I always suggest and use their products. With every thing I've heard I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. Hopefully you find many a fish on the screen. Good luck

[stoneeyes317]

Agronomist:

I (and the sales guy I talked to) pretty much agree with your statement that it would be hard to go wrong with any of them. Unfortunately, they didn't have any VS380's in stock when I went there this morning, so I didn't have that as an option. After some consideration, I chose the Cabela's camera. After adding a Marcum camera compass, a rod holder for my portable, some barrel swivels and 3 Chubby Darters (2 size 3s and a size 6 that was under $5) I was @ about $235. After the $50 rebate from Cabelas and the $170 in points and gift cards, I only spent about $15/16 for everything out of pocket Not a bad haul for not much $$!!

I set up the camera and tried it out in the living room; not a bad picture. The next test will (hopefully) be some late fall pre-ice scouting next weekend in the boat.

Thanks to all who gave their input...

eyes317

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Sounds like you did well for getting set up. Hope you catch some big ones on the chubbies.