More Downscan Pics 2025

I Love BassResource reply :

Not my pics, but I wanted to share them here. Pretty good stuff.

More DownScan Pics

HB and Lowrance Shot side by side

Shane J reply :

Wow, great detail with those, huh? Pretty impressive.

Radical Conservative reply :

It's almost like cheating. Ha

Dogface reply :

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It's almost like cheating. Ha

Yea! But if I had one the fish would get a break because I'd be playing with my Down Scan and not fishing.

Brian B reply :

How much does a unit like that cost? Gotta be a ton. Those pics are impressive!

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

Man, I've really gotta spring for one of those one of these days. Grouper fishing would be freakin ridiculous with images like that. Thats darn near cheating.

Wayne P. reply :

Don't be mislead by that comparison shot. The HB view looks to be misadjusted to make the LEI look a lot superior.

Here is a down image that I did with my HB 798 recently without any tinkering with the settings.

TommyBass reply :

Yea I'd say that HB shot needs a little adjustment. I've seen them produce some better images than that. However, from what I've read pretty much across the internet land the Lowrance does seem to have better quality to it both sideways and down.

I'm not 100% sure, but isn't the HB downscan image produced by a combination of side scan images and makes up for the gap below the boat with software? Where as the Lowrance downscan images are actually generated by a third, seperate downscan trandsducer?

Either way... great pictures.. both these units will / have changed everything and make it almost too easy for the average angler to find structure. You still have to catch the fish though. ;D

I'm excited to see one in person sometime.

I Love BassResource reply :

I doubt anyone is intentionally "mis adjusting" shots to make one brand look better. I would bet that most of the shots being compared are beta versions of the bird downscan software. I've been waiting to see more pics of the release version.

Your pic is pretty good wayne, congrats!

Yeah, the lowrance shot is done via an independent module. HB did it first and has been doing imaging for a while now, so its an older technology. Lowrance has just released a current/complex (costly) system, so in all fairness I would expect elements of the system to be better.

I've heard rumors of HB doing a possible release of a independent downscan/side scan module, but I suspect the outcome of the current lawsuit will dictate tons.

TommyBass reply :

I think I've seen that picture on other sites and that guy supposedly is running it the best he knows how. He actually has both Lowrance and HB units running side by side. Not sure why you would ever waste the money on doing that but its what he claims.

Wayne P. reply :

The Humminbird version of Down Imaging was just released on Feb 12th and 14th, 2010. There never has been a "gap" in the bottom coverage of the left and right SI beams. The beam coverage and the 2D sonar cone coverages are based on a certain decible strength and additional actual coverage range is experienced in all systems in other decible ranges. Just the strongest signals are represented in the published coverage angles of SI, DI 2D, SS and DS. With the Humminbird SI, the left and right beams actually overlap directly below the transducer and that overlap is part of the DI image. It is real easy to determine the overlap is occurring since an object is shown on both side images when passing directly over it. I haven't had my SI unit very long and have seen that overlap lots of times when passing over submerged objects.

The Lowrance Structure Scan transducer uses three narrow beam crystals (left, right, down) and the Humminbird Side Image transducer uses two narrow beam crystals (left, and right) and also a 2D cone crystal with only the left and right being used for Side Imaging and Down Imaging.

If you want to see what an experienced operator of the Humminbird system can produce, check out the images that TritonMike has posted here.

I seems that some comparison posts are agenda motivated rather than showing how each system can perform at it's best.

Kenny418 reply :

That comparison is a joke. If that guy is running that HB unit to the best of his ability he wasted his money or needs to read the instructions. HB produces a way better pic than that. I know from experience, not just looking at pics.

I Love BassResource reply :

Quote
That comparison is a joke. If that guy is running that HB unit to the best of his ability he wasted his money or needs to read the instructions. HB produces a way better pic than that. I know from experience, not just looking at pics.

Than you boys post up! I'm ready to see some better pics than what has been posted above or across the net as a whole. I've always thought the side imaging concept is quite amazing!

Dogface reply :

Quote

Quote
That comparison is a joke. If that guy is running that HB unit to the best of his ability he wasted his money or needs to read the instructions. HB produces a way better pic than that. I know from experience, not just looking at pics.

Than you boys post up! I'm ready to see some better pics than what has been posted above or across the net as a whole. I've always thought the side imaging concept is quite amazing!

Yea, lets see those photos. I intend to buy an SI unit soon. I have been on 5 or 6 sites in the past few days reading up on HB and Lowrance. Everyone on those sites say that HB is better than the pics posted but no one has posted any pics that are better than the Lowrance.

Adam G reply :

forums.sideimagingsoft.com/index.php?topic=678.0

Not sure how posting this link is going to work, I'm a little new here...

Anyways, good example of a scientific method regarding the capabilities of HB's downscan. A seven inch target identified in every viewing mode of the HB. Considering we'd all like to be catching bass bigger than seven inches, I'd say we're all good.

If you'd like to see much better images Kenny, check out the image galleries on the sideimagingsoft forum. Very impressive.

Adam G reply :

Another good piece of information that seems prevalent here. This is a picture, credited to Tom Vickers from Humminbird, found in another thread from the sideimagingsoft forum. This is a good explanation of the interpretation of the SI image.

Gale1980 reply :

there are much better hb shots out there! lowrance does have a better shot in my opinion BUT the comparison above was unfair bottom line. i own a HB for 2 simple reasons reliability and service! lowrance is a joke on the service end of things bottom line. i weighed my options many times and pulled the trigger on a 997c si HB! i will get some shots here in a week or two when the cooling lake by me opens up to boats! to me reputation of service swayed me to the HB side. also the down imaging is new to the HB. i wouldnt doubt in a future update or new ducer that it improves night and day. also the whole suing lowrance thing might put an end to lowrance or even the playing field on the pic quality!

Tpayneful reply :

The arguement about which company has better Side Imaging is on another board. We really don't need to get into here. The comparision shots are from that website and that arguement. Both Wayne and I have been following it.

People have been suggesting that one is better than the other but I have seen spectacular images from both. Here is a link to one of the best shots I have seen yet:

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3258289/1

Dogface reply :

Quote
The arguement about which company has better Side Imaging is on another board. We really don't need to get into here.

I didn't know this was an argument. I thought it was a discussion about different SI units.

I'm about to spend a lot of money on a HB or a whole lot of money on a Lowrance and I want to know all my options before I make a decision.

I Love BassResource reply :

Quote
some post misleading images or misleading statements to further their bias..

I hope your not referring to me. I'm posting pics of actual shots nothing more. If you have better pics of humming bird shots, post them. If not stop "claiming" you posses better shots and lets see them.

Fact is, from what is being posted across many boards across the net, the current Lowrance shots are repeatedly better, that's evident. I can't understand why people want to take it personal. I had a HB Unit that came with my boat, but I bought an HDS8 unit for the console. It was more expensive, but after much research, it's pretty clear that the current state of the Lowrance downscan, simple produces a better image.

As I've stated, that may change as the HB software improves, as the HB hardware being used is the same technology they've been using for years now. The current state of what is being done on the HB units is being done via software upgrade. I'm a software developer by trade, so I'm a bit familiar with the evolution of software.

TommyBass reply :

I agree that this topic is out of control on some other forums. But I disagree that means they shouldn't talk about it. This isnt "other" forums and for the most part people on here are helpful and nice (not to mention many of them don't visit the other websites). Dogface is correct in that we should best inform each other about making such a big decision, its alot of money. Don't bash a brand because its the one you don't have... just give your best knowledge and input so others can make informed decisions. Its the free market at its best.

And yes... please do put up more pictures... of both brands. I'm sure many people would like the see more of them.

bassfisherjk reply :

Neat

Wayne P. reply :

dick, I was not referring to any one person and I don't take anything personal. I just relaying what is going on reguarding that subject. Your reply is just the type of response that is prevelant on the other sites when discussing this subject. Please continue to help others understand the technogy and how to get the best performance with their units and leave out the who's stuff is better than someone's else's stuff comments.

I just got that technogy in December and am going thru the learning process just like everyone else. I glady share the results of my trials, but not to try to show my stuff is better than your stuff. I have at no point made any claim that I posses any images better than anyone else's. I really don't care, I just want to get the best performance with what I have.

As shown on the texas forum link, the image is quite remarkable for a non-camera image. When users of either brand can get that type of image, everyone wins.

Tpayneful reply :

dick,

I may be mistaking your tone but you have already made claims of superiority of one unit over another. I might be mistaking the tone of your posts but it seems to me that you are making boasts about a certain brand of equipment. Boasts llike this cause arguements and unlike other boards this board will lock the thread quickly.

You have also posted images - The person that posted those images has had to admit to multiple mistakes regarding the comparison. Improper placement of transducers, faulty transducers and improper use of sensitivity settings.

Wayne has posted his best down imaging shot. Once I can dig out from the snow and actually get on the water I will try the new down imaging firmware upgrade on my unit.

Have you had the chance to use the Structure Scan and the Down Scan feature of your unit?

I Love BassResource reply :

Your not mistaking my "tone". I've clearly stated multiple times above.... example.

"Fact is, from what is being posted across many boards across the net, the current Lowrance shots are repeatedly better, that's evident."

I'm blown away with what is happening with current sonar technology. The comparison shot wasn't posted to bash HB units, at least that wasn't my intent. My intent was to show "current state". I've also posted the Pics.

Yes, I have used my HB unit pretty extensively, but I have not had a chance to get my HDS on the water yet, the weather here has been horrible. I also commented on wayne's DownImaging pic, I personally thought it was pretty good.

I'll once again ask, if ducer placement, user error, faulty equipment, etc... have all been at fault, will someone please submit something that is on par with the two pics above? I mean c'mon, you can virtually see through the fish, it almost looks like art.

Lol, I'm make no boasts, I don't have to. I think those pictures above boast for themselves, they are simply amazing!

Dogface reply :

I have been reading everything I find on SI. I have just recently began to think I understand what SI is capable of.

I fish a lot of places but the lakes I fish most frequently are at the max 30' deep with most spots being 10 to 20' deep.

Am I correct in thinking than down scan will not be any great advantage over SI in shallower depths because it does not cover much area?

I Love BassResource reply :

I believe you are correct. The shallower you are, the smaller the sonar cone will be. If I'm in shallow water, I'd likely turn off downscan and use SI.

Not_Here reply :

this pic from "Whahoobob" from that link is pretty impressive. he said its from the HB 900 series.

I Love BassResource reply :

You can pick out a bunch of fish if you look hard enough, that's a pretty detailed picture as well. If I recall correctly, he captured that one via side imaging.

Again, amazing stuff, thanks for the pic!

Kenny418 reply :

Just to clarify on my earlier post. i am not bashing any brand. Or saying one is better than the other because I have never used the Lowrance. I am however a 997SI owner. When I look at the comparison pic it looks washed out. Like sensitivity has not been adjusted properly. When the 14 inches of snow and 2 inches of ice melt off my local lakes I will be more than happy to post my pics for all to see. For new users that want to see Humminbird images at their best go to this link.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sideimaging/

There are guys on here with a lot more experience than me and their pics are amazing. If you look at these and then look at the comparison pic above you will see a huge difference in quality. That is the point I am trying to get across.

I Love BassResource reply :

Here is one from the site you posted, pretty good stuff!

Thanks!

Kenny418 reply :

Here is another I thought was really good. It is from the site, not from me

I Love BassResource reply :

Good stuff, you can see the bark peelin

TommyBass reply :

Quote
Here is another I thought was really good. It is from the site, not from me

What is all of the speckly clutter look in the water column above and around that tree? It dosn't look like fish. Is it just noise or sensitivity settings? Or possibly prop wash (I find it hard to belive there would would be prop wash though at those depths under the slow speeds required for that picture.. unless its from another boat)?

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