Dahua IP Camera
RTSP IP camera for live underwater observation and recording.
DIY Field System
Build your own
underwater carp setup
A carp observation system for watching carp underwater, seeing live how carp feed on your fishing spot and recording underwater behaviour with affordable components. All this from inside your bivvy with only a 12V battery.
Scroll Down ↓The concept
A professional underwater viewing system for carp anglers
Everyone knows the famous underwater carp videos from Korda. Watching carp feed, react to bait and move across the lakebed provides valuable insights that can improve your fishing and completely change the way you understand a venue. This project was created for carp anglers who want to capture those same underwater moments themselves and share the experience with their fishing friends. Imagine being able to observe carp behaviour live on your own fishing spot, directly from your bivvy. The goal was simple: build a reliable and affordable underwater observation system using readily available components without compromising image quality or functionality. At the heart of the setup is a Dahua IP camera mounted inside a waterproof housing. The camera transmits live video through a flexible ethernet cable, while a 12V battery powers the entire system via a PoE injector. The same cable carries both power and data, allowing a laptop to receive a live RTSP stream for viewing, recording and replay capture using VLC and OBS Studio.
Core components
From lakebed to live screen
PoE Injector
Sends both power and data to the camera over a single ethernet cable.
JAROCELLS 12V Lithium Battery
Portable field power for long sessions at the water.
Ethernet Cable
Waterproof ethernet connector.
Laptop
Used for OBS software and recording, replay buffer and live monitoring.
External 15 Inch Monitor
Extra field screen for better visibility during live carp observation.
PVC Waterproof Housing
Affordable and practical housing material for building a sealed camera body.
Build workflow
The parts that make the setup work
01
Build the waterproof housing
Seal the camera inside a durable housing with a clear viewing window and waterproof cable entry.
02
Connect power and data
The 12V battery powers the PoE injector. The injector sends power and network data through one ethernet cable.
03
Lower the system safely
Use a stable bottom plate and rope control to place the camera on the lakebed without cable twist.
04
Monitor and record
View the RTSP stream in VLC, record in OBS Studio and use replay buffer to capture key carp behaviour.
Software
Software & Configuration
Before using the underwater camera in the field, the network connection, RTSP stream and recording workflow need to be configured correctly. The following steps show the complete setup process from camera configuration to recording underwater footage in OBS Studio.
Step 1
Configure the Dahua Camera
Use Dahua SmartPSS software to configure the camera, assign network settings and create login credentials. This step is required before the RTSP stream can be used.
Step 2
Test the RTSP Stream with VLC
Before adding the camera to OBS Studio, test the RTSP stream using VLC Media Player. This confirms that the camera is reachable and the stream is working correctly.
Step 3
Add the Camera to OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free recording and livestreaming application. Add the RTSP stream as a media source and verify that the live camera image appears correctly. For long recording sessions, use an external SSD instead of the laptop's internal drive. This keeps the operating system responsive and provides significantly more storage capacity.
Download OBS Studio (free): https://obsproject.com
Recommended OBS Settings
I recommend storing recordings on an external SSD or hard drive. Enable the Replay Buffer feature so that important moments can still be saved after they happen.
My Replay Buffer is configured to store the previous 20 seconds. This works as a pre-recording feature and helps prevent missing important underwater activity.
Materials
Materials & Cost Breakdown
A practical overview of the main parts used in this underwater carp observation setup. Prices are estimated and may change depending on supplier availability.
Dahua IP Camera
Dome camera disassembled to make it fit inside the housing. Choose a model with a wide-angle lens.
PoE Injector
Used to provide both power and data to the camera from a 12V setup.
15 Inch Monitor
External 12V monitor for live viewing in the field. Works through mini HDMI.
JAROCELLS 12V50Ah Lithium Case
Any 12V battery can work, but JAROCELLS is a premium option. The app allows accurate power monitoring.
PVC Coupling Piece
Available in different sizes. Make sure there is enough internal space for the camera.
Laptop
Almost any laptop can work. Make sure it has enough CPU and memory capacity, especially for pre-recording.
Estimated total build cost
€1.494
Approximate cost excluding tools, cables, sealants and optional accessories.
The cost estimate above reflects the complete setup as presented on this website. In reality, many builders will already own some of the required equipment. For example, a suitable laptop can often be purchased second-hand for less than €100. I chose a JAROCELLS lithium battery case because of its build quality, reliability and user-friendly monitoring app, but there are certainly more affordable power solutions available. The total cost should therefore be considered an estimate, and there are many opportunities to reduce the budget by selecting alternative components or building certain parts yourself.
FAQ
Common questions
Can this be used for night observation?
Yes, depending on the camera and lighting setup. IR behaviour underwater needs testing because reflection and particles can affect visibility.
Why use PoE?
PoE keeps the setup clean: one cable carries both power and data to the underwater camera.
Can I record live underwater footage?
Yes. OBS Studio can record the RTSP stream and use replay buffer to save key moments after they happen.
Can I use any IP camera?
Yes, but the camera must support RTSP and it needs to be easy to mount securely inside the waterproof housing.
Does it matter which UTP cable I use?
Yes. The cable should be suitable for outdoor use. The best option would be a PUR high-flex stranded industrial cable, although this type of cable is more expensive.
How long can I use the setup?
The laptop and PoE injector use approximately 2Ah. With a 50Ah lithium battery, the setup should run for around 25 hours.
What type of glass is used in the PVC housing?
I used a custom-made plexiglass solution ordered online. It is affordable and can be made perfectly to size for the housing.