Figure 1. Video cameras for fishing
Fishing has always been famous for the abundance of additional accessories that help enthusiastic people in this difficult matter. Not so long ago, a fishing camcorder supplemented the list of gear. This device is a small chamber that sinks under water. Using a special cable, the image is transmitted to the screen located on the surface of the fisherman.
What is an underwater camera for?
The device serves to ensure that the fisherman can clearly see everything that happens under water. This helps to find fishing spots, and also forms the fishing style itself. Cameras are used both in winter and in summer. Winter operation is more justified, since underwater fishing in winter is fraught with certain difficulties. Ice crust does not provide any possibility of visual monitoring of the situation in the water. The camera does an excellent job of the task.
It determines the presence of fish, its trajectory of movement. It perfectly describes the features of the underwater terrain, which is also important to consider.
If the camera is capable of recording video, there is a great opportunity for self-learning. You can always view the course of the last fishing, identify your mistakes and correct them in a timely manner.
All underwater video cameras for winter and summer fishing are classified according to several characteristics. These include:
- sensitivity;
- viewing angle;
- Battery capacity;
- immersion depth;
- working temperature;
- shooting resolution.
All these characteristics affect the quality of shooting and ease of use.
Figure 2. Characteristics
The sensitivity of the matrix is primarily responsible for distinguishing between objects under water. After all, the water is quite dark, especially if the fishing is winter. The smaller the number is opposite the sensitivity in the characteristics, the sharper the image will be.
The angle of view for underwater fishing is not very significant. Such devices are usually capable of shooting at an angle of 90 degrees. This is quite enough. However, some manufacturers offer their consumers special boxes in which the main, as well as Rear View Camera. But you need to understand that with a small viewing angle the image will be better, albeit covering a smaller area.
A very important parameter is the battery capacity. After all, fishing is not a quick process, which can take a long time. It is important that the camera has sufficient autonomy to maintain this mode.
Immersion depth is another parameter that limits the use of the camera. This limitation is primarily associated with increased pressure, which can damage the apparatus at great depths. Modern cameras are recommended to be used at a depth of no more than 8 meters. It is worth noting that the cable length is often somewhat longer than the permissible depth. This must be taken into account.
Working temperature. This is the ambient temperature at which the camera does not lose its performance. In good cameras, the operating temperature range is from -20 to +50 degrees Celsius. This is quite enough even for ice fishing. After all, the temperature under the ice is usually at around +4 degrees.
Figure 3. Ice fishing
Shooting resolution is a very important parameter that affects the overall quality of the display of reality. This is important not only during the fishing itself, but also after, when the recorded video will be viewed.
However, in order to record a video, you must make sure that there are special details.A great addition will be the ability to expand memory using cards, as well as the ability to communicate with a computer.
Additionally, cameras are equipped with backlights. This is especially true for camcorders for winter underwater fishing. The thickness of the ice does not allow the slightest ray of light to enter the water. This inevitably leads to twilight and barely distinguishable objects. Backlight solves this problem. It is worth noting that experienced fishermen have a rather conflicting attitude to highlighting. Some say that this is a great opportunity to improve the review. Others insist that the light scares away the fish, and a couple of meters of improved visibility is not worth it. In response to such claims, manufacturers of fishing accessories released cameras equipped with infrared illumination. This excellent solution made it possible to increase visibility in dark waters without scaring animals. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the number of infrared LEDs. The more of them - the better visibility will be provided even in the zone of poor visibility.
It is recommended to pay attention to the camera screen itself. It should be of sufficient size so that you do not have to strain your eyes. There should also be a special visor that protects the screen from sunlight that interferes with the view.
How to use an underwater camera
Before you start fishing, you must gently lower the camera into the water, holding it by the cable. The most suitable depth is a depth just below the bait level. After that, just fix the camera in the right position, and then enjoy the process.
Top 5 popular models for fishing underwater
The market offers a huge number of different cameras, with different characteristics and price. Each angler finds himself exactly what he needs. Very often, the choice of the best is related to individual preferences, however, you can still create a list of the most popular models today.
5. Sitisek FishCam-501
Figure 4. Sitisek FishCam-501
An excellent representative of cameras protected from external influences. A high level of moisture protection ensures stable operation at decent depths. The lens has a high sensitivity, which helps to display the underwater world even in very low light. The resolution of the matrix is 500x582. As a backlight, infrared diodes are used, the operation of which is controlled by a special sensor that responds to the slightest changes in light. The cord is made of very durable materials that can withstand a load of about 35 kg.
The image is sent to a monitor that has very good display quality. Temperature range from -15 to +60.
Pros:
- protected case;
- robust construction;
- bright screen;
- capacious battery.
Minuses:
- in severe frosts, use is limited;
- autofocus does not always work well;
- sometimes there is a visual resizing of the displayed objects.
Price: 8,000 - 9,000 rubles.
4. Rivotek LQ-3505T
Figure 5. Rivotek LQ-3505T
This camera will be very convenient to use not only for summer fishing, but also for winter. Such versatility usually affects the price, but in this case everything worked out. The device has a relatively large viewing angle, which is 135 degrees. This provides an extensive perspective and completeness of the picture. A cable length of 15 meters is not much different from analogues. The device does not know how to record video, so you have to be content with simply observing what is happening. The monitor can be fixed to the rod using special carabiners and belts. This is a great feature for all those who do not want to be distracted by the screen search while fishing. A nice addition is the presence of digital zoom, which in all its glory will show the underwater world.
Pros:
- wide viewing angle;
- increased autonomy (about 8 hours);
- the ability to use an underwater video camera in cold weather;
- light weight.
Minuses:
- relatively low resolution monitor;
- not the most durable construction.
Price: from 15 000 rubles.
3. MarCum LX-9-ROW + Sonar
Figure 6. MarCum LX-9-ROW + Sonar
Most of all, this device is suitable for winter fishing. This is a great representative of the underwater camcorder with recording function. Additionally, the device is equipped with an echo sounder and sonar. All this makes the camera a real hunter for fishing places. The zoom function perfectly conveys all subtle details. Winter specialization is provided by a very impressive permissible temperature regime. Frosts up to -25 degrees are not terrible for the device.
Pros:
- additional equipment for orientation under water;
- bright contrast display;
- high autonomy.
Minuses:
- very high cost;
- not for beginners, as the abundance of functions can be confusing.
Price: 97 000 rubles.
2. Aqua-Vu HD700i
Figure 7. Aqua-Vu HD700i
One of the very first cameras to capture fishing underwater on video. As a backlight, infrared diodes are used that do not deter fish. Their work is enough for an excellent overview and effective fishing. The model has a fairly long cable - 25 meters. Shooting and recording is carried out in HD format, which is also rarely seen in this segment.
Pros:
- convenient swivel cable;
- display heating;
- protected case.
Minuses:
- high price;
- the cable may not withstand heavy loads.
Price: 47 000 rubles.
1. Cabelas 5.5
Figure 8. Cabelas 5.5
Despite the fact that the camera does not know how to shoot color video, this device rightfully takes its place in the ranking. The device has a very sensitive matrix and a very clear monitor. With the help of additional accessories, it is possible to change the viewing angle. To improve visibility, infrared diode illumination is provided. It differs from its competitors in high quality images, but at the same time average cost.
Pros:
- excellent display;
- protected case;
- flexible temperature conditions.
Minuses:
- The image is black and white.
Price: 16 000 rubles.
