cabelas Underwater Cam

[USDA3]

Hey just curious if anyone has used the Cabelas brand under water cameras? I know you usually get what you pay for, but don't have the budget for the more expensive Aqua View or Marcum. Will probably only be using for ice fishing cause I hear none of them work real great in open water. Any thoughts would be great. Also, I looked at some of the reviews from cabelas sight, but not many in there are using them for hard water. Sounds like one drawback might be the battery not being contained in something?? How are the lights, screen clarity during the day?

[TheRasker]

I bought the 7" TV/Camera last year after they sold out of the 5". They gave it to me for the price of the 5" and I had a coupon for 20% off. So I got a great deal on it. The battery sits under the TV- I have read those same reviews and don't understand why folks can't figure out to put the battery under the screen. Anyway, the camera works great during the daytime, but I put it away after the sun sets. I have learned a lot about fishing by using that camera and don't have anything bad to say about it. They stand behind their products.

[broman]

I have one. Good unit for the price. Works great if you are inside a fishhouse. But out in the bright sun it's difficult to view the tv screen (like all tv screens) unless you can totally block out the light from the screen. Don't expect to use it much on a bright sunny day unless you shove your head into the flaps. Like therasker said, I put it away at night since visibility goes down alot. Most cameras are limited during the dark anyways.

If you don't already have a flasher. Save your money and get one of those first, then the camera. The camera is more of a toy (for me) and the flasher if the tool.

[mnhunter79]

I too, have the 7". Have not used it out in the sun light yet. But otherwise, TheRasker, and broman are right on!!! Have used others (older) and the cabelas 7" is much better, I'm satisfied.

[Rope]

I have the 7" and it works good.I did have a little trouble getting the battery in at first,but it's fine now.Has a good clear picture in the waters I have used it in.

[fish]

I bought the 5" last year. I too have been excited about all that you can gain watching how a fish reacts to your bait. Work good during the day...not so good at night. If there is anything floating in wather the IR lights make it difficult to see anything but floating globs. I enjoy it. I bought the 5" primarily because it fits perfectly in the bottom of a pail thus reducing some wear and tear in the sled. TIP: keep the foam that it is packed in for more transportation protection and buy the compass from marcum. I didn't have the compass last year and modified a Brimbal tip up with a boat cleat.

[AndyM]

I bought the 7" a few weeks ago when they were on sale. Great investment in my opinion. I've learned alot about jigging with the camera. I haven't had any problems with glare from the sun yet, but I'm in a permanent house also. The battery fits right under the screen, easy to install. At night you might as well not use it at all, just pick up the small particles in the water. Works great for peeking in on the wife while she's in the shower. Haha just kidding

[tweeder]

I have the 7 inch screen version, it works as good as the other brands that are similar (same features etc). none of the camera are easy to see in sunlight or in low light conditions.

I did get it totally wet once as the cover to the house came off and it was covered in slush. I couldn't get the screen to work. Brough it in the cabin, dried it out and it started working just fine.

I have been very happy with it.

[CarlWBL]

I have the 5" model and I think it is priced just right. Better quality than the fishtv and less expensive than the aquavu. I really enjoy mine. Half the time I throw my tip ups out and sit in the truck and drill a hole next to my truck and watch the fish come and go. Very useful when seeking structure, but also great entertainment.

[irishwalleye]

Thumbs up on the 7" screen -- works everytime!!

Dont bother if you run-N-gun tho -- better to just have the flasher.

Do get if you have kids that come with.

My brother and I have created a little "TV Tent" for the boat during open water so the kiddies can look for fish when they are bored -- which at 3 -- happens quickly... other than that -- they dont really work well when sun hits the screen -- but then again -- what TV is viewable in direct sunlight?

[USDA3]

Thanks for all the help, I may be going with the 7 inch screen. Seems like a great addition to the arsenal.

what are your guys batteries lasting? Anyone else recommend the marcum cable holder or something of that sort?

thx

[broman]

Get a cable holder or make one from a 5 gallon pail lid. Makes positioning the cable much easier.

[mnhunter79]

I use the tri-pod camera cable holder. works well.

[Rope]

USDA3,the battery is the same as a Vexilar,so there is plenty of power for the day.I also got the Marcum compass.

[KTapper]

I have the cabelas camera with the 5" screen and I am very satisfied with the purchase works really well and the infared lights for great. But yeah you have to buy a tri pod

[Glockwinger]

I also bought the 7" with the tripod ice pod holder. I like it a lot better than my OVS (outdoor viewing system - pre Marcum, Marcum camera). My 8 year old loves using it for sunnies. Great buy. If mine died, I would buy another.