Escape vs Explore Cam. Which One is Right for Your Style of Fishing?
Not every fishing trip is the same, and not every underwater camera has to be, either. Westin offers two compact models built for different fishing styles: the Explore Cam and the Escape Cam. Both capture high-definition footage of strikes and fish behavior, but each shines in a different role.
The Explore Cam: Ultra-Light and Stealthy
The Explore Cam is all about finesse. Weighing just under 1 ounce (about the size of a AA battery), it’s one of the smallest fishing cameras available today. That lightweight profile means it casts easily, adds almost no drag, and won’t throw off the natural action of lighter lures.
It records in crisp 1080p Full HD at 30 or 60 frames per second, with a battery life of about 1 hour 25 minutes. The Explore Cam is waterproof down to 650 feet, giving you versatility for freshwater lakes, saltwater flats, or even deep jigging if you want to test its limits. But where it really excels is in controlled, close-range fishing—bass anglers, trout chasers, and finesse fishermen will appreciate how it stays out of the way while delivering clear strike footage.
Best use cases: casting soft plastics for bass, jigging walleye on lakes, working spoons for trout, or experimenting with lure action in shallow to mid-depth water.
The Escape Cam: Durable and Built for Long Runs
If your fishing style is bigger, faster, or rougher, the Escape Cam is your workhorse. At 1.4 ounces, it’s still compact but comes with extra stability features. The steady-shot Y-fin keeps the camera level during retrieve, while the Dive Lip helps it track properly without adding extra sinkers or weights. That makes it a go-to for trolling, vertical jigging, or fishing in current where stability is everything.
The Escape Cam also records in 1080p Full HD and stretches its battery life to around 2.5 hours—nearly double the runtime of the Explore. Like its smaller sibling, it’s waterproof down to 650 feet, so it can handle just about anything you throw at it. The difference is durability and endurance: it’s made for anglers who fish long days or cover a lot of water.
Best use cases: trolling for salmon or walleye, bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, or recording extended sessions in open water where you need reliable stability.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Explore Cam | Escape Cam |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Just under 1 oz (about the size of a AA battery) | 1.4 oz (still compact, but sturdier build) |
| Video Quality | 1080p Full HD, 30/60 fps | 1080p Full HD, 30/60 fps |
| Battery Life | ~1 hr 25 min | Up to 2.5 hours |
| Stabilization | Lightweight design minimizes drag but no built-in stabilizers | Y-fin stabilizer + Dive Lip for smooth tracking |
| Depth Rating | Up to 650 ft | Up to 650 ft |
| Best For | Finesse casting, lighter tackle, shallow/mid-depth fishing | Trolling, deeper fishing, longer sessions, rougher conditions |
Which One Fits Your Style?
Think about how you usually fish:
- Choose the Explore Cam if: you want the lightest, least intrusive setup for finesse fishing, casting, or experimenting in shallow to mid-depth water.
- Choose the Escape Cam if: you need extra stability, longer battery life, or plan to troll, fish deeper, or work in rougher conditions.
Both cameras are simple to set up, easy to cast, and built to capture the moments you’d never see otherwise. The Explore Cam gives you the stealth edge, while the Escape Cam brings durability and staying power. No matter which one fits your style, you’ll walk away with footage that teaches you more about fish behavior than a dozen trips without a camera ever could.
Want to see how anglers are turning their footage into content? Check out our guide on How Fishing Creators Are Using Westin Cams to Blow Up Their Channels.