underwater cameras

[sheephead24]

I have a couple questions on cameras. Has anyone used the aqua cam or fish tv? I see they are a lot cheaper than an aqua vu and I really dont want to spend a lot. Are they good quality?

Thanks for any replies

[Azrael]

I’m about to buy a camera myself. When I do I’ll buy the Aqua-Vu. From what I’ve read and understand the Aqua-Vu is the way to go. Yes they are a little more spendy, but like a lot of things you get what you pay for.

[Craigums]

I heard the Fish TV isnt too bad, it just doesnt come with a case and uses like 10 C batteries or something like that...I ended up buying the low end marcum. Its fun tool to play with but definately is no substitution to the flasher

[jb426]

Aqua view scout xl 50 is the cheapest best way to go. Has all same features as the next model up but with 50' of cable. How often can you see more than 50'down, way to dark at any time of day. $199 at cabalias or gander.

[Craigums]

Low end marcum I bought was only 130, comes with 12v battery, case, and 65 ft of cable.

[jb426]

Yea I was looking at that marcum to. Can't remember why I choose the aqua view. I think it had to do with the infer-red lighting or something maybe the camara itself. Is yours the spaceship looking camara or the fish. Come to think of it lighting doesn't really matter because with mine once the sun sets it useless.

[Craigums]

It has the infared LED also, But in my opinion it doesnt help much, it just lights up all the particles in the water to make it hard to see anyways

[EasyGiller]

Hey Cabela's has a sale in rogers and is selling the aqua-vu XL 50 for $179 and their cabela's version of marcums vs-250 for $99. I have cabela's cam and I love it! check it out cause I think the sale ends today!!!! Hope this Helps

[Craigums]

$99 bucks for the cabelas one, That a good deal, that's what I would go with if I didnt already have one

[Neiko]

I would get the bigger screen Cabelas one. It usually sells for $179 but I got mine for $119 during the xmas sales. They have it online every now and then so keep an eye out for it. It is basically the Marcum VS350 with Cabelas name on it.

[harvey lee]

If your looking for a quality built camera with great customer service. please check out the MarCum line. marCum has numerous cameras for the beginner to the expert fisherman.

It features a durable 7-inch CRT monitor matched to an all new Manta camera design. The new Manta camera utilizes Darkwater™ technology, which greatly reduces particulate reflection and increases viewing distance. The super high intensity LED’s are mounted above the camera lens therefore eliminating the snow storm effect experienced in other viewing systems. The Sony Super HAD CCD camera and super bright LED’s make no fish unseen. The NEW VS380 allows the user to control the intensity of the underwater lights, adjust screen contrast & brightness, use two underwater camera’s and switch between the two (second camera optional) and offers a video output jack for recording. You couldn’t ask for more—and all at a phenomenal price! MarCum is One Step Ahead and packing a serious punch even in the lower priced systems.

I own and use a few different cameras and MarCums VS380 is a fine unit at a reasonable price. This camera has good picture quality.

One can also check out Nature Visions line up of fine, quality underwater cameras. The XL is also a nice underwater unit.

[smg04]

i have the aqua cam that was givin to me as an xmas preasant last year and i can say i honestly have no complaints at all, it has served me well for many hours on the ice and hasn't faulted a bit, the only thing that i think could be improved is that it doesnt come with any kinda sun shield and can be kinda hard to see past the glare on bright sunny days, i use it inside the shack with no problems and cloudy overcast days it works just fine, i also baught the marcum ice arm to go with it and it works great for setting depth and direction

[Craigums]

Is the marcum a good choice? YES! Are there other good choices out there? CERTAINLY!

Sheephead I advice you to check out all your options before making a choice and most of all go with what fits your price range.

Good luck with whatever you decide to purchase!

The MarCum does have a mail in rebate which is nice on the pocket book!

[perch_destroyer]

I bought the Cabelas one last year and have been very pleased with it. The picture is very clear and I have had zero problems with it (knock on wood). That would be your best option. The battery is your common vex/12 volt and sits inside the case. Most aqua's have built in batterys, good luck on changing those. Thats a good deal at $99, i paid full price. the Perch

[walleyeaddict]

I have owned a marcum vs 560 for 3 yrs now. While the performance in the water is unmatched, i also know marcums customer service is top notch first hand!! I have had too send it in every year. They are a top notch crew though, repairing it at no cost. My 9 yr old daughter wants a camera and I think I will check out the cabelas version if they are that reasonable. My point in an unconfontational mannner is u dont always get what u pay for!!

[blarkey]

I just bought the Cabella's one for 119 and love it but get the Mar cum compus it helps keep the camera still thorn brothers has it for like 8 bucks.

[icewoman]

I have had two different models of Aqua View Cameras to date. The first went belly up, the contrast and the camera went bad after the second weekend of use. Upgraded to a higher end model and the camera went bad on that one. I did go and they replaced it without hesitation. Now the contrast button on the current unit does not work and my leads for the battery broke off ( they began to get crimped shortly after purchase and I taped them up as best I could. I got frustrated and went and bought a Marcum V360? and did a side by side comparison in the fishhouse. Now it could have been that the Aqua View was on the way out but the Marcum had a much better picture by far. 219.00 for the Marcum and 300.00 + for the Aqua View at time of purchase. At this time I think I am going to stay with the Marcum product. I have nothing but good things to say for the Nature Vision product and service, the service was outstanding but I want to use the camera not have to schedule to time to take it in for repairs. I just think the way the Marcum is designed it is much more user friendly and less prone to breakage.

[sjburnt]

.

[MNman]

Does anyone know much about the aqua cam 2?

[Random guy]

 Originally Posted By: Craigums

It has the infared LED also, But in my opinion it doesnt help much, it just lights up all the particles in the water to make it hard to see anyways

My Marcum Camera has the Manta camera with Darkwater Technology, it reduces the particle glare like no other. Almost to the point it isn't present, even in the stained waters of Upper Red Lake.

[Esox_Magnum]

Been running an AV but after seeing the new color Marcums I gotta have one

[Mn walleye]

Yes I recieved my Aqua Cam 2 yesterday I bought on hsolist already used it and works very well, what I like is the blinking icon tells what hole in the fish house the cameras pointing at and since I don't really know which direction am facing I always know. Also the 24 IR LEDs see pretty good at nite I have an old Aqua Cam and this one is 50 times better and a great price.

[Mn walleye]

I had the Marcum Manta till I dropped it! I wouldn't buy another one for one thing its too expensive. It worked okay but not very durable it tips over too easy. I like this new AQUA CAM 2 at less than 170 bucks shipped!

[Mn walleye]

Update on the AQUA CAM 2.

This Camera seemed to be fine at the first few uses but now the camera leaks and horizontal lines fill the screen, another poorly made Chinese POS Also never drop not even a 1 foot, this heavy weighted dual ballast on the cold ice breaks very easy. I am sticking to the Aqua Vu Scout as my new camera purchase in the fall. Oh well 170.00 bucks down the shoot!

[tisosy11]

Is the aqua cam 2 a better camera than the quad?