Underwater 'PowerRay' Drone Can Help Find Your Dinner

LAS VEGAS—I've seen and flown a lot of drones in the years since I've started covering the technology. They've ranged from pro-grade video models like the DJI Inspire 2 to narcissist fantasy drones like the selfie-only Dobby . But the PowerVision PowerRay is the first that can actually put food on your table.

Of course, the PowerRay isn't an aerial device. Instead of flying high with the eagles, it joins Luca Brasi and swims with the fishes. The unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) requires a physical tether to its control source to operate—it will sell in versions with 100-foot or 200-foot tethers. It's capable of operating at depths of 98 feet (30 meters) without issue, and features a 4K video camera to record the world beneath the surface of the water.

It's not just for those with aspirations of being Jacques Cousteau (or, if you prefer, Steve Vissou). The PowerRay also features a fish finder, which can help you locate dinner. It has mechanisms to drop a baited lure when you do find your potential dinner, helping you better stuff your face full of your favorite sashimi.

Its sonar-based fish-finding system can detect fish at depths of 131 feet (40 meters). Its Wi-Fi transmission is rated at 262 feet (80 meters), longer than the longest tether available. You can remove the Fishfinder and use it as a standalone device, or leave it attached to take advantage of its fish-luring light. It's suitable for use in saltwater, freshwater, and ice fishing, and is capable enough to satisfy the needs of hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.

A front-mounted camera captures video at up to 4K UHD quality, and can also capture 12-megapixel images in 5fps bursts. Since the UUV only consumes power when moving, you can expect its battery to last for about four hours under normal operating conditions.

If you've been having trouble angling in those big sea bass or lake trout, and want an edge that will make it so you don't have to go to the supermarket to purchase the daily catch, the PowerRay may be the drone you've been waiting for.

The PowerRay will be made available for pre-order on Feb. 27. Pricing has not yet been set.

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About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

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