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The weakest link in ANY camera purchase is the time it takes to set up, lower, align and then fish using a camera. It can be a PIA depending on which model you choose...Aqua Vu Micros-VERY portable, mini cameras that are best for scouting. Smaller screens, micro cameras but very portable (pocket sized in some cases)Marcum full size-Marcum makes amazing cameras. They are bigger and bulkier and more suitable to semi permanent set up (big fish houses) BUT, if you like to set up the shack as a base camp (or just stay put all day) then you can set them up and use them quite easily, but HEAVY and BULKY.Vexilar FS series-Vexilar has some cool stuff and good cameras, again, more full size units, but there fish phone app that allows you to transmit the image to a phone or a tablet is a cool feature.Personally, camera technology has made leaps and bounds over the last 3-5 years. AVOID the budget, no name brands...they will only frustrate you to no end with poor displays, camera lenses that gather no light and battery life sucks...If you like to run and gun, then a camera (other than the Aqua Vu micros) will slow you down. Unlike a flasher, you have to let all the cable down, align it so it's looking the right direction, then bring it all up again, stow it, when it's time to move.IMO, cameras are great for when you are sitting tight, really great for checking for fish, weeds and bottom content, and verifying what you are seeing on the sonar. I use mine mostly for scouting, but there ARE days, when a camera is the only tool that will give you the info you need to hook those fish...Good luck in your decision, just remember that they are VERY sensitive and fairly fragile items. YES they have been optimized for use in pretty harsh conditions but lenses crack, displays get snow and ice on them, you have to take care of them, and they will take care of you.Hope this helps!Mikewww.howesfishing.com
I would say you have to be pretty careful with it, like opening the cover for example. It has to be opened carefully because there is a little detent that keeps it from just flipping open. If you dont lift the cover straight up, and just kind of force it up from the corner, you could crack the hinge.I did get a loose connection where the cable enters the camera itself and they fixed it no questions asked. They supply as little wire loop that keeps the cable from kinking/pinching and I keep that on at all times now and haven't had any further issues. I have used mine pretty regularly on the ice for 3 seasons and have treated it carefully and am satisfied with the durability but it is a small electronic device being used in a pretty harsh environment. A little common sense and handle with care. I have seen some tournament guys just abuse theirs and yeah, they break them but I would expect it from what I have seen.Mike