Underwater camera for ice fishing

How not to make a mistake when buying underwater camera for fishing. Recommendations, ratings, prices and reviews of various models. Comparison of two popular models: domestic camera Ide 52, and Calypso (Calypso). How to choose a top camera, paying inexpensively, but acquiring a competent tool, purchase through Aliexpress. Using the camera using a smartphone or phone. Life hack on how to make an underwater video camera with your own hands!

Winter fishing has many fans who, regardless of weather conditions, rush for new sensations and, of course, a good catch. But not every fisherman, no matter how experienced he may be, can hope for an excellent bite if he chooses a place for winter fishing blindly. To find out if there are fish under a layer of ice, an underwater video camera .

This modern device will allow:

determine the presence of fish in a particular place and its quantity;
observe how the fish behaves;
note the reaction of the fish to the abandoned bait.

The camera, when located in a winter hole, produces a high-quality and clear image on an external monitor. In this way, you can capture interesting moments, get useful information and increase your fishing experience.

The video clearly shows what these cameras are like:

Technology penetrates every area of human life and winter fishing is no exception. An underwater video camera has already become a necessary device, without which winter fishing loses all meaning. This device consists of the following elements:

monitor;
sealed underwater camera with backlight function;
long waterproof cable.
Charger.

How to use an underwater camera when fishing

If you have an underwater video camera in your hands, then you are already guaranteed a good catch. Even those fish that prefer to be in the depths will soon fall on your fishing rod. Before using the camera for the first time, it would be good to study the instructions and operating manual, become familiar with the functions and capabilities of the device.

Although underwater cameras come in a wide variety of types and have a different set of functional features, they are still similar in terms of control. To begin studying the reservoir, in addition to the video camera itself, you will also need a cable for lowering and further raising the tracking device to the top.

The fisherman’s action algorithm should be approximately as follows:

Pick up the cable (most often it is a wire, the thickness of which resembles a thick fishing line) where it is attached to the camera body. It is convenient if the manufacturer has provided for ease of grip and equipped a special handle.
Start lowering the camera into the water with slow movements. Continue this until the underwater video camera is 5 cm below the hook level.
Now you can adjust the preferred direction for observation and fix the camera in this position (here you can’t do without studying the instructions).
Don't expect a clear picture right away - let the water calm down and settle around the camera. You'll have to wait a few minutes.
Carefully study the underwater world and pay attention to the closest fish: shape, size and its reaction to your manipulations with the bait.

Underwater camera Sudak - instructions in Russian

To use the device for video recording, you must use the instructions for use:

turn on the monitor (the switch to turn it on is located on the rear panel), the light on the monitor should light up;
check the battery capacity;
connect the lens to the monitor using an adapter into the connector on the left side;
take the cable in one hand and the handle of the underwater observation eye in the other;
slowly begin immersing the eye to the bottom of the reservoir to inspect the bottom structure;
after which it is recommended to raise the eye to a level below the hook by 5 cm;
fix the peephole cable;
install a tripod and mount the monitor on it, with the lens connected, using a special black mount included in the kit;
on the monitor, select the menu button , with which you need to adjust the language, brightness, and contrast of the image;
using the down and up buttons, select the correct and lower position when selecting the required item in the menu;
To exit the menu, press the menu button twice.

To start shooting video, you need to check the presence of a built-in memory card. After which the card formatting function will be displayed on the screen. After selecting the required item, press the OK button.

To charge the battery, follow the following procedure:

remove the batteries and charger from the waterproof case;
connect the battery to the charger;
connect the charger cable to the electrical network (no more than 220V).

To view multiple images on the monitor, you must activate the dual-lens shooting service. To do this, in the menu section in the video shooting column, indicate the underwater and front lenses.

To attach the monitor to a tripod, you need to assemble metal stakes and connect them, then use the mount to attach the monitor.

Precautionary measures:

When operating the device, you must only use the adapter for charging the battery, which is included in the kit. The use of other devices may interfere with the operation of the device;
You should not leave the device in the sun for a long time , and also do not point the camera eye at the sun;
to obtain a high-quality image, you must use the device in clean water;
After using the device, you must wipe the body of the eye with warm soapy water and wipe with a dry cloth;
If the case is damaged , the warranty for the device is not valid.

After using the gadget, it is recommended to place the device in a special case made of waterproof material.

Ide 52 is a Russian camera with very decent characteristics and quality

It performs well both in summer and winter, in harsh conditions. Detailed image of fish, stable operation, easy to learn and use.

Parameters and characteristics:

Monitor 7 inches.
Sony Effio CCD 2mpx camera.
Video cable – 15 meters.
Waterproof class IP 67. Sealed, water does not penetrate.
Operating temperature from -20 to +40 degrees.
Screen resolution 1024x768.
Battery 4500 mAh, 12 V.

See for yourself. Video with an overview and examples of shooting on the Ide 52 Active 7 .

buy it on the official website . Price 5980 rubles.

Calypso UVS-03 (Calypso), demi-season camera

If you look at the video with the images that Calypso UVS-03 gives, you just get goosebumps. The fish, the bottom and the entire underwater world are so clearly visible. From the ice or boat you don't get the same feeling about the underwater world. The operating temperature range allows for use in winter fishing, up to a temperature of -20⁰С.

Characteristics:

Weight 489 g;
Breaking load on cable 20 kg;
Camera resolution 720x480;
Monitor resolution 960x480;
LED camera illumination;
Cable length 20 m;
Orange color;
Monitor Color LCD 4.3″ (11cm);
Digital zoom 4X Digital zoom;
MicroSD memory card support;
Memory card capacity up to 32 GB;
Operating temperatures from -20⁰С to +50⁰С.

The battery capacity of Calypso is 4000 mAh, which allows the device to operate for up to 8 hours.

Price 6650 rubles. buy it on the official website .

Price 6650 rub. Where can I buy? Official site.

Rating of the best underwater cameras for winter fishing

The best under-ice cameras and reliable, long-lasting assistants are the following models.

Chip X3

The model has 2 cameras: on the remote control and for monitoring the fish. The camera allows you to monitor the bottom topography, has infrared illumination, and 2 batteries. The device can withstand any weather conditions and operates continuously for up to 4.5 hours. Cable strength – 30 kg, operating temperature -20 °C…+60 °C. You can purchase the model for 8,800 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

Two cameras
Good display resolution
Li-ion battery

FLAWS

Not detected

Chip X3

LUCKY FF3308-8

Fishermen nicknamed this model an underwater scout, since you can watch the bite live. The LCD screen conveys the picture in detail and color. The device is stored in a convenient box and has a spider holder for fixing the monitor. The cable length is 20 m, the battery lasts 5-7 hours. The lower temperature level is 20 °C. The gadget costs from 10,300 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

Power: built-in battery
Color system: PAL/NTSC
Monitor aspect ratio: 4:3
Resolution: 628*526
Viewing Angle: 2.8mm/120 degrees

FLAWS

Not detected

LUCKY FF3308-8

RIVOTEK LQ-3505T

A portable video camera with a sufficiently bright backlight guarantees the clearest possible image, even if there is no light at depth and the water is cloudy and dirty. Taiwanese products are highly reliable. The lower temperature is 20 °C. A 15 m cable can withstand a load of up to 10 kg. You can buy a camera for 10,980 -15,390 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

Focusing in shaded bodies of water
Increased camera viewing angle (135 degrees)
moderately long cable (15 meters)

FLAWS

Possibility of bending and breaking the cable at the point where it exits from the display.

RIVOTEK LQ-3505T

CALYPSO UVS-03

The Chinese manufacturer produces this model in orange. The camera is offered without optical zoom, without focusing and image stabilization. Infrared illumination provides a decent image, viewing angle – 130º. Operating time – 6 hours. A 20 m video cable can withstand a 20 kg break and can withstand temperatures of -20°C. The cost of the camera is 13,950 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

Lightweight, compact
There is a backlight
High resolution display
Long twenty-meter cable with reinforced load up to 20 kg
It is possible to digitally enlarge the resulting image

FLAWS

Price

CALYPSO UVS-03

Syanspan F01

The device is equipped with an additional mount for a fishing rod. The color camera provides high-quality, detailed footage. The viewing angle is quite wide – 140°. In addition to the hook, the angler has the opportunity to survey the surrounding area.

Special holders allow you to fix the camera horizontally or vertically. Normal operation of the device occurs in the range of -20 °C...+60 °C with battery life of 6 hours. Camera price: RUR 10,490

ADVANTAGES:

High quality shooting
Viewing angle 140°
Ability to fix the camera in different positions

FLAWS

Not detected

Syanspan F01

AQUA-VU MICRO PLUS DVR

The gadget has a recording function. Infrared illumination does not scare away fish. High-quality color images are transmitted over a 15 m cable. The device screen has an anti-glare coating. The lithium-ion battery holds a charge for 6 hours. The device can operate at low temperatures from -20 °C. The camera costs: 29,302 rubles.

ADVANTAGES:

High-quality color image
The device screen has an anti-glare coating
Li-ion battery
Long cable (15 m)

FLAWS

Not detected

AQUA-VU MICRO PLUS DVR

MARCUM LX-9-ROW+SONAR

The device combines 2 functions: echo sounder and video recorder. This model also has built-in digital video recording, which has never been seen in any model before. The gadget's display can operate in color and monochrome mode. In addition to the picture, the display shows: depth, water temperature, battery charge. Cable – 25 m, sensor cone angle – 8°/20° Camera cost: RUR 119,900.

ADVANTAGES:

Has 2 functions
Has video recording
Can work in color and monochrome mode

FLAWS

Price

MARCUM

Winter video footage from under-ice cameras

The following video is very indicative, demonstrating that there is a fish under water, but does not want to take it.

As Vodoglaz shows:

GoPro Here 3

A few tips that can help a careful study of the underwater landscape help you determine a place for successful fishing:

large fish like to hide in snags and uneven surfaces;
when immersing the camera for the first time, it is advisable to reach 10-15 cm above the bottom;
Stop in time when diving, because hitting the bottom of a reservoir and colliding with obstacles can cause the camera to break and damage its body.

Why do you need a camera for ice fishing?

Many fishing enthusiasts are interested in the underwater world and the many processes that take place there. The behavior of the fish during the fishing process is interesting, and it is no less interesting to know whether there are fish in the place where the hole is drilled. During the fishing process, it is also interesting to know how the fish reacts to a particular type of bait. This will allow you to quickly change fishing tactics. It is very interesting to know what kind of fish is in the area of the hole and what size it is. As a rule, these are the main questions that interest any angler. After all, searching for fish takes a lot of useful time, especially important in winter, when the day is much shorter than the night.

Therefore, if you have the funds, you can spend money and buy a camera for ice fishing, and then the fishing process will be more effective and interesting. With such a camera it is possible to:

Determine whether there are fish in the fishing area, and then you won’t have to waste time trying to catch fish where there are none.
Find out the depth of the place where you plan to fish.
Determine the bottom topography and identify places where a predator may be located.
Analyze the game of the bait and the reaction of the fish to it. Knowing that there is fish in this place, but it does not take the bait, will allow you to change the bait in time.
Hook the fish at the most opportune moment.
It is possible to record the entire fishing process and demonstrate it at home to your family or friends.

Winter fishing camera, Underwater filming under the ice

How and where to buy an underwater video camera

When choosing an underwater video camera, pay attention to the presence of infrared illumination, since it makes it possible to use the camera even in the complete absence of external lighting. This is not the only parameter that influences the final decision regarding the purchase of a video camera for winter fishing.

The photosensitive matrix is a characteristic of the camera that determines the ability to capture details and display a high-quality image on the screen.
The camera angle is responsible for the device’s ability to operate in shallow water conditions (120 degrees is considered the optimal parameter).
The presence of fog protection comes in handy in cases where the water in the reservoir is cloudy.
Contrast and screen resolution are of great importance if the camera is planned to be used not only for winter fishing (bottom exploration, search for sunken objects).
The DVR function allows you to record your underwater observations, which you can view at home in front of your computer or TV. This is necessary for a more detailed study of your chosen fishing spot and honing your skills not only as a fisherman, but also as an observer.
The zoom function and the ability to work in night mode increase the ability to explore the underwater world, regardless of the level of turbidity of the water.

Regardless of where you live, you can use the Internet store and the camera can be delivered to you for relatively little money, whether you are from Voronezh or Vladivostok.

Comparison of prices and parameters of different models

Although the video camera for winter fishing is just beginning to conquer the hearts of fishermen and win worldwide love, many manufacturers have already managed to translate into reality their vision of what the device should be. A large choice regarding the manufacturer and model always gives rise to a storm of doubts in the consumer. To prevent this from happening, it is worth carefully studying the available offers.

Let's start with the pioneer - the company under whose logo the world's first underwater video camera was released - Aqua-Vu (AquaSpy) . This manufacturer has many achievements, its own technologies, bold functional solutions - everything that any fisherman wants to get from an underwater camera. Micro Plus AV has entered the market , which will not leave the slightest chance for the fish to get away from you. This model is an expensive device - the cost is within 19 thousand rubles. There are simpler models that are also capable of producing high-quality images.
The Vodoglaz underwater camera takes second place in the ranking and has ardent fans who appreciate its advantages: compactness, high performance and accessibility. The operation of cameras under the Vodoglaz brand is in most cases designed for a depth of 15 meters. Although this figure is not the highest, it is quite sufficient for ordinary winter fishing.
An underwater camera from China JJ-connect trademark , which is already loved by Russian echo sounder users. As for cameras, you can choose from four models. The cost starts at 6 thousand rubles and ends at 15 thousand rubles. In addition to the affordable price, JJ-connect cameras attract consumers with their compactness, the introduction of a large number of additional functions and bold solutions.
LQ series of ice fishing equipment , you will notice a clear similarity with Aqua-Vu products. The manufacturer decided to focus on compactness, the ability to work in water with a high level of turbidity and the production of good operating results in harsh temperature conditions.

Description of the winter underwater camera

Before buying a camera, you need to understand what it is and how it is used.

Device

An underwater device for winter photography consists of the following basic elements:

Camera.
Cable.
Monitor.
Power supply for charging the battery.

The most modern devices can be controlled remotely using a remote control that allows you to rotate the device horizontally 360 degrees and at different rotation speeds. The camera body is made of waterproof material, into which additional diode bulbs can be installed, which are designed to illuminate dark areas of the bottom or for night fishing.

The devices that are currently being produced are equipped with LCD monitors; their sizes depend on the model and reach a diagonal of 7 inches. Of course, they also use monitors with a CRT tube, but they are more massive and have a black and white picture, but at the same time the cost of the device is significantly reduced.

Some monitor models have several outputs for connecting an additional recording device, or connecting a second camera. When buying this device, you need to pay attention to the length of the cable, taking into account the depth at which the battery with which the device is equipped will be located. It allows you to work continuously for 6-8 hours.

The most important thing to pay attention to when choosing this is what is available:

shipping container;
the camera body is in the shape of a fish (it does not scare away fish, but in some cases attracts them);
backlight (there are two types - LED and infrared);
removable visor (to protect the monitor from sunlight and improve the image);
Availability of memory (built-in or SD card).

Possibilities

This device shows a picture of the fishing spot, where you can see the bottom topography, the behavior and movement of the fish and its reaction to the bait. It is also easy to determine what kind of fish lives in a given area of the reservoir.

Budget (cheap) models

When choosing any equipment, not just underwater cameras, based on high cost is, to say the least, stupid, especially when finances are limited and purchasing expensive equipment is not part of your plans.

Among the inexpensive equipment for winter fishing, there are very worthwhile specimens that deserve attention from specialists and ordinary fishing enthusiasts. Camera Color ONE fishing camera can become your friend - it is lightweight, compact in size, and has a large color screen with a resolution of 320 by 240. The cost does not exceed 6 thousand rubles. Competition among budget cameras for the JJ-connect company is a company from Hong Kong Chinavasion , which owns the LQ brand. LQ-3501 has proven itself well , which can be purchased for 7.5 thousand rubles.

Reviews from underwater camera buyers

When there are doubts about choosing something, be it a phone, tablet, bicycle or underwater video camera, Internet users begin to study the reviews that were left by the owners of the equipment model we are interested in. What do they write about the most common models of underwater video cameras?

For example, the Vodoglaz-2 8IR underwater video camera for fishing raises some complaints about its insufficient depth of operation, but in general the reviews are positive. Another budget option, the LQ-3501, is getting surprisingly positive reviews , including a lot of praise for its viewing range. Aqua Vu Micro camera successfully collects reviews . Almost every user notes the small size of the device and the ability to carry the camera in their pocket.

Piranha Camera is an underwater fishing camera from the budget range. Based on the reviews, we can judge that the camera is a solid mid-ranger. She pays for her 8000. Unfortunately, people have had cases when it was flooded and it stopped working, but usually in this case the sellers are always willing to meet and replace the product under warranty.

Fishing with an underwater video camera will not compare to the way you fished before. Say “no” to prolonged and fruitless sitting over the hole. With an ice fishing camera, your catch will increase.

Some craftsmen get sophisticated and make fishing cameras with their own hands. A homemade camera is often based on a rear view camera for cars. Watch the video tutorial below for instructions and a description of the assembly process.

Underwater fishing cameras with 2, 4 and 8 infrared LEDs

07/14/2016 On the market you can buy many different underwater video cameras that are used for winter fishing or for underwater filming, and they are all equipped with infrared LED illumination of varying power. As a rule, power is expressed in the number of LEDs 2, 4 and 8. In addition, there are cameras in which the infrared illumination is turned on manually, and others in which it turns on automatically. For this review, we decided to put three different underwater cameras together and look at the video images in relatively calm, clear water conditions and in wavey, cloudy water conditions. Underwater cameras were located at a depth of 2 meters. We took several pictures and selected the most successful ones for publication. The review uses the concept of small, medium and long distance of an object from an underwater camera. Approximately this is 0.2-0.3 meters, 0.5-0.7 meters and 1-1.5 meters, respectively.

Clear water conditions.

From left to right there are cameras with 2, 4 and 8 LEDs. Moreover, the left camera has infrared illumination turned off. It was a sunny day and it was possible to do without backlighting. If you do not turn on the backlight, then there are practically no reflections from algae particles floating in the water and the image is most natural. In this case, the bottom structure and objects at a short distance are clearly visible on all cameras.

However, if you try to see the fish at an average distance from the camera, it becomes obvious that even on a sunny day at a depth of 2 meters, infrared illumination is already needed.

Comparing separately an underwater camera with 8 and 4 LEDs, the camera with 4 wins, providing optimal illumination, in which reflections from floating particles are not yet visible and fish at an average distance from the camera are more clearly visible. However, it would be interesting to try to see the fish from a long distance. Perhaps an 8-LED camera will give a better image despite the flare effect.

Conclusion - the winner is the 4 IR camera with the backlight turned on for observing fish at an average distance from the camera.

Troubled water conditions

All three cameras have the backlight turned on. To our surprise, the camera with two LEDs showed the best results. Perhaps the presence of natural light has an effect, but nevertheless the result was unexpected. Why a camera with 8 IR produces such a dark picture is not entirely clear. Those. It clearly does not penetrate the turbidity raised from the bottom by the waves.

Conclusion - the winner is the 2 IR camera with the backlight turned on for observing fish at an average distance from the camera in muddy water conditions but still with some natural light.

Experiment with a lamp.

The underwater lamp does not produce a significant effect.