In the market for a good underwater camera

Ok so I am in the market for a good underwater camera. My market is $350-$450. I am heading to some clear lakes in the Webster SD area next weekend and would like to have one by then.

I thought who better to ask then everyone with all the knowledge on this website. I would like one that works in low light conditions also.

Thanks for all the help.

Here you go! This is THE best underwater camera in your price range for low/no light conditions.

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Introducing the latest creation from MarCum Technologies. An all NEW feature laden black and white underwater viewing system called the VS380. 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 system.

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In this video…watch 24 seconds into it. I drop the camera down to 36 fow then turn on the lights. The video was made with the 825 color camera, but it’s the Darkwater technology that makes it work.

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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.

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Jason Halfen’s out on P4 using it right now. It’s going to be interesting to hear how it worked for him today.

This video was shot last Feb on P4 in 26 feet of water. With a B&W camera one wouldn’t have the green tint to the water. No light was used.

Look on caigslist for Marcum Camera’s. Here is one

http://rmn.craigslist.org/spo/969856735.html

Most retailers have them listed for $419. new. Last year they were higher…$499(?)

I think Marcum made cameras for Cabelas, not sure if they still do, but Cabelas has one I’ve been eyeing at a decent price. Cabelas camera

Ed

BK and Baldwin thanks for the help. Thats what I love about this site.

No problem. That is what the site is here for

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I think Marcum made cameras for Cabelas, not sure if they still do, but Cabelas has one I’ve been eyeing at a decent price. Cabelas camera

Ed

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Ed did you read the reviews on it? Kinda shacky. But, you can always return it to Cabela’s if you have problems

I have never owned a under water camera but I have been able to use a couple of them..The Marcum B&W was really nice and as I think about it, not only entertainment value, they give an excellent tool for education !!! I order on online last week…I’m really looking forward to using it !!

It really doesn’t matter who makes the camera…it’s the lights around the camera lens that makes the difference. The three Marcums..the 380, 820 and 825 will out perform any camera in low or no light conditions. Unless you like looking at snow.

Mr. Ecnook…did you know that Uncle Dean sells them?

I’m just a lowly old road construction worker so some times I have to buy the less expensive one!!!

Ed

I’ll sell u my 560 Marcum for $400!!

I just got back with my new VS380. Cabelas had them on sale for $249.99. I almost feel like I stole it. They have them on sale on the internet. The original box price said $419.99.

Thanks for the advise. I hope it works.

Congrats!

Now make sure you give us a report of how it works!

Great deal on the Marcum…

Please let us know how it works out for you !!!

Sauger have a good taste in music, who would of guessed they like banjos. Does the microphone come standard or optional?

I will post when I get back next week.

Brian
Those were great videos!
I have a Cabelas 7″ B&W camera. I really like it but as others have mentioned it is worthless at night.
The only other problems is that you always have to re adjust the camera. It is always drifting from side to side. I use the tripod with the rubber grommet. The new Marcums do not have a pan head. How do you adjust camers position?
Bob

Thanks!

They have what they call a camera compass. Retail for about $13.00

I heard there was a motorized tripod out there that some have been using.

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NEW from Marcum!

If you have a Marcum underwater camera or any other brand that doesn’t come with a camera that pans underwater like the Marcum 560 or 460, you know that it can be a challenge to get that camera orientated just right. There’s the twisting of the cable, the swaying of the camera after you’ve aimed it and the re-rotation of the camera a ltitle later on. Then, too, there’s the cable hanging on the edge of the hole. It if freezes in, you’re fine until it’s time to go. Careful when you are chipping it out! Or, use the easy-to-use Marcum Camera Cover and your cable stays centered in the hole which of course is the last place to freeze.

To use the cover, simple lower your camera to desired depth, slide the cable through the slot and zig-zag the cable through the 4 lugs in the the over of the Camera Compass. Takes only seconds to use and you can then use the compass to dietermine and change direction of the camera. You’ll get the hang of it in about 3 seconds for the average learner and about 4 seconds for the slow learner. It’s pretty simple and there are no parts to lose.

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im not sure if its still worth chiming in on this anymore. brian has recommeded to you what i feel is the best budget camera on the market. when i got that “wonderful” stimulus check last year, i ran out and got myself the scout2 from aquavu. everyone said they were the best… i tried it, and its ok during the day, but when the sun goes down, so did your visibility…

i immediately went back to the store, explained my frustration, and the guy at the store told me i could exchange it for a marcum 380. i did and i couldnt be happier. that thing shows great detail of everything down the hole!! i can even seem things clear as day during the nite time too!

im still sticking to my guns and suggesting that you turn off the camera after the sun sets and work the flasher. every time i use my camera, i scare fish away. some are curious, but all in all, they just run from the LED.

the compass is also a great tool. you can dial in exactly where you want to point that camera. its also nice to cover up the camera hole too! i havent met an ice fisherman who hasnt lost something down the hole, accidents happen and sure enough something will be dropped.

are those catfish in some sort of winter coma? they weren’t finning or anything.. they were just “logs” of non- movement or livelessness.. and is that a common occurrence in winter?

great, great movies..

do you have any of Smallies or deep largemouths as well?

Brian
Thanks
I have seen the camera compass I dont think it will be any better then the tripod I am presently using. I think it is inevitable that the head will move and will require a motorized pan head to reajust. I am curious why Marcum no longer offers a motorized pan head like the 560 and 460?
What do you guys use when Ice fishing with your 800 series Marcums to keep the pan head stationary?
Bob

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I am curious why Marcum no longer offers a motorized pan head like the 560 and 460?
What do you guys use when Ice fishing with your 800 series Marcums to keep the pan head stationary?

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Bob, I use the Compass ice fishing on lakes. It doesn’t move unless I move it.

I can only guess about a non motorized head. The 800 series isn’t exactly inexpensive. Adding the motorized head would make the price point that much higher. At the ice show that was a question that was asked to the guys working at the Marcum booth. I over heard one of them say the cost would be another $150. (I’m going to point out the obvious…I’m not an engineer).

When I first saw the Compass, I was put off. But after using it…I like it better than a motor…seriously. No moving parts, less drain on the battery, no little parts to lose.

If anyone needs the little cable clip for the Marcum 500…I have a few extra.

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are those catfish in some sort of winter coma? they weren’t finning or anything.. they were just “logs” of non- movement or livelessness.. and is that a common occurrence in winter?

great, great movies..

do you have any of Smallies or deep largemouths as well?

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Oh Mr Rat, I’ve been waiting for someone to ask that question! I’m going to post a link here to a post in the catfish forum that explains there slumber.

If Rat isn’t back in two days…might want to send the rescue squad!

Link to the dark side. Enter at your own risk<<<<

Better tie a string to his whiskers to be able to pull him back out.

Well the ad for the vs 380 is gone from the website. It was there yesterday. I should have printed a copy..

By chance does anyone have a copy of the ad?? I have a fax and e-mail. I would make the drive, bad weather and all down to Owatonna.

Brian
Thank you for the information I will buy the compass and take it for a test drive. For the price it is a small risk
Bob