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Underwater Camera Recommendation

Chode2235

By Chode2235
in Ice Fishing

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Chode2235 Veteran

Chode2235

Posted
Posted

Looking to get a good underwater camera this fall for the upcoming season (yes I am anxious to get back on the ice).

What models do you like, and why do you like them. I am looking for something that is lightweight (I use a little Otter Den) and something that is durable and has a good clear picture than can be used all day and into the night too.

Which one do you like and why? No bashing please, just throw out your favs and why you like them.

Also, what types of applications do you appreciate having your camera the most?

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MN Angler Collaborator

MN Angler

Posted
Posted

I have the Aqua Vu scout XL. When I was looking I wanted a little larger screen. This one has a 7 in screen vs. a 5. I do wish mine would let me know the depth I was at and the direction but I get by just fine. I have however, heard mixed feeling about the ones that work at night. They have to use lights and I have heard they tend to scare fish. So if you want it just to see the structure or bottom content I think It would work well. That's just what I have heard, never saw it first hand. What I like to do is set the camera down a hole about ten feet from my shack positioned toward my bait, you get a little bigger viewing area and are able to see more than one bait at a time. I love using it in clear lakes, especially trout fishing. Good luck I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you choose

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Scott M Grand Master

Scott M

Posted
Posted

Off the top of my head,Nature Vision's Marcum line of cameras, the VS825c color camera. Crystal clear and color. I don't even own one but I've seen them in action. Clearer than anything on the market, and the next big thing will be color.

*************************************

If you do a lot of summer viewing, you might consider something with a temperature sensor on it.

I want something that is durable, I can record off of, is clear, and is adjustable.

Here's a helpful link from a previous discussion...check out Joel Nelson's advice: http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ub...r_c#Post1185010

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Hotspotter Veteran

Hotspotter

Posted
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Chode:

Much will depend on the clarity of the lakes you will be viewing. I often use Mille Lacs as somewhat of a model-lake for the use of color in underwater cameras. Using a color camera in any lake with clarity similar to, or better than Mille Lacs will yield you some interesting information.

Esp. for panfish, but predator fish too, the last green weeds in the lake will continue to hold fish. A color unit will tell you more about the condition of weedbeds in the areas you fish than about anything else; which may also yield information regarding substrate content/quality. I see another probable benefit to color in "matching the hatch," with subtle color hues often playing big roles in how selective fish can be when feeding. Ultimately, with clearer water, the addition of color simply elevates the detail-level of the information you're getting from below the ice.

At the same time, I frequently fish many lakes with poorer visibility, even in winter. Here, I'm of the opinion that black and white provides a great deal of contrast, esp. in low-light conditions. I wrote something up with my experiences from the Marcum VS820 last year:

Nature Vision - Marcum VS820

Nature Vision is planning on offering the Marcum underwater cameras as a premium line to their already healthy arsenal. You should have no problem finding a few around in stores this year to kick the tires and ultimately decide for yourself.

Good luck!

Joel

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iafish4fun Collaborator

iafish4fun

Posted
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I have a Harbor Freight cheapy. I have to say that I am hooked on cameras now. The features that i would look for now are temperature at the camera level and to be able to record video. Those the things that I would like to have. The color ones sound nice but would like to see what there battery life is like. I would guess that the color will shorten the life a little just like it does with color handled GPS. But that may be a minor deal for those that like color. I think that as long as you stick with one of the major brands you will be happy. Good luck with the purchase and get ready for for some fun.

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joeyquicksand* Community Regular

joeyquicksand*

Posted
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I have an aqua-vu.... i wish i had a marcum, or cabellas. What I really wish i had was one with the automated turning... Sometimes I get so angry trying to keep the cam pointed where I want it to point. Those four screen cams are sweet too. Almost all cameras do NOT work after sunset, even in a clear lake. What I do like, and its especially nice in clear water, is on my Aqua-vu, it has a little hook on the tail(my cam looks like a fish) that i can run the cord thru and get a view from the top... it was sweet watchin' the walley sneak up on my jig on mille-lacs last winter. AHH JEEEZE, i can't wait for ice fishing.

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glenn57 Grand Master

glenn57

Posted
Posted

i can help a bit, for about 15 bucks get a tripod. it has a little rubber ball that goes on the cord. once you have your depth figured out you can turn it like a radio dial. iys not perfect but works in a pinch. i have one and does ok. by the way i have an outdoor viewing system. works fine by me.

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ac777 Mentor

ac777

Posted
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we've got the cabelas one, its a good price, and pretty good quality. The infrared light doesn't scare fish, as it is practically invisible. Like others have said, it depends alot on the clarity of the lake. Lotw is not a real good camera lake.

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glenn57 Grand Master

glenn57

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i would disagree to a point about the infared. i have fished with friends that have the infared a few times and outfished them on each occasion. really noticed it when it statred getting dark out and after dark.

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Chode2235 Veteran

Chode2235

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i would disagree to a point about the infared. i have fished with friends that have the infared a few times and outfished them on each occasion. really noticed it when it statred getting dark out and after dark.

Maybe you're just a better fisherman? smile

Thanks for all the great info. What is the difference between IR and the SR, besides the marketing?

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