underwater cameras

[fiker]

I am considering purchasing an underwater camera.  I"m thinking that it is just one more tool that could be used to scout lakes and find new spots. 
The least expensive one I've found is in the new Cabelas flyer.
It is the Cabelas Advanced Angers camera system, cost is $179.
My questions are:
For those of you who have underwater cameras have they proved useful and worth the money?
I'm sure that one gets what one pays for, but..... are they less expensive models that much more inferior?
Everything I read is that ice fisherman find them wonderful as the water is to clear.  Well, around here in the summer time the water's pretty clear, but is it clear enough for the camera to give a good picture?
Any and all advice is appreciated.

[Dan]

A friend of mine has an aqua view. I sat with him while ice fishing and I'll tell you it is a blast. I could of sat and just watched the camera. Very interesting to see how the perch approached and tried to eat his walleye jig.
We also used his camera to try and find an over board rod. For that purpose it didn't work too well. It was weedy and the water wasn't as clear. Could only see a few feet in front of the camera and we would have had to be real lucky to find it, and we didn't. A loomis with a curado was donated to Duck Lake. I would also like to buy a camera though. My buddy doesn't use his a lot, but it does have its applications.

[Genie]

I get to travel around a bit and try different pieces of equipment.  Then, for some odd reason, people let me get on a stage and talk about it.   Cameras are just one of those pieces of equipment.

Anyway, back to your question about whether it is worth it or not - YES!!!  Underwater cameras are the greatest invention since sonar!  I have one permanently attached (well with a RAM mount) to the front of my boat and I use it constantly. 

There are many makes and models, sizes, color, etc all with varying price tags.  Yes, you do get what you pay for.  But, you always get what you are looking for.    Believe it or not, I use the Aqua-Vu Scout - yep the little one and I absolutely love it.  It is well under $200 and I don't feel "jipped" in any way.  I have used the other sizes with other features for seminars, training, etc... bottom line - they only make a good process better. 

Things to look for:
1.  A long "swim fin".  If you ever get car sick or sea sick in the least, you'll want to make sure you have a long fin to help stablize the camera when moving.  Not so much a deal with ice fishing - in that case no fin is the proper choice.
2.  A detachable camera cable.  I use a roll-up enxtension "thing" to role up my cable and control my depth.  Then it stores neatly away in a box.  The Scout has the stand where you can role up the cables, but it is just too cumbersome for a permanent apporach.  Ice fishing - perfect.
3.  Boat power capable.  If you plan on using it alot in the boat, make sure there is a way to use power other than the batteries.  The batteries wear out and they are cumbersome to bring along.  I wired mine to the AUX power on the front next to the GPS.
4.  Ability to record what you're seeing.  I have a slightly older model Aqua-Vu and the DVR device is not built-in so it attaches between the camera and the viewer.  It allows me to take a picture or VIDEO of whatever I am watching at the time.  That is truly remarkable if you are really trying to analyze a piece of structure.
5.  If you plan on wanting to do stationary viewing like under docks, seawalls, etc. where the object is completely stationary and in view, make sure your camera of choice has a "pole" attachment fin.  I simply replace the fin on my camera with the pole adapter and away I go.  The pole adjusts from 5 to 20 feet long.  When done, I just switch the fins and I'm back in business.

Shameless Plug Alert
The Anglers' Genie actualy let's you "attach" these picture and video files to your waypoints, trips, waters, etc. and view them at any time in the future without needing the camera at the computer.

I can keep going on this for hours - PM me if you have other questions. 

Sidenote:
I will be at the Lansing and Grand Rapids shows doing a seminar on this very topic - "Technology In Fishing".  I actually bring my camera and computer and show everyone how easy it is to use the computer and the equipment.  Things like:  Taking/Transferring picture/video from cameras,  Transferring sonar images/waypoints to the computer,  Integrating all the data with The Angler's Genie, etc.  Check it out if there is another Blizzard in the area ...

-Genie

[MBell]

Harborfreight.com has a camera system for $100.  It's the same as the atlantis camera just doesn't have the brand name.  They are well worth the money, you will learn a ton.
-Matt

[smbassman]

Great tool-

I have one of the early AquaVu's and my main complaint is the battery holder/view finder stand/cord holder is about as useful as a rusty crescent wrench.  But after struggling to unwind the cord, getting the viewing cone on, holding the viewer in your lap with one hand while you shade the sun with the other, keeping your face tight against the viewer to prevent glare and being oblivious to the direction you are going and what is in front of the boat - the camera is very nice.  I have learned a ton about fish and how they position in different locations with it.

The best use I have found is when trying to prefish for a tournament when the fish just aren't wanting to bite.  You can find good looking spots with maps and sonar, but without getting bit, you don't know if the fish are really holding there.  With a camera, you can see the fish there and it gives you the confidence to stick with an area and work it real slow.

[Hooksetter]

I have an Aqua-View Scout and it can be a pain to use by yourself. To make it easier I took a luggage strap with a pad on it and attached it to the bottom of the cord wrap on the view screen side. The strap goes around your neck and you can adjust the strap length until the base rests against your chest at a level that will allow you to view the screen. You can then control the camera with one hand and run the TM and view the screen and watch where you are going all at the same time.

It's not the perfect solution but it was free and it does work, although it does get heavy after awhile.

As far as being an effective tool to locate fish, it is incredible to find out what is really down there. I have found fish in places that I don't think I would have ever figured out simply by using a map and  sonar. It's amazing what you can find by drifting around.

Willie

[Ryan]

5.  If you plan on wanting to do stationary viewing like under docks, seawalls, etc. where the object is completely stationary and in view, make sure your camera of choice has a "pole" attachment fin.  I simply replace the fin on my camera with the pole adapter and away I go.  The pole adjusts from 5 to 20 feet long.  When done, I just switch the fins and I'm back in business.

Genie, I also have the Aqua View Scout and have considered using a pole like this so I can have better control over which direction the camera is facing instead of just spinning the cable and hoping it stops facing the right direction.  My question is this, are you using a special "pole" and where do you get them?  This seems like a really good idea that could save me a lot of grief.

Thanks!
-Ryan

[fiker]

I have seen the special poles in the catalogs. 
I wondered why I couldn't make an attachment on the end of a paint roller adjust pole.

[LGMOUTH]

 These poles are great for when you are stationary but it is very hard or impossible to use them if the boat is moving or in current. Just a heads up. They are a great tool for under docks and things like that.

[Genie]

Genie, I also have the Aqua View Scout and have considered using a pole like this so I can have better control over which direction the camera is facing instead of just spinning the cable and hoping it stops facing the right direction.  My question is this, are you using a special "pole" and where do you get them?  This seems like a really good idea that could save me a lot of grief.

I use the The Aqua-Vu extension pole that comes with the fin replacement.  Look at http://www.naturevisioninc.com/aquavu/ and then go to the Aqua Vu accessories, page 2 - I think it sells for $29.99 plus S/H.

LGMOUTH is right about being stationary.  That pole creates a lot of drag in the water if you are trying to move in current.  It's like trying to clean a swimming pool with those long nets - tons of resistance.  They are perfect for docks, boats, walls, etc. and Worth the $30 in my humble opinion.

-Genie

[REEL_MAN]

Last year I had the same questions you have now. I didn't want to spend alot of money on something I didn't know if I would use very often. So I bought the Harbor Freight for the $99. It works great, I've compared it to the Marcum camera and the only difference is the size of the monitor. It has the infrared lighting but even on Erie at 20' I didn't need it. The carrying case is larger than the Marcum BUT the padding protection is better.  If I ever upgrade to a better unit it will be one that the camera will rotate like the Marcum 540.
For now I'm very satisfied with the Harbor Freight unit.

REEL MAN

[DDBethke]

Great Info Genie and everyone else!