Aqua Vu MCX2 vs. OVS 300

[Slugchucker]

I purchased a the new Aqu Vu MCX2 three weeks ago. It was my first look underwater with any brand of underwater camera. The picture quality and visibilty were outstanding. However, I didn't like the set up with the cord wrapped around the unit. It was very cumbersome to get the camera into the water. Secondly, the handle on the unit is really weak in my opinion. There is no good way to transport it unless you find some sort of case for it. I am not going to carry the box in and out of my boat every time. But the camera did what I wanted it to do, and that is first in importance.

Took the Aqua Vu back and bought the OVS 300 after doing much research on the two units. Love the top handle, carrying case, and the way the cord is wrapped with the OVS. I can carry the entire unit much like a portable Vexilar with the soft case. But, I am not impressed with picture quality or clarity on the OVS. The camera image seemed distorted and blurry. When you spun the camea by the cord, the sides of the image on the monitor resembled the mirror funhouse at an amusement park. So I love the features ofthe OVS, but it isn't doing it's primary function validating my purchase.

If only I could take the Aqua Vu MCX2 camera set up, and make it as portable and user friendly as the OVS.

What else is out there? Vista Cam I know nothing about, same as Atlantis. Has anyone else has similar experiences with the A-Vu and OVS as me?

[walleyejig2000]

We ordered an MCX2 through Reeds and it came 2 days later. We were very impressed with the entire package,great picture too!
The lens developed some condensation thus blurring the picture.
We contacted Aqua-Vu and they said ship the camera back for exchange, and before the end of the week we had a new camera and it is awesome! Point being, compact unit-great pics-and A-1 service.
So do yourself a favor and go back to the Aqua-Vu.

[Pitts]

I bought a catch cam and it mounts on your boat like a depth finder either a johnny ray or ram. Cord raps around handle on the top and camera goes in the glove box for running. Hooks up to the battery in the boat or a cig lighter connection and came with a soft bag and battery with charger.
Very good picture and is the best thought out camera available.
Check it out here at this site in the products pages.
I did not buy it from there website because Gander Mt offered a combo of both the 1 and 2 for 429$ which is cheaper than the catchcam 1 alone with 50' of cable.
I mounted it on the console side of the boat for the passenger to operate while trolling and seaching for the wary eyes.

Pitts

[Slugchucker]

Didn't you find the MCx2 very bulky and awkward though? I agree, the camera quality is fantastic, but the unit is cumbersome. I really didn't like wrapping the cord around the unit. I wouldn't doubt if the MCX2 showed up next year revamped with better cosmetic qualities suchd as a case and detachable cord that can wrap likethe other units out there.

[walleyejig2000]

A little bulky yes, but even with a full 120ft. cable and with the battery it still wasn't too bad. I'm removing the battery in favor of plug-in to make it a little easier to handle when wrapping the cord.
As far as the case the other cameras have you'll still have to take the unit out of it's case to deploy and gather the cords so it really is a horse appiece.
When all is said and done I think you'll better off(and happier) with the Aqua-Vu.
Steve

[walleyejig2000]

I should mention also, the MCX2 is $472 through Reeds and shipping is FREE!

[Tommy Skarlis]

I keep my MC2x in a Coleman Soft Carry Case - the one designed for propane lanterns. The MC2x fits perfectly inside, (including the lens, sun shield, and charger)and the overall size of the carrying case/camera combo is not much bigger than the camera itself. Because the case is soft-sided, it is easier to stow.

Even though the Aqua-Vu box protects the unit against more rugged treatment, I have had extremely good luck with the carrying case, as well as with the MC2x.

If you can't find the case at a local retailer, check it out at coleman.com - model #2500-100.

Good luck, and take a kid or a senior fishing soon!

Tommy Skarlis - NPAA #11