I’m in the market for some underwater eyes. Anyone have an opinion on Aquavu vs. OVS? I’m considering the $400 models and wondering about throwing another $100 in the pot to get directional display. Is it worth it to get a camera in the first place? Silly question.
I am kind of partial to MarCum products so I will suggest you check out the OVS 560. I think you will find it well worth the money. The directional control is build into the camera. The unit turns the camera not the cord. It is a major advance for underwater cameras. Also, the lights are positioned above the lense, similar to a headlight so you don’t just see suspended particles at night. Before you buy any camera I would suggest you check it out anyways.
Here is my “sales” pitch for both models.
OVS – I like the compact carrying case, the swivel arm holding the camera. Nice unit. Not the best night vision capabilities.
Aqua – Best night vision on the market. Very small foot print, but need to buy accessories like a camera stand, cover, a little smaller screen than the OVS.
I was never that impressed with the direction the camera was pointing. I just set it up to look at my lures most of the time anyway. It’s a nice function, but I’m still not sold it’s worth the extra bucks.
In all honesty, I would consider the clarity of the water you most often fish, do you need this unit for night fishing(I’ve found very few lakes that have the clarity needed for good night use). Pick a model from each brand that fits your budget, set them side by side at your local sporting goods store. Buy the one that you feel is going to fit your style of fishing best. Both are great products and both companies stand behind their units.
‘fowler
All those hours you’ve spent behind the counter at Gander sure come in handy from time to time don’t they! Just wantd to thank you for your willingness to repeatedly take the time to share some of your knowledge with all of us! 
Quote:
Here is my “sales” pitch for both models.
OVS – I like the compact carrying case, the swivel arm holding the camera. Nice unit. Not the best night vision capabilities.
Aqua – Best night vision on the market. Very small foot print, but need to buy accessories like a camera stand, cover, a little smaller screen than the OVS.
I was never that impressed with the direction the camera was pointing. I just set it up to look at my lures most of the time anyway. It’s a nice function, but I’m still not sold it’s worth the extra bucks.
In all honesty, I would consider the clarity of the water you most often fish, do you need this unit for night fishing(I’ve found very few lakes that have the clarity needed for good night use). Pick a model from each brand that fits your budget, set them side by side at your local sporting goods store. Buy the one that you feel is going to fit your style of fishing best. Both are great products and both companies stand behind their units.
Thanks James,
I love talking gear, especially anything related to walleye fishing. I’d work at Gander full time if they would pay me what an IT guy makes. I guess, I’ll just keep playing the lottery so I can “work” when I want to…..
Thanks again James, compliments from my fellow in-depth buddies mean a lot!!
I have the OVS500 and I love it. It has significantly improved my ice fishing experience. If you chase panfish in shallow water it will improve your catch. I have looked at the new OVS560 and if I could I would upgrade to the new OVS560 and get the remote direction control. The new OVS560 would make the setup and control of the camera very easy.
I have an OVS 400 (their cheaper model). I really don’t have any experiences with the Aqua-Vus, or have the good product insights that ‘fowler has, I just know I like my camera. I was looking at both, as well, but after talking to guys at MarCum at the Walleye Expo & the recomendation from a buddy at Gander Mountain, I decided on the OVS. I do like the OVS compact design & ease of operation. I wish they had some sort of a magnification device for the screen like Aqua-Vu does. Just my opinions.
I have an Aqua-Vu. At first I thought the directional finder would big deal but did not purchase it and it did not turn out to be a big deal. Just make sure you have the swivel base mount to rotate the camera and you are all set. You can find your lure and go from there.
I have the multi light version and found that it is not real good after dark. There is typically so much stuff in the water that the light reflects off it and you cannot see much. It looks like you are traveling through outer space!
As far as daytime viewing goes, the Aqua is great. Incredibly clear. You will be happy with any type of camera you purchase as it is a hoot!
Make sure you have it on the proper channel as the crappies are on one and the perch are on another. Ha!!
Thanks to all who took the time to reply. I’m not sure I heard a strong argument for one over the other so I’ll probably follow ‘fowlers advice and set them side-by-side at the store and let my jigging hand make the decision.
I really don’t think you can make a wrong decision with either product. OVS is gaining market share and pressing Aqua to continue to better their product. A good thing in my book. I have one last question that I always asked customers, do you have a flasher?? If not, I would strongly recommend looking into getting one first. Have fun shopping, beats going to the mall.
Hey Waterfowler,
I know you don’t have a huge clothing background, but I happen to know that the head Hunting Clothing buyer at Gander got the axe just recently and they still haven’t filled the position. That’s a good paying job and has plenty of “fringe” benefits.
Have you guys ever used the atlantis underwater camera,my freind has one and he loves it.I was going to purchase the 525c but now i here all this talk of the ovs system which is also cheaper than the atlantis system.So if anyone has any input on this i would love to hear it.
KEVIN BUDNY
LET EM RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is a flasher really worth it when your only fishing in 3′ of water or less ?
It seems that if there was a flasher that had a 0-5 zone that it would be easier to read, when fishing in shallower water..
In that depth of water I would think a camera would get you by. Now in 40′ you need a flasher to locate them. Then drop your camera down to the 5′ sectoin of water they are using.
When is a camera with a flasher on it going to be available?
I like the directional finder on my aqua view. It seems to help me locate my lures and keeps me from wondering what way the camera is facing.
Kevin,
As for the Atlantis, I don’t have any real world experience with it. We didn’t sell many because of the price point. One thing I liked about the high end unit(don’t remember the model number) was the hard sided carrying case. I’m kind of hard on ice fishing equipment when I’m loading up at midnight and it’s 20 below. Gotta go fast!!
Dave,
As for shallow water fishing, you are probably right. I’m so used to talking to guys who fish the lakes around here. Good point!!
A buddy of mine bought an atlantis.
He has had nothing but problems with the camera leaking. Going on 3 years now. He had to finally seal it up with silicone sealant.
After all the problems he had, you couldn’t give me one. We still use it, along with 2 aquaviews. When we get bored tip-up fishing for pike, we place the cameras on the tip-ups.
It is amazing how many pike can’t catch them suckers, when the suckers are active. It is quite humorous!!! It is also frustrating, to watch a big pike roll in, look at the sucker and then just drift off………
Hey Gary,
One thing I’ve tried while using suckers is to slice off part of the tail. It slows them down a little.
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