The CCC - 3333 Multi-Purpose Soft Case from KATA
a review by The Watchdog

In 1983, two friends, members of an elite military unit, began exchanging ideas about how backpacks and military equipment cases could be made more modular and ergonomic. Based on their field experience, they went on to design a line of combat-ready gear. They named their company KATA. Their successful line of storage and personal transport gear for sensitive military equipment, especially delicate electronics, translated easily to the professional video production market. Today, the full series of KATA cases represents a leading choice for those seeking an alternative solution for equipment transportation, protection and storage.

The new CCC - 3333 soft case is a recent addition to the CCC (compact camera case) series of KATA bags. It's the newest addition to the CCC line and it is sized to fill the size gap between the mini DV cases and the Beta camcorders. Measuring 18 inches long, 12 inches tall and 11 inches wide including front pocket, it will hold an XL1 or XL1S, which we'll explore in more detail in a moment. However, since it's not a custom XL1 case, it will hold any other similarly sized camcorder. And with smaller handycam-style camcorders such as the Canon GL1, Panasonic AG-DVC15 or Sony VX2000 and PD-150, there's a distinct advantage. We'll get to that too, in a little bit. Like most all KATA bags, the exterior of the 3333 is bluish gray and black in color with a choice of shoulder slings (shown here is the NSS non-slip shoulder strap), and with a new interlocking handle grip. Basically, the 3333 consists of one large but divisible main compartment along with a smaller but roomy front pocket, and a slim document and file compartment or rain cover along the rear. The grip handle and shoulder sling straps are sewn all the way to the bottom of the bag, with side connectors for adding other modular KATA components.

The 3333 is a good basic soft case for a minimally configured XL1 or XL1S. As you can see, there's enough room inside the bag for an XL1 mounted with one lens and equipped with the three standard LightWave Systems audio accessories. There's just enough space left over in the main compartment for a box of tapes (or perhaps a VariZoom lens controller; but I keep mine on my tripod). An XL1 or XL1S without an XLR adapter or additional gear will fit comfortably inside this bag. Similarly sized camcorders such as the Panasonic AG-DVC10, AG-DVC15 or AG-455 will also go in easily. For a drop-in, "grab it and go" shooting bag where you don't need a lot of extra accessories, the 3333 suits this purpose just fine. When using this bag with larger camcorders such as the XL1 or XL1S, the included center divider panel isn't used. Instead, I'd place it in the bottom of the bag as extra cushioning for the camera, as you can see in the photo above.

Most cars these days have a fold-down rear seat so you can get to the trunk area from the inside and maximize cargo space. Likewise on the 3333 bag... the panel in between the main compartment and the front pocket zips down, allowing the two areas to become one. This is a neccessary action when the case is used with the Canon XL1 or XL1S, to accomodate the color viewfinder protruding from the camera's left side. You can see here that out of habit I always turn the EVF eyepiece to the downward position, but it will fit into this front pocket area in the often used backward-facing position as well. Here you can see that the panel when unzipped provides additional cushioning between the viewfinder and the side of the case.

If you have a smaller handycam-style camcorder such as the Sony PD150 or Canon GL1, then the 3333 soft case holds much more equipment. Position the internal divider with its velcro edges horizontally within the bag, creating separate upper and lower compartments. There's now plenty of room in the upper main area for a complete small 3-chip DV camcorder, with attached microphone and, if desired, a wide angle adapter or matte box and filter set. With these smaller camcorders, the 3333 bag becomes a sort of mobile studio. There's just enough room for everything you'll need on a shoot except the tripod. The entire front pocket is still free to store even more gear such as personal items, or lens filters with KATA's special filter sleeve, with pockets for pens, small notebooks or whatever else you might need to throw in there.

Store your AC adapter, batteries, remote, a couple of boxes of DV cassettes and other items in the lower area and access it separately from the upper main compartment with the "back door" lower side zipper, as seen above. If you use the 3333 bag in this configuration with upper and lower compartments, I really recommend getting KATA's optional Modi-Vers four-inch rigid velcro divider strips. Cut them down to size to make sturdy lower supports for the horizontal panel which divides the main compartment into upper and lower areas. They'll keep the horizontal panel from bowing or caving in under the weight of the camcorder whenever there's nothing in the lower compartment. Also visible in the photo above is the rear document holder, held closed by velcro. You could stuff a rain cover for your camera in here, or maps, a manual, or the like.

The attachment points on either side of the CCC series KATA bags will accomodate a choice of optional pouches. Shown here is a single Domke compact camera case which holds my Canon PowerShot G2 digital still camera, but there are several other sizes and styles of pouches from Domke and KATA which will work here. KATA also offers their Topic-10 laptop case which fits snug against the back side of the 3333 bag, held securely in place by these two attachment points, which KATA refers to as MUX On-Bag connectors. The 3333 is highly suitable as a carry-on case for commercial airline travel; you may or may not need to remove these side pouches to comply with carry-on requirements depending upon the particular airline you're flying on. The pouches include belt clips and shoulder straps for usage independent of the 3333 bag.

Position the internal divider vertically, and the 3333 can carry a laptop computer and an LCD projector, for a complete presentation system in one bag. AC adapters, power cables and AV cables will fit in the front pocket. The CCC - 3333 offers a diverse array of configuration options.

What really attracts me to KATA bags is a combination of several factors working together. First, I'm always very impressed with any gear deemed suitable for military use. I figure that if it's built for combat, then perhaps it can take the sort of abuse that I clumsily dish out on an almost daily basis. Second, I really like the tough construction and the way that the shoulder sling straps and grip handle straps go all the way to the bottom of the bag. I also very much like the yellow interior... you can't lose anything in there. Tiny little black screws, twist-ties and other small items show up clearly against that yellow background, especially in low light situations. Finally, the generous protection afforded by this bag even though it's just a soft case is amazing... there are six layers of material incorporated within, including cordura, high-density foam, polypropylene panels and more. I haven't felt this much confidence in a soft equipment case before and it's standard construction for all KATA bags.

If you want to use the CCC - 3333 with an XL1 or XL1S, it would be a good idea to pick up the two additional side pouches, for storing batteries and tape. That package would make an excellent all-purpose soft transport and storage solution. For smaller camcorders such as the GL1 or VX2000, as mentioned above, you'll want the optional 4" rigid Modi-Vers velcro inserts to divide the lower compartment and reinforce the horizontal divider panel. This is not a custom XL1 case by any means, but if you have a variety of gear, the KATA CCC - 3333 is versatile enough to carry just about anything you own. List price is about USD$175 with street prices typically substantially lower.

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Thrown together by Chris Hurd