The Kinetics KC821XL1-01 Hardshell Case
an article by Chris Hurd

When it comes to storage and transport for the XL1, which like all other camcorders is an expensive and highly delicate instrument, you basically have two choices: soft bag or hardshell case. While soft bags are convenient for day-to-day local travel, you may not want to risk your camera in one when you're undertaking a long trip into uncharted terrain. In other words, for that flight into the wild, untamed frontier wilderness known as the Midwestern United States, you're going to want to put your camera inside something that'll withstand the poking and prodding of curious natives. And wouldn't it be great if, instead of having to check it as baggage, you could carry this case with you into the passenger cabin without drawing the evil eye of the flight attendants. Let's face it, on some major airlines, checked luggage marked "fragile" is an open invitation to those baggage handlers who lift weights in their spare time to see how hard and far they can throw it. It's also a known fact that the sizing bin near the ticket counter that says "all carry-ons must fit within these dimensions" actually shrinks one quarter-inch every year.

If you feel like spending a lot of money on a shiny aluminum case that screams "I've got an expensive camera inside," then there's the two case styles from Canon, one of which is carry-on size. Both have the Canon logo on the side for everyone to see, and your dealer will love you for it, and what you've got inside this box won't be a secret anymore. However, if you'd rather present a more low-key profile that attracts much less attention, you can now choose the non-descript, black hardshell case from CasesPlus... the Kinetics KC821XL1-01.

The dimensions of this Kinetics case were specifically designed to fall within the hyper-critical tolerances of the standard carry-on luggage size imposed by most of the major totalitarian airlines. Measuring just under 22 inches long, 13 inches wide and nine inches deep, this case will actually fit inside that ticket counter sizing bin, unlike that stylish sport duffel bag you bought at WalMart last spring. This is the 821 model of the Kinetics line, and you can carry it proudly down the cramped center aisle of a 737 free from the disdain of sharp-eyed stewardesses and without advertising what's inside.

The interior of the this particular Kinetics 821 case has been customized just for the Canon XL1 by Jean-Claude Avenel, president of CasesPlus, the largest stocking master distributor of shipping and carrying cases in the USA. Recognizing the need among XL1 owners for a solid hardbody storage solution that can fit in an overhead luggage bin, Avenel offers the KC821XL1-01, made for frequent fliers.

The XL1 body fits snugly into a foam cut-out which conforms exactly to the camcorder's unique assymetrical shape. The body lays on its right side, with the zoom grip handle nesting below in a deeper, precisely shaped cut-out of its own. The viewfinder as well has its own cut-out; these components fit into the case one way only, making it impossible to get anything backwards or wrong. Either Canon lens (the standard 16x or 3x wide angle) drops into a snug, round cut-out and there is another for the microphone. Each piece of the camera fits tightly into its respective area, surrounded and suspended by protective foam.

Along the left side of the case, a large rectangular well measuring six inches deep, just under five inches wide and 11.5 inches long, holds a variety of small gear. I was surprised by how much I could pack into this space, and of course, everything rides better if that space is completely filled. I was able to squeeze in the battery charger, power adapter, an extra battery or two, SP-100 shoulder pad, MA-100 mic adapter, lens hood, IR remote, a couple of DV cassettes, some cables, and an ElectroVoice handheld microphone with room left over for a screwdriver, a pack of breath mints and a toothbrush.

The case lid is recessed and there's a bit of room in here, too. The left side has a foam insert with cut-outs for the top ends of the lens and microphone below. The right side is a cool nylon pouch with a cover flap, intended for the XL1 manual (don't leave home without it). There's enough additional space in this pouch for a small notebook and a shot list, script, important papers, etc. Also, at the top of the pouch under the cover, there's an elastic tube holder perfectly shaped to carry one of those small flashlights that take AA-sized batteries. My dad used to tell me, all you really need when you go on a trip is a toothbrush and flashlight, and you can carry both in this little case, in addition to a complete XL1.

Kinetics has been making equipment cases for quite some time and they know how to do it right. Standard features that leap out at you right away are the super-tough, super-thick molded plastic construction of the whole case and the blue silicon O-ring in the lid. The O-ring completely seals out water, dust, moisture, salt and air, making it perfect for tropics or tundra. There's even a pressure equalization valve near the handle if you're going from one climate or altitude to another. Since the case is plastic, not metal, it won't corrode, conduct electricity or dent. The plastic is molded in color which won't scratch or rub off, and its operating tempertures vary from -20°F to +160°F (-29°C to +71°C). This case is tough enough to stand on and withstands a 2000 lb. (900 kg.) stacking load; other 821 cases will interlock when stacked. The 821 is secured by a pair of tough snap latches and you can lock it by providing your own combination or keyed padlock. Empty, the 821 weighs 12 pounds, and it's made in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

The only disadvantage to the KC821XL1-01 is an obvious one: to use it, you have to break down your XL1 every time you take it somewhere. You'll need to disassemble the entire camera down to the lens hood, but that's a small price to pay for having a hardshell case that's carry-on size. Before, the only practical way to walk onboard a jumbo jet with an XL1 was with a soft bag, which may not always suit the climate and conditions you're heading for. If you travel frequently with your XL1, you'll want the protection and insurance of the Kinetics case.

CasesPlus offers online ordering, so if you'd like to get your camera inside one of these stylish hardbodies, it's just a click away at www.casesplus.com, or use two graphics below to access each product on their website.

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See also the North American TC2000DVC Case from CasesPlus
Thrown together by Chris Hurd