I'm looking for a cheap case for the HMC151E. What do people recommend? I suppose I'm looking for it to be under £40, preferably available in the UK (so I don't have to worry about import duty) and able to hold 3 batteries and the power supply as well.

I am all for using another type of case for this if it can be made to fit the task. I know what you're thinking, why entrust my camera to a cheap alternative? Well, I can't afford the expensive option and I think having something is better than having nothing in this instance.

So, what can you all recommend?

That's not a lot of money. I am going to make a pilgrimage to B&H soon to look at bags in the flesh (canvas?). I've decided a want a Petrol product--largely based on looks I guess.

I'm going to compare these:
Petrol | PCCB-1N Compact Camcorder Bag | PCCB-1N | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/236223-REG/Petrol_PCCB_1N_PCCB_1N_Compact_Camcorder_Bag.html) Maybe too small?
Petrol | PWB-HDV Wingbag (Blue) | PWB-HDV | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/377302-REG/Petrol_PWB_HDV_PWB_HDV_Wingbag_Blue_.html) I'm a little miffed that it says it was designed for Sony cams.
Petrol | PCUB-1N Camcorder Bag | PCUB-1N | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/270240-REG/Petrol_PCUB_1N_PCUB_1N_Camcorder_Bag.html) They've also got a used one--don't anybody buy it!

But these are all beyond your price point. I'm not sure you can get, or would want, a bag for that much money. How much was your camera? Doesn't it deserve good protection?

How much was your camera? Doesn't it deserve good protection?

Of course it does but I'm not convinced that spending a fortune on a bag is going to give it the best protection. As I said, I can't afford anything more and I believe that it is better getting something, rather than nothing.

I was actually looking at something like this:

Rugged case (large) > Maplin (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=225744)

But the size isn't quite right (Internal height needs to be at least 7in/180mm).

That's not a lot of money. I am going to make a pilgrimage to B&H soon to look at bags in the flesh (canvas?). I've decided a want a Petrol product--largely based on looks I guess.

I'm going to compare these:
Petrol | PCCB-1N Compact Camcorder Bag | PCCB-1N | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/236223-REG/Petrol_PCCB_1N_PCCB_1N_Compact_Camcorder_Bag.html) Maybe too small?
Petrol | PWB-HDV Wingbag (Blue) | PWB-HDV | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/377302-REG/Petrol_PWB_HDV_PWB_HDV_Wingbag_Blue_.html) I'm a little miffed that it says it was designed for Sony cams.
Petrol | PCUB-1N Camcorder Bag | PCUB-1N | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/270240-REG/Petrol_PCUB_1N_PCUB_1N_Camcorder_Bag.html) They've also got a used one--don't anybody buy it!

But these are all beyond your price point. I'm not sure you can get, or would want, a bag for that much money. How much was your camera? Doesn't it deserve good protection?

Andy, I went with the Petrol PCCB-2N Bag (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381848-REG/Petrol_PCCB_2N_PCCB_2N_Compact_Camcorder_Bag_.html#accessories) for my 150.

It's a little larger than the 1N and works fairly well. I don't think the smaller bag would do it.

Bob T.

I'm with Andy and Bob: Petrol

Baring in mind that I can't afford that, what are the other alternatives? There must be something out there, surely?

Dunno, see if you can find a used Pelican? That's about the only thing I would buy used and expect it to work

so, where could I look for second hand cases then?

craigslist? ebay?

There's nothing on Craigslist, or Gumtree. Ebay has one case but it's way out of my budget, is located in the us, has a ridiculous shipping cost (£125) and would cost an extra 15% in import tax.

I still can't believe that there isn't something outside the 'camera bag' sphere (which seams incredibly over-priced to my mind) which is, none the less, suitable.

There's nothing on Craigslist, or Gumtree. Ebay has one case but it's way out of my budget, is located in the us, has a ridiculous shipping cost (£125) and would cost an extra 15% in import tax.

I still can't believe that there isn't something outside the 'camera bag' sphere (which seams incredibly over-priced to my mind) which is, none the less, suitable.

OK...back when I had my GL2 I used an insulated soft cooler, you know, like people pack their lunch in, but bigger.
It had two pockets on the outside and room inside for all my accories. I just made some dividers.
The insulation provided padding and protected the camera from heat or cold.
Plus, it didn't look like a camera bag sitting in the car waiting to be stolen.

Something like this:
NorChill 24-Can Soft Cooler Bag - Camouflage : Target (http://www.target.com/NorChill-24-Can-Soft-Cooler-Bag/dp/B00160HXG2/qid=1242742129/ref=br_1_5/180-4942949-8334610?ie=UTF8&node=3997821&frombrowse=1&pricerange=&index=tgt-mf-mv&field-browse=3997821&rank=pmrank&rh=&page=8)

HTH,
Bob

Thanks Bob,

That's definitely the right sort of thing. I think that's the right size for it too. Thank you very much. I hadn't thought about that. Now I just need to source one in the UK.

I thought I would post what I have chosen just in case anyone comes across this in the future.

I went and had a look at small suitcases and cooler bags and finally settled on a small, hard suitcase which had enough room for the bottom of the packing for the camera (although I shall replace this with foam soon), the camera its self and all of the accessories.

Current cost: £20

The foam should be around £20 as well by the look of it, which brings the total price to the budget :)