Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
The best inexpensive underwater cameras: budget up to 10,000 rubles. |
1 | Craft FishEYE 110 | Wide viewing angle. Large temperature range |
2 | Rivotek LQ-3215 | Best price |
3 | Lucky FF3308-8 | Best picture quality |
4 | Chip X3 | Convenient form factor. Compact size |
1 | Rivotek LQ-3505T | Best Review |
2 | Yaz-52 | The most talked about camera on the internet |
3 | Lucky FF3309 new | Smartphone control |
1 | MarCum LX-9-ROW+Sonar | The richest functionality |
2 | Aqua-Vu Micro Plus DVR | Largest video memory |
3 | Neptune 360+DVR | The best choice |
Every angler dreams of a good catch, even if he later wants to release all the prey. Fans of winter fishing are no exception. But catching a lot of decent fish from the ice can be problematic. The fact is that many representatives of freshwater ichthyofauna migrate to localized areas for wintering. Usually these are deep waters rich in oxygen and shelters. It is very difficult to find such places on an unknown body of water, especially if its length is calculated in kilometers. Today, an underwater camera will help to detect schools of fish. Among the wide variety, it is necessary to choose exactly such models that are able to work in the cold season.What are the requirements for under-ice survey equipment?
- First of all, the device must be frost-resistant. Although the temperature of the water under the ice does not drop below 3-4 ° C, when removed from the hole, individual parts may freeze and fail. Therefore, the lower temperature limit should be in the region of -10 ... -15 ° С. Then you can wipe the camera and hide it in warm clothes.
- The ice shell seriously impairs visibility underwater. Therefore, all winter models are equipped with lighting. So that cautious fish are not afraid of bright light, manufacturers use infrared LEDs.
- To determine the species composition, as well as to understand in which direction the flock is moving, an underwater camera must provide a clear and bright picture. Sometimes the sun interferes with observing what is happening under water, protective visors help to solve this problem.
- In winter, all the smallest flaws of the manufacturer appear. Using a cheap cable often leads to breakage. Microcracks in the hermetic shell lead to chamber failure.
Our review includes the best underwater cameras for winter fishing. The rating is based on feedback from local anglers.
The best inexpensive underwater cameras: budget up to 10,000 rubles.
Budget underwater cameras are not distinguished by high image quality or the presence of a large number of functions. As a rule, these are simple devices that only have a video or photo recording function, but this is quite enough for winter fishing, and if you are not a professional fisherman, or do not set out to look for rare fish, it makes no sense to buy a more expensive device.
Simply put, this is a great choice for those who want to improve the quality of fishing, but are not ready to invest a significant amount.Budget cameras cost less than 10 thousand rubles, and with their help you can not only study the underwater world in real time, but also record, which will be placed either in the internal memory of the device or on a flash card.
4 Chip X3
Country: Russia (made in China)
Average price: 8800 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
The main advantage of this model is a convenient layout. The camera fits into a special case, and has a small size, only 30 by 20 centimeters. At the same time, almost the entire front side is a high-definition monitor that allows you to shoot or broadcast in HD quality. The device has a high degree of moisture protection, so it can be used both in winter and summer fishing from a boat. Plus, a wide temperature range, providing performance from -20 to +60 degrees.
Both the camera and the monitor are powered by high-capacity lithium batteries. A full charge of one battery is enough for about 10 hours of operation, and the kit includes replaceable batteries and chargers that work from the car's cigarette lighter. That is, while you are fishing, spare batteries are on charge, and are easily replaced without unwinding the case. The camera itself sits on the end of a 15 meter cord made of durable carbon fiber and covered with Kevlar, which makes it as strong and durable as possible, which is a huge advantage for such a relatively inexpensive device.
3 Lucky FF3308-8
Country: China
Average price: 9590 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The Lucky FF3308-8 underwater camera has good picture quality. The model is very easy to use, although somewhat heavy. Together with a case and additional accessories the device weighs 1 kg.The camera is quite large, which requires accuracy and caution from the angler when lowering into the hole. You can recharge a dead battery from the car's cigarette lighter socket. Thanks to the special illumination of 8 infrared LEDs, the picture is of high quality with a thick ice cover, even at great depths. The device remains operational down to a temperature of -15°C. Any angler will be able to set the parameters, since the interface of the device is Russified.
Domestic fans of winter fishing speak flatteringly about the quality of the video image of the Lucky FF3308-8 underwater camera. The battery is able to work throughout the daylight hours (8-10 hours), and the IR illumination does not scare the fish. The disadvantages of the device are the fear of low temperatures and insufficient display brightness.
An underwater camera is not a panacea for pecking. You can see the fish in the monitor, but it is not possible for a person to force it to eat the bait.
- In deep pits, fish most often stand, carefully consuming the supply of nutrients. But it goes to feed on the adjacent shallow areas. Best of all, biting happens at differences in depths, edges, entrances and exits from wintering pits. An echo sounder will help you quickly find such areas.
- Experienced anglers use another trick. They lower small portions of bait into the water, watching the monitor how the flock reacts. It is enough for one fish to grab the prey, as the flock instinct works. This moment must be used for fishing, because in winter the fish are quickly saturated, and the next burst of activity can only be in a day.
2 Rivotek LQ-3215
Country: China
Average price: 7890 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
An excellent budget camera for underwater shooting in winter is the Rivotek LQ-3215 model. It combines a number of useful features. The device is equipped with a 3.2-inch LCD display with a resolution of 320x240. The underwater camera is very light, the weight of the lens is 13 g, and the weight of the monitor is 125 g. The compact size of the device allows you to engage in sea fishing. The model can work in a wide temperature range from -20 to +60°C. You can charge a dead battery from the cigarette lighter, on average, the full capacity of the battery is enough for 5 hours of fishing. Backlighting will help to clearly shoot underwater inhabitants in conditions of poor visibility.
In winter fishing, the Rivotek LQ-3215 underwater camera performed well. Consumers like it for its affordability, good image, compactness. The model has minor flaws, some anglers are unhappy with the glare on the monitor in sunny weather and the low battery capacity.
1 Craft FishEYE 110
Country: China
Average price: 6831 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
Compact camcorder with high resolution display. This is the best inexpensive option for fishing in all seasons. The camera is equipped with protection against temperature effects, and is able to operate in the range from minus 20 to plus 60 degrees. The monitor of the device is only 4.3 inches, and despite the relatively small size, you will not experience inconvenience, as it works in high resolution, and is even equipped with a special brightness control.
Another advantage of this model is a wide viewing angle.Since these budget cameras do not have lens rotation systems, this becomes a very important feature that allows you to view a large area when the camera is in one position. Simply put, this is a simple and inexpensive device that anyone can afford. If you do not want to leave the pond without trophies, then this option is especially for you, and at the most attractive price. By the way, the camera comes with an extra battery, so you do not have to constantly wait for the battery to charge and waste precious time.
The best mid-range underwater cameras
Underwater cameras for ice fishing costing over 10 thousand rubles, as a rule, have a number of additional features and are equipped with better monitors and lenses. Their main advantage is increased viewing range and radius. That is, even without using the rotation, you can view a fairly large area under water, not only in front, but also on the sides.
Of the additional functions, an extended amount of memory is often found. That is, with the help of such a camera, you can shoot and store much more information, which is especially important, given the weight of the finished files shot in high resolution mode.
3 Lucky FF3309 new
Country: China
Average price: 12990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The disadvantage of many underwater cameras is their size. There are so many things on winter fishing, and carrying an extra suitcase with you is not very convenient. But, before us is a model that is characterized by maximum compactness. It consists of just one antenna and a cable, at the end of which a camera with a wide viewing angle is installed.But where is the image being broadcast to? And this is the most interesting. The picture is transmitted to the smartphone through a mobile application available for free download. All you need at the initial stage is to turn on WI-FI, find the camera, and by connecting to it, get a link to a special application.
Now you can not only view the picture in real time, but also record. The volume of saved files depends on the memory of the smartphone and the flash card installed on it. At the same time, the camera itself has excellent quality characteristics. It transmits a high-resolution image, and has 4 LEDs that turn on automatically in low light. That is, with this camera, you can observe even in the dark under a layer of ice, without experiencing difficulties with displaying video.
2 Yaz-52
Country: Russia
Average price: 13300 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
A lot of passion boils around the domestic Yaz-52 underwater camera. It is discussed on fishing forums, compared with competitors, praised and scolded at the same time. It is important to note that the manufacturer takes into account all the comments and wishes of anglers, upgrading and improving its product. The strengths of the underwater camera include the frost resistance of all parts. Good underwater shooting at depth is provided by a high-quality Sony video camera, as well as an effective IR illumination consisting of 12 LEDs. Connects the lens to the monitor (9 inches) with an elastic cable 15 m long. To make it easier for the angler to navigate with the depth of immersion, there is a mark on the wire every meter.The kit comes with an aluminum case that protects the device from mechanical damage during transportation and storage.
The weakest link in the domestic Yaz-52 underwater camera is considered by anglers to be the battery. A full charge is not always enough for 4-5 hours of fishing.
Video review
1 Rivotek LQ-3505T
Country: China
Average price: 15390 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
The Rivotek LQ-3505T underwater camera can become a very effective assistant in winter fishing. It is equipped with a lens with a viewing angle of 135 degrees, which allows you to see the fish in a large area, as well as determine the direction of the flock. The length of the cable (15 m) connecting the camera to the display will be sufficient for most freshwater reservoirs. The device is not able to record what is happening under the ice, but it gives an excellent picture in muddy water. The zoom lens is conveniently attached to the fishing tackle, so it's easy to study the situation in the hole. The chamber differs in compactness, moisture resistance and frost resistance (-20 °C).
The advantages of the Rivotek LQ-3505T underwater camera for ice fishing enthusiasts include a wide-angle lens, long battery life, compactness and light weight. Of the negative properties, users note cable fractures at the point of attachment to the display.
The best premium underwater cameras
Premium cameras are expensive, but they come with a whole list of features and options that lower price ranges don't. In particular, they are distinguished by the ability to control the lens remotely.Almost all devices have a special remote control that allows you to rotate the lens in any direction, and this despite the presence of a maximum viewing angle, often exceeding 140 degrees.
Of course, the quality of the transmitted picture will be the highest, and the internal memory will allow you to save hundreds of files for later viewing. The only inconvenience is the size of the device. Most often, this is a rather large suitcase, in the lid of which a display is mounted, and the camera itself is placed in the lower part, as well as a control panel that works via cable or wireless communication.
3 Neptune 360+DVR
Country: Russia
Average price: 32900 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The best underwater camera for winter and summer fishing, equipped with a bright 7-inch display built into the lid of the transport case. This is a professional equipment that allows you to survey the depths of 360 degrees. The camera, placed in a special, waterproof flask, has a viewing angle of 140 degrees, and with the help of the control panel it can be rotated around its axis, as well as adjust the brightness of the lighting.
The camera has 8 LEDs installed at once, but if there is no need to use all of them, some of the lamps can also be turned off on the remote control without pulling the camera out of the water. In addition, this model is equipped with a slot for a flash card, and in addition to 4 gigabytes of internal memory, you can add another 64 to store records and high-resolution files. Of course, the cost of the camera is high, but it should be understood that this is professional equipment, and it cannot be cheap. Yes, often its functions will not be needed by an ordinary fisherman, therefore it often does not make sense to overpay.
2 Aqua-Vu Micro Plus DVR
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 29302 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The maximum of useful information about what is happening in the under-ice kingdom can be recorded thanks to the Aqua-Vu Micro Plus DVR model. It has up to 8 GB of free space for recording video. The lens features a 3x zoom and is connected to the display via a 15m cable. In this case, the wire is able to withstand a load of up to 10 kg. The presence of convenient control allows you to change the direction of the lens, both vertically and horizontally. When visibility deteriorates, IR illumination automatically turns on, which is invisible to fish. The LCD monitor is equipped with a waterproof case, the manufacturer allows the display to be submerged in water to a depth of 1 m.
Winter anglers are pleased with the technical performance of the Aqua-Vu Micro Plus DVR. The device has a long cable, large memory capacity, good image quality, automatic IR illumination. The disadvantages include the high price and lack of sun protection.
1 MarCum LX-9-ROW+Sonar
Country: USA
Average price: 88526 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The MarCum LX-9-ROW+Sonar underwater camera has the richest set of equipment. It is perfect for both winter and summer fishing. In addition to observing representatives of the ichthyofauna, the device is able to scan the underwater relief with the help of an echo sounder and find a cluster of fish. This combination allows you to quickly find a promising section of the reservoir, and then accurately make holes. The camcorder has an adjustable zoom, the design has a noise suppression system. The device is not afraid of low temperatures, allowing you to fish even at -25°C.The working depth is limited to 15 m, the picture is transmitted via cable to an 8-inch monitor.
Domestic anglers note in the underwater camera MarCum LX-9-ROW + Sonar such qualities as a large number of options, the ability to record, long battery life. The picture on the display is clear. The disadvantage is the high price, but it should be noted that two devices are bought for this money.