Last Updated on July 27, 2022 by Donnell Henderson
Down imaging and side imaging fish finders are both popular among fishermen. But what’s the difference between the two? A down imaging sonar device creates a picture of what’s below your boat by sending out sound waves that bounce off objects and return to the transducer. Side imaging sonar sends out sound waves in a fan shape, which allows you to see objects on either side of your boat. So, which is better for you? That depends on how you like to fish.
Main Differences Between Down vs Side Imaging Fish Finders
The main differences between side imaging and down imaging fish finders are:
- Down imaging fish finders sends sound waves straight down, whereas side imaging sends them out in a fan shape.
- Down imaging is better for finding fish in deep water, whereas side imaging is better for finding fish that are swimming near the boat or kayak.
- Down imaging fish finders have a lower price point, whereas side imaging fish finders are more expensive.
- Down imaging devices have one transducer, whereas side imaging ones use multiple transducers.
- Down imaging fish finders typically give you low resolution images, whereas side imaging fish finders often have superior picture quality.
What is Down Imaging?
Have you heard of down imaging finders? It’s a type of sonar that creates a picture of what’s below your boat by sending out sound waves that bounce off objects and return to the transducer. Down imaging sonar is popular among fishermen because it gives you a clear view of what’s beneath your fishing vessel — whether it’s installed on a pontoon, mounted in an inflatable boat, or a small canoe or kayak.. It is more of a real-time image, so you can see fish as they swim by. Down imaging is especially useful in shallow water because it can give you a clear picture of the bottom.
Benefits of Down Imaging Fish Finders
There are many benefits to using a down imaging fish finder.
- Down imaging sonar is more accurate than traditional sonar because it uses higher frequency sound waves.
- It is also less likely to be interfered with by other boats or objects in the water. Down imaging sonar can give you a clear picture of the bottom, even in shallow water.
- It is also useful for seeing fish that are swimming near the bottom or in schools.
- Down imaging sonar is also unique because it has high resolution at high speeds. This means that you can get a clear picture of what’s beneath your boat even when you are moving quickly. This is especially useful for fishermen who want to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.
- Down imaging devices are more affordable, and you’ll find a decent one whether your budget is under $200 or when you can afford to spend $500.
Disadvantages of Side Imaging Fish Finders
- As we all know not every fish finder is for everybody. Down imaging sonar is an excellent tool for finding fish, but it is not the only tool you should use for all types of water. As it is a vertical-oriented finish finder so you might not be able to collect horizontal data. So if you need side images you must have to jump toward side imaging fish finders.
- The downside finders use a single transducer for both Down and Side Imaging, which may reduce the amount of data required for down imaging. This makes it difficult to find fish that are swimming beside your boat or kayak.
What is Side Imaging?
Side imaging sonar is similar to down imaging, but instead of looking straight down, it sends out sound waves in a fan shape, which allows you to see objects on either side of your boat. Side imaging sonar is a great tool for finding fish because it gives you a wider view of your surroundings. It’s also helpful for spotting obstacles in the water, so you can avoid them. A side imaging fish finder is a great choice for fishermen who want to be able to see everything around them and cover a wider area from the same spot.
Advantages of Side Imaging Fish Finders
There are many advantages of side imaging sonar let’s have a look at them.
- Fits of all, it is a bigger spectrum because you’re scanning two sides at the same time, meaning more data is being processed.
- This type of sonar is also great for finding fish that are swimming near the boat or kayak. If there is fish passing near the boat it will also give you a good idea of their size and shape.
- Side imaging sonar is great for fishing in shallow waters.
- Side imaging fish finders often have superior picture quality and high-resolution photos than superimposed images.
- Side imaging sonar is also less likely to be interfered with by other boats or objects in the water.
- Unlike downside imaging in side imaging fish finders, you have two or above transducers. The multiple transducers make it possible to get a clear picture of the bottom, even in shallow water.
Disadvantages of Side Imaging
Side imaging fish finders are an excellent choice for fishermen who want to see everything around them. But it does have some caveats.
- They are not the best choice for every situation — when fishing in deeper water you should definitely opt for a down imaging sonar.
- Side imaging fish finders are more expensive than down imaging fish finders, so they may not be the best choice for budget-minded fishermen. They are also not as good as down imaging fish finders for finding fish in deep waters.
- Because they tend to be focused sideways not near the bottom so you might miss some critical data about the bottom.
Conclusion
Side imaging fish finders are a great choice for fishermen who want to see everything around them. However, they are not the best choice for every situation. Side imaging fish finders are more expensive than down imaging fish finders, so they may not be the best choice for budget-minded fishermen. They are also not as good as down imaging fish finders for finding fish in deep waters. If you want to do fishing in shallow water directly beneath your boat then a downside fish finder is a perfect option for you. The Humminbird Helix is a good choice for a side imaging fish finder because it has a wide range of features.
However, down Imaging is better for finding fish in deep water, while side imaging is better for finding fish that are swimming near the boat or kayak. So, if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, you may want to consider a side-imaging fish finder.
Do you have any experience with down imaging and side imaging? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
