I didn't think I would have so much trouble finding a suitable bag for my new camera. Do I really have to pay up to £120 for a lowepro bag? or £150 for a Portabrace one? is it worth the cost?

Please recommend the ideal bag.

Depends on what you call suitable I suppose.

I paid about $200 additional to get the Sony firm bag and rain cover when I ordered my PD-150.

I think you will have to pay somewhere in that area unless you want to purchase a camera case made for consumers. Those can be OK. They may not take the same level of abuse or protect your camera as well. A quick inspection before you purchase should tell you if the design is OK.

Although you cannot eat or save percentage, just money, the cost of a good bag is not, percentage-wise, very large compared to the investment in your camera and accessories.

Try Jessops they do their own range of bags called Pacific gadget bags. I've got the largest one 'Palmyra' that fits my VX2000 a few lenses, tapes, varoius leads, mics etc. all for £49.99. The only down side is that it looks like a camcorder bag, so you do have mug me written on your forehead when carrying it.

You get what you pay for. Why would you pack a PD150 and expensive microphones in a sub $100 bag.

Bottom line is the Kata, Petrol and Portabrace are well padded with a firm wall.All 3 have a bag designed specifically for the PD150. They offer maximum protection for a very expensive camera. The lowepro AV Pro is well padded but it's an oversized monster.

The Portabrace looks like a very nice carry on and not a camera bag.Second place goes to the Petrol and the kata takes 3rd.

where can I find a Portabrace one in the UK? I've searched the internet. Best place to order one from USA?

B&H Phot0 Video

www.bhphotovideo.com would be my vote

B&H is certainly the "safest" bet. Their reputation is excellant and they ship worldwide. You may save "pennies" by going elsewhere and wind up with a lot more grief.