underwater cameras

I am looking at getting my first camera for ice fishing. I know they are all made by the same manufacturer. I am leaning towards a Marcum vs the Aquaviews. They seem to be constructed better and pack up nicer for transport and quick set-up. I am seriously considering the more expensive B&W LCD version because they claim you can see the image even in bright sunlight w/o a sun screen. The Sony cameras are also supposed to be better than the aqua views especially in dark/stained water conditions. I would appreciate everyones opinions on Marcum vs Aquaview and crt vs LCD . Thanks

I hope BK chimes in here, I’ve seen some of the work hes done with his camera and it is awsome. I think he has tried a few. But I would take his word… -Mark

stevel first I want to welcome you to IDO.

Here are a couple links to some information I hope will help you with your decision, the 1st being a recent post comparing the differences between the Marcum 820 and 825. The 820 is the black and white model the 825 is the color model.
The second link is to our search page. If you go to it and put 820 in the Keyword search terms box, then go down to the Date Range Newer than box and change it to read 1 year, and lastly go down to the results to show per page block. I normally enter 250 in this block. You will get plenty of information about the Marcum 820. Keep in mind it you put the word Marcum you will get results to all posts with the word Marcum, ie LX1, VX1, LX3, LX5, 820, 825, etc…

First off, welcome to IDO!

You’ve really summed it up. The Sony head makes all the difference in the world. If your just going to fish daylight and shallow water around 15 to 20 feet any camera will work.

Marcum Press Release<<<

Notice the two photos in the center. One is titled Marcum 825c and the other is Other Camera. Those two shots were taken in 26 feet of water on the Mississippi. If you look real close you can see the tree in the second photo. Oh…the other camera had it’s lights on, the Marcum didn’t need them.

That comparison alone should pretty much do it for anyone looking for a camera this winter.

But if not…this video shows the bottom of the boat, then I dropped the camera down to the bottom and then turned on the lights. Without the Darkwater Technology, if other cameras would light up the bottom, the cloud of sediment would make the camera useless.

Yeah, I might be a little bias of Marcum cameras, but when they are leaps and bounds better than the other brands, it’s hard not to get excited about them!

Good luck with your new camera!

Keep an eye open around the 17 second mark.

Sorry I was a little slow on the post…I was just finishing up on a 9 pound walleye dinner.

Welcome Steve. I think it’s pretty obvious that the Marcums are superior to all other cameras. I can tell you that I have an Aqua Vu Scout and it is worthless anytime other than during the day. The 2 things standing between me and my new Marcum 825c are my wallet and my wife. After seeing Brian K’s footage I have to have one. Time will tell.

Do the VS 380’s still have the same Sony camera? Does anyone have any experience with them, their a little more in my price range.

Also what about the VS 250

There are three that use the Sony camera. The 380, 820 and 825c.

I haven’t used the 380, personally but I hear they work well. They have the slightly smaller CRT type viewing screen, where the 820 and it’s brother the color 825 have the LCD screen.

85Lund, don’t worry about the pocket book…but the Favorite Wife can do some real damage.

Be careful out there!

Nice to see Brian is holding the line on CPRing White tipped bait fish to 10lbers or better. Those bigger ones you can step on their head and it makes perfect cutbait even after you’ve taken a couple sides for the pan…

The camera head itself is the exact same as Brian explained, with the only differences between them coming down to display/output.

There are advantages to the CRT screens of old when displaying in B/W. Size/weight isn’t one of them, thus the marked price decrease. That said, they’re not that much bigger or heavier, and are a great camera with comparable display to the 820.

Joel

Marcum 820

Thanks for the advice. Concerning LCD vs CRT. Two questions is it really easier to see in sunlight? #2.) Does really cold temps affect the display of the LCD? I know my Showdown flasher which has an LCD screen has a heater you can activate in super cold conditions.

Both the 820 and 825c have a heater in the LCD screen. I know it take some battery life, but I haven’t noticed it…but then I’m not in a remote location for days on end either.

This year, Marcum is offering a Digital Charging System as an add on. Link<<

Now, just like the flashers you can tell exactly were your battery is at…at anytime.

As for easier to see, there is some reflection of the LCD’s. This video was taken on a overcast day with a Sony camera in the video mode. You should get a feel for the on what the LCD screen is like.

This was our very first video and I was a bit excited about seeing any fish in the river.