Video tech today has opened the pursuit of capturing cool stuff on camera to a whole new generation of would-be Woody Allens. Point, shoot, edit, upload. Blink . . . you’re an overnight internet sensation.
For aquatic explorers, modern-day Jacques Cousteau might be a better aspiration, given new advancements in multipurpose underwater cameras. Unleashed earlier this spring, the modular Aqua-Vu XD® Camera Housing is now standard equipment on the company’s AV 715C Underwater Viewing System, a surprisingly affordable, top-selling device within the exploding fish-tech category.
The enterprising optics company, which invented the first underwater viewing system in 1997, continues to engineer compelling, user-friendly angling technology. Aqua-Vu has offered firsts in high-definition and handheld viewing systems, motorized camera panning, on-screen aquatic data, underwater lighting and digital video recording—patenting many of its exclusive technologies.
Twenty years after its original underwater viewing systems, Aqua-Vu has released the radical XD Camera, the only fishing-centric, modular viewing system designed for maximum versatility, via compatibility with an innovative new assortment of mountable XD Camera accessories.
The XD Trolling Fin with Live Strike System lets anglers sight fish in real time, right on the Aqua-Vu screen.
“Underwater, there’s so much amazing life, scenery and other fascinating things many anglers haven’t seen with their own eyes, beyond computer generated sonar readings,” notes Dr. Jason Halfen, University of Wisconsin chemistry professor and proprietor of TechnologicalAngler.com. “The XD Camera by Aqua-Vu adds enormous functionality and new perspectives to underwater viewing. You can now view the aquatic terrain from any angle—bird’s eye, from below or sideways, first person point of view.
“And with the new Live Strike™ accessory, it’s possible to watch fish strike lures in real time, right on the Aqua-Vu screen.”
Enhanced Aqua-Vu 715C Camera System
Providing anglers with tremendous versatility and value-added functionality, Aqua-Vu’s XD Camera mounts to an expanding line of new viewing accessories, via the Quick Attachment™ System. The XD Trolling Fin and Dorsal Fin, Live Strike™, XD Flood Light and Pole Cam adaptor expand the underwater viewing experience with thrilling new perspectives.
“If I want to look beneath a boat dock, for example, I simply slide the XD Pole Cam adapter onto the camera housing and immediately get to see what’s living way up under there, says Halfen. “Connect the cam to any telescoping painter’s pole and immediately sniff out the dock’s sweet spot. It’s such a blast—and a huge fish-finding edge.”
Halfen notes that unlike conventional action cameras, Aqua-Vu’s XD system allows the user to experience the underwater action as it happens live, directly on an Aqua-Vu LCD screen. “It’s fun to record underwater action and watch it later. But as an angler, I want to see what’s happening right now—whether there are bass or other desirable species living on the brush pile or buried in vegetation, while I’m in still the boat, fishing.
“And if I want to record and share my Aqua-Vu footage, it’s as easy as activating the AV Connect app on my smartphone.”
For probing under docks, standing timber and other sweet spots, the Aqua-Vu XD Pole Cam accessory is a valuable fish-finding tool. (Available late summer 2017)
Available now at aquavu.com, the enhanced Aqua-Vu 715C Underwater Viewing System features new XD Camera and accessory compatibility, retaining its original, low retail price of $299.99. The complete, ready-to-explore system includes 7-inch LCD display, XD Camera with 50-feet of cable and adjustable IR Lighting, 12-volt battery and charger and Custom Storage Bag.
“Never before has underwater viewing with an Aqua-Vu given anglers so many fun and effective options for finding fish or just discovering cool stuff happening below the surface.”