Undewater Camera Advice

[whateverisbiting]

Looking at cameras, any suggestions? I am willing to pay more for top end if there really is a difference.

Anyone know the difference between Aqua Vu Scout SRT vs Aqua Vu Explorer?

[smeese]

I would find one with 360 viewing. You will hate trying to focus in spinning a cable by hand.

[bavincent]

I have been using a friends Aqua-vu srt this winter and liked it pretty well. Two weeks ago I bought a Cabelas brand camera.

Regular price 200 on sale for 150. Took them both out on saturday on white bear lake in 22 feet of water. Lowered both cameras down to five feet off the bottom. The Cabelas camera was much superior to the Aqua-vu. I could see small perch in detail with the Cabelas brand that I couldn't even see with the Aqua-vu. I think that the Cabelas brand camera is easier to use also. I should also not that I clipped both camears to the cable so that it was pointed straight down to the bottom. A much better way to view things than looking paralel to the bottom of the lake.

[Deitz Dittrich]

The lighting system is different in the SRT to the Explorer. Aqua Vu doesnt make the SRT anymore.. I currently own a Scout XL, and it works great for me. I dont use my camera at night, so I could care less what lights it has. I am however saving up money to get the MarCum 820...

As for a spinning camera, up to this point, no company has been able to make a fool proof unit that will not have leaking problems.. The above water Aqua-Vu Mo Pod does work well for that though.. I however with a tripod or MarCum camera compas have had no problems.

[Sandmannd]

I would go with a higher end. I have a cheaper one and it works intermitantly. Sucks when you really want to use it and it goes out.

[Big Buck Buster]

A buddy of mine has a new Marc. He has an option on his that I thought was really cool is you can turn the camera back and forth with just a push of a button. Left or right the camera will turn without toughing the cable. Great product.

[harvey lee]

Personally, I would check out the MarCum 820 & the color 825. In dirty water I have been told the 820 is better for viewing. I do like the color unit.

The VS380 also offers a very nice picture.

[JimBuck]

I've got the VS380 and the camera picture quality is great. As others have suggested, buy a compass or something to move the camera around underwater...

[hondarider550]

Ive got an older Aqua vu Z model and in its day it was a great camera... I am now thinking about buying a better one and wondering the same thing as you... My buddy has a Marcum V460 and it is much more superior to my Aqua Vu. He has the 360 degree viewing built into the camera... VERY NICE...

I did purchase the Aqua Vu MO POD this week and used it this weekend and wow... very nice for scanning around. This will at least allow me to look at some less expensive models and still have the 350 degree viewing area available...

My opinion buy something that you are going to be happy with for a very long time even if it costs a little bit more. My Aqua Vu has lasted me about 9 years and still going... I hate to retire it since it still works...

[glenn57]

dietz, you mean to tell me you dont have it yet? heck you sold me on it right away. only had the chance to use it once so far but way better than my old one. that marcum 820 sure is a sweet setup.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Not yet Glen.. soon though.. I will have it for late ice panfish action for sure.

[angpal]

I just got a VS825c Marcum and the led lights won't come on, When I emailed the seller he told me they had a lot of complaints about the lights on these cameras.

[Esox_Magnum]

I had an Aqua VU, just recently got a VS 820. It's like watching in HD now. I love it. Well worth the money IMO. As far as lights I don't use them anyway so don't matter to me.

[harvey lee]

I just got a VS825c Marcum and the led lights won't come on, When I emailed the seller he told me they had a lot of complaints about the lights on these cameras.

I own one and my lights are fine. This is the first I had heard of any issue with the lights. Its a great camera.

If you have an issue with your camera, I would call Jon at this number and he can help get your problem resolved.

218-251-7991 - Direct

[Esox_Magnum]

I had the misfortune of having to use Marcums customer service as well, but they took care of me super fast and took care of my problem. Top notch customer service in my book.

[angpal]

I called The place I bought the Marcum from and he told me that they have had several complaints about the led lights not working. Funny how after you purchase something the truth comes out.

[Andy Loos1432404924]

Marcums 820 is an awesome unit and would highly suggest it. Any questions give me a shout.

[marlan]

I believe the Marcum 820 would be the way to go. I have been studying them for a long time. When I get the money I will be buying one. Is it worth the money? Can anyone tell me? Thank you very much.

Marlan

[marlan]

Do you realy need the light if you use it in the day light?

Marlan

[Deitz Dittrich]

Marlan- No, there should be enough light to not need the lights.. if you did, your probably in a lake that has too much particulation to view well anyway.

[marlan]

Just what I wanted to know! If you use it in the day light do you need the light? you say no. Thank you very much.

Marlan

[Deitz Dittrich]

Glad to be able to help Marlan..

[south_metro_fish]

I just went through the same thing but was not looking for the most expensive one and wrote a thread in a different section here is the link http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1703917/aqua_vu#Post1703917 . I am more then happy with my Cabela's camera and the infrared lighting works great. I really like using the infrared lighting for finding my line to line up my camera, it makes it shine real nice. I do have one question though, I know the fish cant see the infrared shinning on any thing, but can they see the bulbs lighting up red or does the red fade out enough with the depth? I could see using it after dark if I had it set up with the lights on but I am always afraid the fish would be scared away.