Anglers are always looking for an edge when enjoying the sport they love and for that reason, products such as the Humminbird 561 DI remain popular. This fish finder provides an LCD screen that allows fishers to spot fish underwater in high definition. This model can be mounted on any boat dashboard with a mechanism that allows for tilt and rotation to maximize viewing.
The Humminbird 561 DI uses sonar technology to give a crisp, clear picture underwater. All objects, including fish, rocks, seaweed and other underwater life and structures appear thanks to the sophisticated finding technology of this device. The sonar system is both sensitive and broad, allowing a person to clearly see objects 70 feet underwater, while still being able to pick apart minute detail of fish that are a couple of inches from each other.
In terms of specifications, the Humminbird 561 DI has features that put power into the hands of the fisherman. For instance, this fish finder has the potential to reach depths of a whopping 800 feet beneath the surface. It contains a 320 V x 320 H display matrix, allowing objects to appear clearly and with definition. The display features 12 levels of grayscale capability. The fishfinder produces 300 watts of output power, with an overall operating frequency of 200/83 kHz. Sonar coverage is solid, as it measures at 20 to 60 degrees.
This device is intended for fresh water fishing, and features a number of bells and whistles that allow fishers to customize their experience. For instance, it contains Humminbird’s patented SwitchFire sonar, a split screen option to use when zooming, a window that features sonar activity in real time while including enhancements and the ability to place identification tags on fish to easily track their movements. The 561 DI unit itself is lightweight, weighing in at a little more than 3 pounds. Its dimensions are 4 inches long, 7.25 inches wide and 7 inches high.
Buyers on the web have been overall positive when reviewing the 561 DI, writing highly of the features and capabilities of the device. They mainly mention the device’s excellent value, as it’s one of the more conservatively priced items of its kind on shelves at the moment. For the price, users have the ability to get incredible amounts of depth to locate large varieties of fish. They praise the sophistication of the sonar system, which allows picking fish out of hard-to-find locations and adjusts accordingly to attempt to grab the catch of the day.
A downside that some cite is that the Humminbird 561 DI isn’t immediately user friendly and has a bit of a learning curve to set up and get used to. The screen and output make it possible to pick up, but for those not used to fish finders and similar fishing equipment, it may take some time to get accustomed to how to use it, according to reviewers. Overall, though, they say the device is a great buy for the money and gets the job done.
| Humminbird 561 DI | Lowrance Mark-5x DSI | Humminbird 571 DI | |
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  | |
| Screen Size | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm | 5 in / 127 mm |
| Screen Resolution | 320 x 320 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels | 640 x 320 pixels |
| Display Type | 12-level grayscale | 16-level grayscale LCD | 16-level grayscale |
| Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging | Down Imaging | 2D and Down Imaging |
| Transmit Power | R00W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak | 500W RMS 4000W Peak-To-Peak |
| Sonar Frequency | 200/455 kHz 2D Sonar 455/800 kHz Down Imaging | 455/800 kHz | 200/455 kHz 2D Sonar 455/800 kHz Down Imaging |
| Maximum Depth | 350 ft (DI), 600 ft (2D) | 250 ft | 350 ft (DI), 600 ft (2D) |
| MSRP | $199.99 | $269.99 | $249.99 |
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| Review | Review | Review |