Marcum Cameras vs Aqua View

[prov1900]

I assume this has been asked before, probably ad nauseum, but my search feature isn't working. Anyway, I have an older Aqua View Scout. It isn't working. It is the power cord (connection) clearly because I have to jiggle it to make the camera work. I have emailed Aqua View with no response. I called them and was put to an answering machine. No call back, so now I am thinking about switching products...to Marcum. The camera is just a bonus as I already utilize an FL 18, but I certainly miss it when it is gone. Are the lower end Marcum units OK? Better than Aqua View?

I don't have $600 laying around, or I would buy the color version, hands down. That looks pretty sweet. Any comments on the color or any of the units? Thanks.

I am not dogging Aqua View, I am just impatient and have had nothing but problems with this unit. Naturally, every year, I plan on fixing it during the Spring/Summer/Fall months, but lookout, it is already Winter, so this is my bad, not theirs.

Also not trying to start a Ford/Chevy debate, but am looking for some honest answers from some field users. Thanks.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Prov- please try Cust service again tomorrow for Aqua-Vu-- these people do get a day off for the holidays as well... Aqua-Vu has one of the best cust service I have ever had to work with. If its just a power cord, its a easy fix!

please, give them one more try.

Phone: (866) 777-0733

[minnbowhunter]

I have the early model UVS 400 Marcum, I had 1 problem with it that was caused by me,(cut in the cable) and was fixed in 1 week at no cost. They shortened the cable by 3 ft and reattached it. I would buy the cheapest one by Marcum or Aquaview I could find. I fish mostly after dark and all the cameras I have seen are wothless after dark. My son has a t.v. in his wheelhouse and he bought a cheap Aquaview that is just the camera head and a coil of cable with a connection to his t.v. I think it was under $100. The camera has no lights but they don't work at night anyway.

[hoggs222]

I've got the Marcum VS 300, the old school Outdoor Viewing System and it still works great. I think it's going on 6 years or so. I used it next to an aqua view at night and it was way better viewing than the aqua view.

[prov1900]

Dietz, I am not giving up on them. Everyone raves about Aqua View customer service and I have no qualms with them. This was something I should have taken care of a long time ago. I should have left my "partial" rant out, there was no ill feelings meant. I totally intend on fixing the camera. Shouldn't every guy have two of everything??

[minnbowhunter]

hey hoggs

do you get better results with the hi-view lights or the infra-red ones. My camera works great till the sun is down and then if I turn the lights on it looks like I'm driving in a snowstorm. Can barely see my jig 2 ft away.

[kwiggy]

I just bought a Marcum 250 and love it. It was $159 w/ a $20 rebate offered. I've only used it twice so I can't speak for it's durability, but it comes with a nice case and the picture is absolutely crystal clear. It is a basic 5" screen with a silver bullet camera. Nothing fancy, but it works great for me. I can't compare it to the aqua view as I have never used one. I bought a $10 tripod, which is a must buy for any camera.

[hoggs222]

Hmmmmm. I'm not sure. I usually just putz around with the dial until it comes in. Night viewing usually works best with the dial all the way to the right.

I was on Beebe in St. Michael tonight and got the bubbles aka snowstorm, but I did hit the bottom with the camera. I was just checking bottom structure and found a scattered weed bed, but no fish.

I did read that there's something new with the VS460 & VS560 that eliminates alot of the "Bubbles". But, they're $500 & $600.

[toonfish]

I had bought the Marcum vs250 at gander and then someone posted on here that they bought a 350 at sportsmans wharehouse for the same price I pasid for the 250 at gander. Brought mine back and they price matched....no questions asked. I think the only difference w/ the 350 is a 7 in screen....have only used it once and it was at night. After hearing all of the bad things about night viewing, I was actually suprised and pl3eased at how it performed with the infared lights. I was not expecting much, but I was able to see my jig.... and fish were very clear. I used it on Prior and the snow effect was there from all the particles in the water, but still able to clearly see bottom structure/weeds and fish....I am happy. So you can get the Marcum vs350 for 159.00. Good deal to me

[McGurk]

I had the same problem, and it was the power cable. The problem wasn't visible; it was inside the jacket of the plug that went into the monitor. I tore it apart and tried to resolder it with no luck. I emailed them and got a new cable in a couple of days; no charge. I'm sure they'll do the same for you as they did for me.