Has anyone found a good rain cover that works well with the A1/G1?
Would prefer the option of being able to also use the LCD.

I bought a Petrol bag for my A1, it it came with a rain cover. It allegedly fits the Z1 and similar size cameras and allows for use of the LCD. I haven't put it on yet to see if that's true. You can check it out at B&H.

thanks Bill - I'll check it out. I also saw that kata had a cover, but I don't know anything about them

This is the one I got:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=2044&A=details&Q=&sku=393460&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I bought a Petrol bag for my A1, it it came with a rain cover. It allegedly fits the Z1 and similar size cameras and allows for use of the LCD. I haven't put it on yet to see if that's true. You can check it out at B&H.

Have you used the Petrol bag with the A1 for very long? Would you recomend it for use around town and for travel (vacation or whatever)? Can you fit the A1 in the bag easily with the wide angle adapter and another mic on it? Does the bag have easily accessible room for attachments? I'm looking for a good bag.

I got one off ebay for the DVX100 it is a generic knock off of a Kata, but of very good quality and it fits well, but a external mic doesn't fit with it.

I saw that Kata is showing the CRC-14 as being applicable to the G1/A1 and it looks like it does support an attached mic. I might try one out

Scroll down in this thread and there's a picture of my A1 in the Petrol bag:

http://dvfreelancer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2288

There's room for an attached mic. The camera can slide back toward the right quite a ways more if you wanted. I have it positioned to the left a bit too much. The bag comes with all these velcro pads and things, which I took out except for the U-shaped cradle ones. You can't see it very well, but there's one at the right for the bottom rear of the camera. It fits perfectly into that, and doesn't slide around. The front one I stuck on the side of the bag to provide a soft pad at the lens end.

I've always used Portabrace bags before but thought I'd try this one. It has some things I like better than Portabrace and some things I don't like as well. The main thing I like is the way it zips open for better access. It also has built-in rigid pieces, like thin sheets of plastic or something, which is nice. And it has a hard bottom with feet--very good when placing it on wet ground. The handle is cool too. One piece snaps into the other for carrying. And the side pockets are really big and roomy.

I think the bag is quite a bit heavier than the Portabrace because of the solid pieces, hard bottom, etc. Zippers seem good and sturdy and overall I like it. My Portabrace bags, however, feel a bit better built. I have some that are 30 years old.

A friend of mine got a Kata for his Z1 and he likes it a lot. There's also a British made bag sold by Tapeworks Texas (sponsor on here). I can't remember the name offhand, but if you buy your A1 from them you get it free. It looks pretty good too, but I couldn't tell for sure from the published info if the lining was plastic or what. It sort of looks like that tough pvc type stuff and there's some info that's a little ambiguous, but I'm not sure. That orange lining of the Petrol is fuzzy velcro-friendly stuff, so you can stick the pads anyplace. I think I like the interior linings of Portabrace better.

How does the Petrol rain cover for the Z1 work with the A1?

I just used the kata I'd been using with my dvx, and it fits the A1 better than it fit the dvx. Had it on with a shotgun, wireless in the hotshoe, and wireless on a bracket one.

http://tinyurl.com/36pxxe

I have the Petrol rain cover but haven't even looked at it yet. I'll check it out soon.

one from b&h is the portabrace

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=8920&A=details&Q=&sku=475695&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Can someone post a pic of the Kata RC-14 over the A1? With the LCD open?
I need to order something soon.. have a short film in the rain coming up, as well as some sport video work (will be dusty/dirty) and need a cover....

Also, has anyone checked out the Kata CRC-15? It looks sweet.

Also, has anyone checked out the Kata CRC-15? It looks sweet.

I have the CRC-15 and it fits fine.

TT

Any chance you could post a pic? With the LCD open?
Or email me a picture? matt@mattcrane.net

When using the rain cover the only practical solution is to use the VF. You won't be able to see anything of any use on the LCD with rain on the cover.

TT

I have the CRC14. Sorry no photo's of it on the camera but if I use it tomorrow at a British winter wedding (it sometimes rains in Britain) I'll try and get someone to take some snaps. I used it at one point yesterday and it did a great job.

The LCD opens up and shows through the side panel. I used a combination of this and the viewfinder and it did a good job. I got it from site sponsors Production Gear although I'm not sure if is was shown on their website.

www.productiongear.co.uk

Guy called Simon Beer was very helpful.

PortaBrace has a rain cover specific to the XHs. A picture with the LCD open is posted on their site; see http://www.portabrace.com/product_detail_B.php?id=3626

I have one on order; I cannot yet comment on how easy it is to use.

i used the kata crc-14 for a little bit. it was usable, and it is possible to flip out the lcd inside of it, albeit awkwardly. the area on top for the mic was too long, and unless your mindful of it walking around or tie it down, it will cover the built-in mic completely and possibly even fall into your frame. might be better with an onboard shotgun, but i haven't tested that.

i just got the portabrace a few days ago. i haven't had the opportunity to play with it, but it's a snug fit and obviously made for this camera. the area for the flip-out lcd is nice, as it doubles as a hood and has several clear panels to view the lcd from the side or bottom. the area with the side hand grip is very nice too -- very roomy and comfortable. the fitting is something i'm going to have to play with again. i couldn't immediately see a way to completely expose the built-in mic, but it will definitely accomodate a shotgun on the shoe and mic holder. and while the cover is on, it was a bit tight to comfortably access the focus ring and some of the manual controls. i'll report back again if necessary.