A bag or a case:
What's your prefference and why?
Which brand/model do you use?

Comments & suggestions appreciated.

I told my wife i wanted a BAG for my Z1U, she said "Ewwww, that looks cheesey!"

so i got a Pelican hard case like my other cameras.

lol

- ShannonRawls.com

Case...Pelican is great....I fly a lot though. But even still....bags are rarely "my bag" :-)

I bought a case, but now that I have a trip to Greece scheduled, I know I need to figure out a way to strap the FX1 to my front while my tripod is strapped to my back.

I am used to a palmcorder, so this is going to be a LOT different. So far I have only taken it to places where I pulled it out of the car and shot and went back to the car. No all day walks through ruins.

The case has a strap, but still. It is just too big. I am thinking about this one for carrying around all day. But still keeping the larger case for ease of use when I have a car.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=319672&is=REG

I have a Pelican case that fits everything in but am also thinking of getting a Kata case too.

Ron Evans

I was thinking about one of the porta brace traveller cases that have an inner skeleton, but those look like they are for the slightly larger cameras...maybe I'll look at the pelican...what size did you folks get?

DSE...is Sundance Media Group part of the institute and that whole org? One of my very best friends is the volunteer manager at the institute...she's wiped out and looking for some time to recover.

I use a black bag that looks like regular luggage. I don't like people knowing I have an expensive camera.

Just got a Kata CC103 for our FX1. Bag is solid and FX fits nicely in it, plenty of room for batteries and tapes. Only problem is the FX1 is a little wide and the 2 dividers provided are not long enough to properly reach across the main compartment. So you can't really use the dividers effectively, but not a big problem.

<<<-- Originally posted by Greg Jacobson : I use a black bag that looks like regular luggage. I don't like people knowing I have an expensive camera. -->>>

You must not fly... cuz' there ain't no way in hell you can fly without the TSA handling your camera even if it's just a carry on. In fact, as a note to yourself/selves, if you fly with the HVR-Z1 in a bag, be sure to put some sort of foam or rubber support inside the second mic mount. Mine is already damaged because the moronic TSA folks at Orange County/John Wayne/Santa Ana (how can an airport have 3 names?) didn't load my cam back into the foam cutout correctly, and the lid on the Pelican forced the arm down and broke the hinge pin.

I was down in New Orleans last week for Mardi Gras with my FX1. I used a Kata bag that was originally purchased for my XL1s. Plenty of room for the camera and all it's accessories and I placed it in the overhead compartment no problem.

I just traveled from Boston to LA with my Z1...used a PortaBrace. It was fine in the carry-on area, but I think a hardcase would be better if you are planning to check it.

Also, the camera was checked by security with no problems. It was funny because I took it out of the PortaBrace on the plane to play with it and people gave me the weirdest look......you know that, "what IS that?!" look. It does look like a canon!

<<<<"what IS that?!" look. It does look like a canon!>>>>

I hope you mean it does look like a "cannon" and not a "Canon" :-)

Are you pelican case guys using the 1610?
If not, which one did you choose?

thanks

Kaspar,

Do you think the Kata CC103 would be a good choice to carry an FX1 strapped to my body? I don't want to have to carry it all over in my hand. Even if we need to design straps for it to go over my shoulder?

It looks soft enough to not cause a problem with sharp corners digging into me, but padded enough to protect the camcorder. Is that the case?

If I have to, I will go to a seamstress and have a specially padded bag made. I would rather just buy a bag if I can.

Steven,
It has a nice shoulder strap that I imagine might be ok for a few hours, but for all-day use or rougher terrain you might want to consider a camera backpack (Kata sells a few of those as well)

The Kata is fairly soft, but the sides have hard plastic or something in them.

I'm using a 1620, it holds both Z1's and two LitePanels, plus extra stuff I need, including chargers, etc.

I use the Petrol bag listed on B&H on the FX-1 page.

Here's a picture of how it all fits:

http://www.miketiffee.com/hdv/BagOStuff.jpg

Fits the WA lens, a bunch of tapes, all the cables, a second charger, some filters, and the shoulder mount.

Yeh, I meant Cannon!

Best advice I got from a fellow videographer was to get a cheap gym bag and put foam in it. He travels across the pond many times a year and just takes his camera in gym bag as a carry-on. Anything that looks like a camera bag or case is a target for theft.

I got a Storm 2720. It works pretty well.
I think this is about as small as I would go.
Hopefully there is room for a lightpanel led light or two in the empty space.

Case Pic (http://www.moronthrottle.com/images/stormcase.jpg)

I have always used a Samsonite Pilot Case double combination and is as good/strong as an alu case

fits cam, laptop, tele, wide, batteries, chargers, filters & radio lav

no trouble at airports.... and stows in luggage rack above the airplane seat

Pelican Hard Case #1650

Amen

I bought a Kata CCC-2003 (Shell-03), which provides more protection than a soft case, but it still quite small and unobtrusive. It is necessary to remove the external mic, but the case is great for my Z1. Kata is coming up with a new case specially for the Z1, but it's a few months away, and probably won't be as compact.

I like working out of a bag over a hard case. I've used Portabrace bags for over 20 years. In fact, some of my Portabrace bags are 20 years old. They never wear out. You wouldn't want to use one for shipping, obviously. Pelican cases are good for that, although I wouldn't ship a camera on an airplane anymore.

The model is 1526 but this is the 1520 hard case and 1527 soft case by Pelican. As a duo it looks like a good option for the price. By the dimensions it looks like it would fit the FX1 but does anyone have this?

http://www.casesbypelican.com/1526.htm

Thanks,

Bryan

It's a tight fit inthe softcase, but it does fit. The width just barely makes it.
For us, I prefer just cutting into the foam and living with that, this way I can carry 2 cams in one case, but either way, the 1526 combo is a very comfortable carry.

I recently added a portabrace Cargo 2 to my gear. I like it and the price is decent for a bag of that size.

Bags are for kids. Professionals use cases.

Even though all our pro eng cameras are in PortaBrace cases I tried the Sony soft case for our Z1 and it seems like a great solution. It even comes with a seperate shotgun mic padded case and a foam/velcro blanket to wrap the Z1 when extra protection is needed. As for backpack type transport I have a case that I used for our XL1 that held the camera and provided straps for a tripod (it even worked well on my motorcycle). I'll post the name when I get to the office.

Richard
2K-Plus
Atlanta

I prefer a hard case for two reasons- 1) It should protect better against hard bangs, and 2) If push comes to shove, I can stand on my hard case and get an extra foot or more height for shooting over people.

My case? I nice big Stanley rolling toolbox, $35 at Wallymart, and plenty of room for EVERYTHING! http://www.zag.co.il/products_inner3.asp?Super_id=1&Sub_Super_id=2&product_line_id=41&Sub_Sub_Super_id=8&this=491

Steven,

You might want to check out the Lowepro "Nature Treckker AW" I originally purchased it for a Nikon d1X but was able to modify it for a XL1 and also I just moved things around (all velcro partitions) and the Z1 could be made to fit. It is a very comfortable backpack with a tripod holder although it would have to be a smaller tripod, I couldn't imagine strapping one of our Vintons on it. I'm somewhat of a case freak and often end up having 2 or 3 cases for the same piece of equipment based on the environment it's going to be used in.

Richard
2K-Plus
Atlanta


I bought a case, but now that I have a trip to Greece scheduled, I know I need to figure out a way to strap the FX1 to my front while my tripod is strapped to my back.=REG

I found the smallest possible case to travel with.

The Kata CC-191 works fine. I have to stretch the mouth of the bag a slight bit to put the camera in, but it is going to work out just fine. I walked around with it a bit yesterday to check it out.

It just barely holds the Sony HDR-FX1, the polarizing lens filter, and a couple of tapes. All packed, it comes to a total of 8.5 pounds strapped on my shoulder. The tripod is almost that heavy strapped to my back when you include the DVRigJr I will carry in the tripod bag for when a tripod is not allowed. Like in museums, or as I have heard, at the Acropolis/Parthenon.

I will be off and on buses for 8 days, and then on a cruise. So I can replenish the tapes each day. My guess is that I will have the polarizing lens on most of the time, so I bought a cheap lens cap for it, since using a polarizing lens means no lens hood.

I like to have everything with me, but the small bag will be a lot easier to deal with than the large Petrol bag I travel with when I have a rental car.

Steven,

Does it fit in the Kata CC-191 bag with the lens hood on?

Since you mention it, the Polarizer I bought at Ritz camera yesterday (I think Quantaray?) does fit under the hood just fine and can even be adjusted with a fingernail on the edge.

Bryan,

Please let me know the Make/Model of your polarizing lens. The Sony one I bought from B&H does not allow that.

Yes, the Kata-191 filts with the lens hood on, but when you put it in, the lens end needs to go in a a certain way, and the bag needs to be stretched a tiny bit to get the eyepiece in. I can not imagine a smaller bag than the 191 for the FX1. If it was an inch or so narrower, it would fit perfectly. As it is, I think it will be the answer to traveling light.

I have not tried it with a Z1, but I think there is room for the Mic holder.

If the rubber around the eyepiece were stiff, it would not fit.

Take a look:

http://www.stevengotz.com/images/Kata-191.jpg

Steven,

Thanks for the info. For the polarizer that fits under the lens - Quantaray 72mm C-PL is all it says on the lens and lens case.

I thought I'd update this thread with my own experiences, FWIW...

When I was at B&H buying my Z1 I also bought the Kata CC193, and it seems pretty well made. But now as I'm getting ready to leave for a trip to South America I've decided against using it. I think it will be fine for hauling the camera around in my car, but I had several concerns about international travel.

1. As a general observation, the Kata bag doesn't seal very well with those dual zippers. You can't zip them all the way closed because of the foam padding. There's a buckle and velcro to keep to from popping open, but this still leaves a gap where dirt and moisture can get in.

2. After lots of thought (worry actually ;-), I'm just not comfortable with a completely soft case on the airplane. I've seen the way people cram stuff into the overhead compartments, and don't wan't my camera to get smashed. Or it it's under the seat, I don't want to kick it myself! And I'm paranoid that for whatever reason they'll tell me I can't carry it on and want to check it through, or put it into a luggage compartment, or whatever.

3. The Kata is really a lot taller than it needs to be for the Z1, leaving lots of empty space above it. Again, it's just begging to get squashed down. I tried adding some of my own foam but wasn't happy with the results. Overall the bag just seems a little bulky to me as well.

4. The Kata has a strap and buckle to hold the camera down, but it doesn't really do that great a job - it still rocks back and forth because there's no ideal spot to strap it. Also, the strap seems to work loose a bit all by itself.

I've been looking all over in luggage departments, Lowes, Staples, etc. for something I like better than the camera bags I've seen, but not much luck. I don't want a hardcase/metal briefcase.

So today as a last resort I stopped at my little local camera store and wow, they actually had a nice selection of cases. Since it's the last minute before my trip, I just bought there, but B&H carries the same thing. I ended up with a Tamarac 644 and am really happy:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=53377&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

It looks pretty much like a soft case, but has a very solid bicomponent plastic body under the nylon. No way anyone is gonna squash this case. The fit is snug, but still left plenty of room for the camera, battery charger, cables, 3 of the big batteries, 10 tapes and other junk. It has a system of nicely padded divideders with very strong velcro fasteners. It took awhile, but I came up with an arrangement that really supports and pads the camera so it can't move at all.

BTW, I've removed the mike holder from my Z1. I have no plans to use a camera mounted mike, and it just bothered me. Looks like an accident waiting to happen with the LCD screen, I don't like the way it sticks out, and it also makes the camera harder to pack. However it would still fit in the Tamarac case fine if you left it on.

Another nice thing about the Tamarac case is that it just meets the airline's criterion (36" linear inches H+W+L) for a carry-on "personal item" in addition to your carry-on bag.

I'd like to suggest the Lowepro Photo Trekker AW - I have Pelikan 1610 and 1650 hard cases, as well as a bunch of other Kata-like bags. The Lowepro nicely fits my old PD150 or the Z1, plus radio mikes, cables, batteries etc.

I originally bought it for some outback shooting, but it fits as carry-on, and protects the contents with water and dust resistant zippers as well. The nicest aspect is when you are wheeling a Pelikan case, and lugging a tripod bag, you wear it as a backpack, so everything stays under control.

In a pinch, you can shoot while wearing the Lowepro - so if you are moving around you have essential stuff right there with you.

It is easily as well made as the much more expensive Kata-type bags, and everything fits snugly. Check it out.

Cheers,

Nigel

Am I the only one who bought a Sony LCH-FXA?

It makes a awesome footrest when I'm not using my camera. :-)

I wanted to look at that, but B&H had them on backorder when I was there...

Remember metallic camera boxes might get more attention from customs and when you are in the street.

The Tamrac looks more discreet.


Carlos

My thinking exactly. I didn't realize it was a hard case until I actually picked it up and felt it.

For a camera bag I have three requirements: sturdy, comfortable as a back-pack, and to get the camera out fast. Some of the shots I do will be while hiking/waking long distances. After some search I found the Tenba P263. The FX1 fits very well inside and my favourite tripod (Slik PRO 700DX) easily goes into the straps at the back, giving it a total of less than 15 pounds of equipment to carry. I've been out carrying this for a whole day with no problem on several occations.

http://bjoernen.ebolaget.com/tenba_P263.jpg

http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/camera-cases/backpacks/tenba/PRD_85152_3139crx.aspx

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=USE&O=productlist&sku=800377693

After some search I found the Tenba P263. The FX1 fits very well inside and my favourite tripod (Slik PRO 700DX) easily goes into the straps at the back, giving it a total of less than 15 pounds of equipment to carry.

That backpack looks as a great idea. What I don't know is if airlines will let it in as a carry-on luggage. Do you know that?

Backpacks are generally a very good application for carrying video or audio stuff in general on location. One backpack is always part of my location gear, particularly for cables, mixers, mics, etc.

But won't cameras move around a bit inside when you walk? Even if it's secured?

Carlos

Carlos, I've not taken it onto a plane yet. The backpack is roughly 60cm x 35cm x 25cm. Thaiairways (going to Thailand July 21'st) allows 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, so it's slightly larger in one dimension only. I hope they wont be picky. Worst case I'll carry the FX1 onboard in a soft bag, while the backpack (w gear) goes with the luggage. I can take some trouble to get this great backpack with me.

A reviewer (link in my prev post) had the following critera, so I think it will work in most cases: "My main criteria was to get the largest backpack that was DEFINITELY SMALL ENOUGH to carry-on an American Airlines flight to England this fall."

The great thing about this particular backpack is that if you arrange the velcro walls like in my picture, the FX1 fits securely without moving at all, no matter how you carry it. By pure luck the compartment is slightly smaller than the FX1 in all dimensions, so the soft sides secures it all around. On the other hand this will not work if you have a mic or something else that is big and permanently mounted on the camera.

If you plan to buy it, you just have to fix one thing. Take two of the smaller walls and create a longer wall by assembling them together. I took two carpenter's nails and sharpened them at both ends. Then stick them into the wall sides to make a sturdy long wall. This wall goes close to the viewfinder (see picture). Easily done in 15 mins. You also get some small walls left that you can use for padding the camera or other gear.

Am I the only one who bought a Sony LCH-FXA?

It makes a awesome footrest when I'm not using my camera. :-)

I picked up the LCH-FXA as well and while it is a little bulky, I love it. It was MADE for the HDR-FX1 and there is plenty of extra room for peripherals and it is incredibly sturdy.

-Douglas

I picked up the LCH-FXA as well and while it is a little bulky, I love it. It was MADE for the HDR-FX1 and there is plenty of extra room for peripherals and it is incredibly sturdy.

John, Douglas,

I have the 'same' aluminium box designed originally for the VX2000. Just had to cut out the base and top inside lid supports for my Z1 and will use for most transport.

Also have a Portabrace backpack with internal dividers and velcro straps originally bought for my (sold) PD150. Quite bulky but more practical for outdoors hiking that I am gearing up for. Space for water and food. :)

Richard

15 years ago I routinely sent my tube camera down the airport shute in a big padded hard case. And I still had to register it when I landed. Those days are long gone. The protocol I followed for the next 11 years as a network Sony Beta-cam chip photog was to place our cameras in the over head compartment of the airplane with only a pillow to protect the lens on takeoff. No bags or cases, and I never had a problem once I hit the ground.

I am now a freelance Panasonic DVX-100A shooter and rather than buying a separate bag for the camera and another for essentials, I bought a Porta-Brace CAR-3 from Adorama, SKU# PBCAR3 for $180. It holds the cam, batteries, audio equipment, tool kit, etc. It has velcro dividers to customize the inside space and has four outside pockets. And it should fit nicely into a plane's overhead compartment.

I wouldn't hesitate to fly with this bag. Hope this info is helpful..

I flew quite a bit the last 10 days with my Portabrace Cargo 2. It fits nicely into the overhead compartment on all the planes - large and small - that I flew in. I help all of my gear as well as my still camera - a Nikon D100 without any problems.

As a side note...as I was going through security in SLC I followed some folks who were travelling with an FX1 in a Sata soft bag. I thought it odd that we both had HDV cams.

At one point I contemplated gate-side checking the case because of a very full flight. I feel confident that it would have protected the camera and other contents. I don't think I would do a curb-side or ticket counter checkin, but the gateside check in seems to be less abusive.

My love of Pelican hard cases 'reawakened' the above older thread.

After reading through the thread, I see that many have provided their opinion of which cases are best for the FX1 (leaving me even more confused). So, to narrow things down a bit, which size Pelican is the smallest that will reasonably accommodate the FX-1 (or Z1U), batteries, and a few other misc. small accessories?

Thanks in advance,
--Jim

My love of Pelican hard cases 'reawakened' the above older thread. After reading through the thread, I see that many have provided their opinion of which cases are best for the FX1 (leaving me even more confused). So, to narrow things down a bit, which size Pelican is the smallest that will reasonably accommodate the FX-1 (or Z1U), batteries, and a few other misc. small accessories? Thanks in advance, --Jim
I think it would be the 1520 or the 1526 combo. The Pelican 1526 = 1527 soft bag with 1520 hard case.
1520 Outside Dims. 19.12" L x 15.43" W x 7.56"H
1520 Inside Dims. 17 7/8 x 12 3/4 x 6 3/4"
1527 Interior Dims 17 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 6 3/8"
see: http://www.casesbypelican.com/app-1520.htm

I really wish that pelican made a case that had more depth (or was equal in two dimensions, like 9"x9"x18") because the depth is always the problem dimension on the smaller cases, and the weakest part of the case is the largest surface and that is where you have the least padding for the camera. The Kata Shell-03 (CCC-2003) is 16.5Lx10.6Wx7.9H which fits the FX1 well, but it's not like a Pelican (e.g. it could be crushed, but it's much stiffer than a soft bag). The great thing about the Kata is that it looks so small compared to a Pelican case.