How to choose an underwater video camera for winter fishing: features and prices

Every angler who practices winter fishing has a desire to see what is happening around the hook under the ice. So, in summer, this task can be complicated by the fact that the fishing point is far from the coast, and the water is rather muddy at this time of the year. But in winter, when the transparency of the water is very high, and fishing takes place “underfoot”, it is possible to see what is under the water using special video cameras for underwater photography.
Filming underwater life with a camera [/ caption] Underwater cameras are used for this purpose. In winter, they compete with echo sounders, since they do not schematically, but actually show what is happening under water. With the help of the camera, you can not only examine the fishing site for the presence of fish, but also observe the reaction of the fish to the proposed bait. This will allow you to quickly respond to changing fish preferences. You can even watch the fish bite and choose the best moment for the hook. In addition, you can see the bottom topography, as well as identify promising fishing spots.

Features and functionality of a fishing camera

An underwater video camera consists of the camera itself, which is lowered into the hole, a screen for displaying an image, and the wires with which they are connected (there are wireless underwater cameras, but they are presented in a purely smaller volume on the market). Not all underwater cameras have a recording function, some only display an image on the screen. For shooting at depth or under a thick layer of ice, illumination is used. To make the fish less scared, infrared illumination is used, which also allows you to achieve a good picture in low light.

Selection criteria

What to look for when choosing fishing cameras for winter fishing:

1. Not all cameras are available for ice fishing. Therefore, you should carefully choose cameras that are designed for low temperatures .
2. The wider the camera’s angle of view , the more images will get into it. However, too wide an angle or a fish-eye effect can distort the picture dramatically. Winter camera, obviously, must withstand low temperatures, unlike summer models [/ caption]
3. Screen . The higher the resolution, the more detailed the image will be. Its size and brightness directly affect the cost and battery life. Therefore, a large and bright screen is not always a plus for the camera. If it is not balanced with a suitable battery, the camera can run out very quickly. There are models with a black and white screen. This option allows you to achieve a clearer image in muddy water.
4. Autonomy . Depends on the power consumption of all parts of the camera, as well as the installed battery. It is worth paying attention to how the battery behaves in the cold.
5. One of the main parameters of a high-quality video camera for fishing in winter is the sensitivity of the matrix . Thanks to the good sensitivity, you will be able to see something in the image even in low light or high turbidity of water.
6. Backlight . Not all models can turn off the backlight. And this is a good property that will allow you not to scare away the fish and conserve battery power if the backlight is not needed.
7. Depth of use . All cameras have limitations to what maximum depth this device can be lowered. If the depths in the fishing area are large, for example, a reservoir or a large river, you need to purchase an appropriate camera. If the depth of use is small, then there is no point in overpaying for unused opportunities.
8. Recording capability . Not all ice fishing cameras have a recording function. In some models, the camera simply transmits the image to the screen.

Image quality depends on many parameters [/ caption]

How to use

The method of use is extremely simple. The set with the camera is usually supplied with special mounts and weights. The camera is lowered into the hole, it can be rotated with a cord. Some cameras are connected to the screen with a wire using a special connector, while others have no way to disconnect this wire. The camera parameters are controlled using the buttons located near the screen. With their help, you can turn on the backlight, record, go to the camera settings.

Rating of underwater cameras for winter fishing – the best models in different price ranges as of 2021

To make the rating more objective, we have divided all camcorders into three different price ranges. Since there is no point in comparing a top-end video camera and a Chinese one, bought for 20 bucks on aliexpress.

Top 5 best versatile cameras

Universal underwater cameras are in the middle price segment, let’s take a look at the top five:

1. Sititek FishCam-700 DVR is a device equipped with a wide-angle camera. Supplied in a reinforced aluminum case. Allows you to additionally adjust brightness, saturation, colors. The battery is powerful, it can work up to 12 hours. However, it increases the weight and dimensions of the entire device. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the low sensitivity of the matrix. The price for the camera is around $ 190.
2. The Aqua-Vu Micro Stealth 4.3 is a portable ultra-wide view device. The numbers in the title indicate the screen size. The infrared light turns on automatically. The operating time of the device does not exceed 6 hours. The main advantage is portability and a well-known manufacturer. Price $ 240.
3. The Lucky FL180 PR is a color portable underwater camera for winter photography that has a recording function. A 20 meter cable will allow you to reach the deepest parts of the reservoir. Designed to work in frost down to -20. Wide angle of view of the camera, has a backlight. The screen resolution is small. A memory card for video recording is supplied with the camera.
4. Calypso UVS-03– camera Calypso UVS-03 – one of the most popular models among underwater video cameras in the middle price range, designed for fishing in winter. Supplied in a handy pouch that can be slung over your shoulder. The device is portable, the screen size is 11 cm. The 4000 mAh battery is responsible for power supply. The price is about $ 200. There are many mixed reviews among users. Someone calls it the best camera in terms of price and quality. And someone says that this is “divorce” and “Chinese junk”. Perhaps this is due to the overestimated expectations of users. Still, the picture quality of underwater cameras in this price category leaves much to be desired. Even an action camera in an aqubox will give a much better picture. But the goals and objectives of these cameras are different. The action camera cannot transmit live video to the monitor from under the water.
5. The Fisher CR110-7S is a 7 ”underwater camera supplied in an aluminum case. The set includes a 30-meter cable, reinforced with Kevlar fiber. The 4500 mAh battery provides 7 hours of continuous use. Bright illumination will help you to see potential prey even in the absence of external light. There is no recording function. It costs $ 130.

Inexpensive video cameras for winter fishing: features with prices

For budget underwater cameras, the build quality, materials and images leaves much to be desired. At the same time, budget cameras from well-known brands turn out to be worse than state-owned nouns. Consider a few good options for budget cameras:

1. The Fisher CR110-7h is a Chinese handheld camera that costs less than $ 70. The camera is not wide angle. Small screen, only 3.5 inches and 15 meters of cable.
2. Another budget portable camera for shooting under ice is the Ranger UF 2303 . The screen is just as small. The camera with a wire is screwed onto a separate bobbin, which can be purchased separately. The claimed battery life is 7 hours. The price is no more than $ 80.

Camera from Ranger – video review: https://youtu.be/yXNTmxztdfo Underwater camera for fishing Murena from Practitioners: https://youtu.be/9zOl5yEZ-5M

Top cameras for winter fishing

But the best luxury video cameras are not very popular among our anglers, the price of these products is very biting. These include the flagship, professional models Aqua-Vu and Lucky. For example,
Aqua Vu Quad HD . Equipped with 4 cameras capable of shooting in HD. Then the images are programmatically combined into one very detailed and juicy picture. You can observe the underwater world through a 10-inch super-bright screen. The price of this pleasure is $ 1800.
Another deluxe camera
AQUA-VU HD10I PRO GEN2… Its price is $ 1100. The camera allows you to shoot in Full HD with enhanced clarity. This image is displayed on a bright 10-inch display. Thanks to the recording function, all footage captured underwater can be saved. Autonomous work does not exceed 6 hours.
ViewEye underwater camera for fishing and inspection, as well as searching for fish in winter under ice – a video review from fishing in practical winter conditions: https://youtu.be/8pGVytCv4k4

How to make an underwater camera with your own hands

For some, even budget options seem prohibitively high. Then you can try to assemble the underwater camera yourself. In principle, there is nothing difficult to work with. You need a camera (you can upgrade a dome camera for video surveillance in a metal case), a monitor (a car is suitable) and a cable that will connect them. All this can be bought on the radio market or ordered in China. Instead of a connector, the connecting cable is soldered directly to the camera. The camera body is then sealed to prevent water ingress. The cable is connected to the monitor and the image is displayed on it. Another option is to use Chinese endoscopes. They are made in different lengths and are connected via Usb to a smartphone. The endoscope itself is sealed. The underwater camera for the Eco-Popper smartphone is well suited for ice fishing: https: // youtu.be / HQQeWAIu-JM A big disadvantage of self-made cameras is the inability of the used spare parts to low temperatures. The wire can tan in the cold. In the simplest homemade cameras, there is no recording function, and you need to try hard to get it. DIY underwater camera for fishing, assembly and test: https://youtu.be/jvGLRDCaQXo Budget cameras do not give the desired picture quality and are not suitable for shooting the underwater world. This should be taken into account, but for some anglers, such cameras help in finding fish, choosing bait or bait. And with their help, you can evaluate how the fish reacts to the game of the bait, and change something.and to get it you need to try hard. DIY underwater camera for fishing, assembly and test: https://youtu.be/jvGLRDCaQXo Budget cameras do not give the desired picture quality and are not suitable for shooting the underwater world. This should be taken into account, but for some anglers, such cameras help in finding fish, choosing bait or bait. And with their help, you can evaluate how the fish reacts to the game of the bait, and change something.and to get it you need to try hard. DIY underwater camera for fishing, assembly and test: https://youtu.be/jvGLRDCaQXo Budget cameras do not give the desired picture quality and are not suitable for shooting the underwater world. This should be taken into account, but for some anglers, such cameras help in finding fish, choosing bait or bait. And with their help, you can evaluate how the fish reacts to the game of the bait, and change something.

Поделиться ссылкой: