A1 - Hard Case or Soft Case?

Ken Nelson · March 21st, 2007, 04:30 AM

Now that you purchased the Pelican 1560 you may want to look at the padded divider set for it. You can stand the camera up with a shotgun mic attached and close the case without any pressure on the camera.

The padded divider set for the 1510 does not work well since they did not make the entire inside velcro so that you could move the divider anywhere you want.

Both divider sets are available from B&H.

Philip Williams · March 21st, 2007, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Dempsey

The one I have is no longer made. It belonged to my photographer wife and she gave it to me when I got the A1. An equivalent is this one:

http://www.tamrac.com/ExpeditionBackpacks.htm (Model 5575)

It's about $130

Those do look pretty nice. Yet, every time I see a backpack configuration I immediately begin to have visions of me falling backwards and smashing a couple thousand bucks worth of gear :)

And don't even get me started when I see those baby back packs!

Nick Larsen · March 23rd, 2007, 04:43 PM

Just got the Kata CC-193 for my XH A1.

Overall Impressions are very good: comfortable handle and strap, plenty of room for accessories. I have the cam, which could be stowed with a shotgun attached, a bunch of tapes, 2 windscreens, shotgun mic, battery, charger and cords, av cables, book, remote, and there is still room a set of wireless receivers and the like.

Other good things, the case is very rigid for a soft case and the dividers on each end keep the camera away from the edges. Also, very nice quality of all materials and construction. And a nice little "seatbelt" for the cam to keep it in place.

Bad things: The dual zipper top doesn't work as smooth as you think it would. I think a single zipper all the way around would have worked better. Also the modular design with movable panels is pretty useless as there is only one possible configuration with the included pieces. However, it XH A1 fits perfectly in the default configuration.

Also, the bag was a bit bigger than expected, but everything is easily accessible and I am very pleased with it for $125 shipped.

Thomas Lundberg · March 24th, 2007, 01:22 PM

Thank you, Nick. This is exactly what I needed. I was also choosing between the Kata 191 and 193 bags for my A1. How much (dead) space is between the cam handle and the top of the bag?
/Thomas

Nick Larsen · March 24th, 2007, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Lundberg

Thank you, Nick. This is exactly what I needed. I was also choosing between the Kata 191 and 193 bags for my A1. How much (dead) space is between the cam handle and the top of the bag?
/Thomas

I would say about 3 inches of usable space from the handle, right at the middle. However each end tapers down a bit and if you have a shotgun mic, there is about 1.5 inches of clearance from the mic to the inside of the top of the bag. I was also considering the Kata-191, but then I saw a pic of an FX1 in it, almost bursting at the seams without much for accessories (I posted a pic of that on page 4 of this discussion).

If you need any other pics or info, let me know.

Thomas Lundberg · March 25th, 2007, 06:14 AM

Great, Nick. Thanks for being so helpful. I'm convinced that the 191 is out of the question and that the 193's extra space will be needed.

I believe that the 193 exceeds the limits for aircraft carry-on baggage (which has been one of my concerns). But for that case, it might be convenient anyway to put the non-fragile stuff in the checked baggage and "squeeze" the camera into a separate suitable carry-on bag.

/Thomas

Piotr Wozniacki · April 10th, 2007, 11:26 AM

I've just got my Kata cc-193 as well, and - while satisfied with the overall design and quality - have one doubt: why is the bottom so soft? In fact, it's softer than the side walls, so that when putting on the floor, you almost feel the camera bumping against it!

Are yours the same, or is mine defective?

Don Palomaki · April 11th, 2007, 06:54 AM

Per the KATA web site info on the CC-193: "These bags meet the strict new airline regulations for carry-on luggage size. Due to constantly changing airline regulations, please check with your carrier prior to departure."

Rob Hatcher · April 11th, 2007, 05:53 PM

I just bought the Portabrace CS-DV3. I'm a sucker for portabrace. Wallet feels lighter. I was gonna get the DVO-1 but I always liked the vertical zip entry and it's less likely to get stuff piled on top of it this way.

George Szondy · April 15th, 2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Dempsey

The one I have is no longer made. It belonged to my photographer wife and she gave it to me when I got the A1. An equivalent is this one:

http://www.tamrac.com/ExpeditionBackpacks.htm (Model 5575)

It's about $130

I use exactly the 5575 Model. The xha1 perfecltly fits in it. It is very easy to carry on your back.

Scott Balkum · April 15th, 2007, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Lundberg

Great, Nick. Thanks for being so helpful. I'm convinced that the 191 is out of the question and that the 193's extra space will be needed.

I believe that the 193 exceeds the limits for aircraft carry-on baggage (which has been one of my concerns). But for that case, it might be convenient anyway to put the non-fragile stuff in the checked baggage and "squeeze" the camera into a separate suitable carry-on bag.

/Thomas

I have the Kata 191 and it fits the XH-A1 like a glove. Now, there is almost no room for accessories but it is the smallest bag that will fit the cam. I can put the camera in it, the Canon wide angle glass, both lens hoods, tapes and that's it.

Jonathan Gentry · April 15th, 2007, 02:39 PM

I did quite a bit of research on bags yesterday. I wanted someting that would carry my A1 and my digital camera (20D) with several Canon lenses.

I wanted to be able to fit the camera in the bag with the sennheiser mic attached as well as my wireless lav on the side of the cam. My camera size with all these attachments is 18Lx10Hx8W. I didn't want to have to break it down every time I put things away. That means a pretty big bag. I also wanted to be able to carry it as a bag or backpack if I went hiking. And to be able to bring along the tripod. But at the same time I wanted it to be a grab bag for the truck. I already have a Pelican 1450 for travel, and a small Lowepro backpack if I want to go light.

The Kata Grizzly has customizable interior compartments that can be cut to specific sizes to hold lenses, wires, etc.

I looked at Portabrace backpacks and they were my second choice. I just didn't like the layout of the interior and they seemed less customizable.

I settled on the Kata Grizzly-3. This is an expensive option at $480 (BH) but I think it will solve all my needs in one bag. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it to show how the layout is on the inside.

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pi...d=1&ProdLine=1
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

It looks like BH only stocks 1. I bought it yesterday and now it shows out of stock. They list it at $550 on the site but if you add it to cart it goes to about $450.00.

-Jonathan

Nate Clarke · April 15th, 2007, 03:12 PM

I just bought this Petrol case
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

At work we use Portabrace bags with Z1s and since they open like a clamshell they would always hit the gain and whitebalance switches. Part of that is because of the design of the Z1, but I wanted something where the entire top opened up and didn't split apart. This petrol case seems to fit the bill nicely, plus it's quite a bit cheeper than the porta brace. I'm not a big fan of the bright orange, but I guess I'll be able to see what is in there a little easier. It's also got a lot of room for other goodies - like a WA adapter etc.

Eric Weiss · April 15th, 2007, 05:19 PM

The A1 ia a lot bigger and heavier than I expected.

I have a wonderful Petrol bag that fit my Xl1S AND GL2 as an ideal, single carry-on.

I was expecting to swap out the GL2 for the A1 and I'm SCREWED!

I also carry-on a 20D set up with all my EOS and Video lenses in a LowePro rolling backpack. It's does not fit the A1 either.

Any further case suggestions would be helpful. All of my shoots are always
two or more plane rides away. I need both cams in the cabin in one bag.
I have a feeling I'm SOL.

Adam La Prade · April 16th, 2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Szondy

I use exactly the 5575 Model. The xha1 perfecltly fits in it. It is very easy to carry on your back.

Hey George, I'm leaning more torward those backpack-style cases. I had a hard briefcase style case for my old Sony A1 and I liked it, but it just seemed too bulky.

I am now looking at this case:

http://www.mekko.net/photobag/c37.html

Seems to be similar to yours, no?

March 21st, 2007, 04:30 AM	#61
Ken Nelson New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 9	Pelican 1560 and 1510 Now that you purchased the Pelican 1560 you may want to look at the padded divider set for it. You can stand the camera up with a shotgun mic attached and close the case without any pressure on the camera. The padded divider set for the 1510 does not work well since they did not make the entire inside velcro so that you could move the divider anywhere you want. Both divider sets are available from B&H. Last edited by Ken Nelson; March 21st, 2007 at 04:30 AM. Reason: Misspelled word

March 23rd, 2007, 04:43 PM	#63
Nick Larsen New Boot Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 15	Kata CC-193 Just got the Kata CC-193 for my XH A1. Overall Impressions are very good: comfortable handle and strap, plenty of room for accessories. I have the cam, which could be stowed with a shotgun attached, a bunch of tapes, 2 windscreens, shotgun mic, battery, charger and cords, av cables, book, remote, and there is still room a set of wireless receivers and the like. Other good things, the case is very rigid for a soft case and the dividers on each end keep the camera away from the edges. Also, very nice quality of all materials and construction. And a nice little "seatbelt" for the cam to keep it in place. Bad things: The dual zipper top doesn't work as smooth as you think it would. I think a single zipper all the way around would have worked better. Also the modular design with movable panels is pretty useless as there is only one possible configuration with the included pieces. However, it XH A1 fits perfectly in the default configuration. Also, the bag was a bit bigger than expected, but everything is easily accessible and I am very pleased with it for $125 shipped. Attached Thumbnails

April 10th, 2007, 11:26 AM	#67
Piotr Wozniacki Inner Circle Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Poland Posts: 4,086	I've just got my Kata cc-193 as well, and - while satisfied with the overall design and quality - have one doubt: why is the bottom so soft? In fact, it's softer than the side walls, so that when putting on the floor, you almost feel the camera bumping against it! Are yours the same, or is mine defective? __________________ Sony PXW-FS7 \| DaVinci Resolve Studio; Magix Vegas Pro; i7-5960X CPU; 64 GB RAM; 2x GTX 1080 8GB GPU; Decklink 4K Extreme 12G; 4x 3TB WD Black in RAID 0; 1TB M.2 NVMe cache drive

April 11th, 2007, 06:54 AM	#68
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	Per the KATA web site info on the CC-193: "These bags meet the strict new airline regulations for carry-on luggage size. Due to constantly changing airline regulations, please check with your carrier prior to departure." __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

April 15th, 2007, 02:39 PM	#72
Jonathan Gentry Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 183	Kata Grizzly-3 (CBP-3) I did quite a bit of research on bags yesterday. I wanted someting that would carry my A1 and my digital camera (20D) with several Canon lenses. I wanted to be able to fit the camera in the bag with the sennheiser mic attached as well as my wireless lav on the side of the cam. My camera size with all these attachments is 18Lx10Hx8W. I didn't want to have to break it down every time I put things away. That means a pretty big bag. I also wanted to be able to carry it as a bag or backpack if I went hiking. And to be able to bring along the tripod. But at the same time I wanted it to be a grab bag for the truck. I already have a Pelican 1450 for travel, and a small Lowepro backpack if I want to go light. The Kata Grizzly has customizable interior compartments that can be cut to specific sizes to hold lenses, wires, etc. I looked at Portabrace backpacks and they were my second choice. I just didn't like the layout of the interior and they seemed less customizable. I settled on the Kata Grizzly-3. This is an expensive option at $480 (BH) but I think it will solve all my needs in one bag. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it to show how the layout is on the inside. http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pi...d=1&ProdLine=1 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search It looks like BH only stocks 1. I bought it yesterday and now it shows out of stock. They list it at $550 on the site but if you add it to cart it goes to about $450.00. -Jonathan

March 24th, 2007, 01:22 PM	#64
Thomas Lundberg New Boot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Posts: 11	Thank you, Nick. This is exactly what I needed. I was also choosing between the Kata 191 and 193 bags for my A1. How much (dead) space is between the cam handle and the top of the bag? /Thomas

March 25th, 2007, 06:14 AM	#66
Thomas Lundberg New Boot Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Posts: 11	Great, Nick. Thanks for being so helpful. I'm convinced that the 191 is out of the question and that the 193's extra space will be needed. I believe that the 193 exceeds the limits for aircraft carry-on baggage (which has been one of my concerns). But for that case, it might be convenient anyway to put the non-fragile stuff in the checked baggage and "squeeze" the camera into a separate suitable carry-on bag. /Thomas

April 11th, 2007, 05:53 PM	#69
Rob Hatcher New Boot Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: BG KY Posts: 12	I just bought the Portabrace CS-DV3. I'm a sucker for portabrace. Wallet feels lighter. I was gonna get the DVO-1 but I always liked the vertical zip entry and it's less likely to get stuff piled on top of it this way.

April 15th, 2007, 03:12 PM	#73
Nate Clarke Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 39	I just bought this Petrol case http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search At work we use Portabrace bags with Z1s and since they open like a clamshell they would always hit the gain and whitebalance switches. Part of that is because of the design of the Z1, but I wanted something where the entire top opened up and didn't split apart. This petrol case seems to fit the bill nicely, plus it's quite a bit cheeper than the porta brace. I'm not a big fan of the bright orange, but I guess I'll be able to see what is in there a little easier. It's also got a lot of room for other goodies - like a WA adapter etc.

April 15th, 2007, 05:19 PM	#74
Eric Weiss Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philly,PA Posts: 360	The A1 ia a lot bigger and heavier than I expected. I have a wonderful Petrol bag that fit my Xl1S AND GL2 as an ideal, single carry-on. I was expecting to swap out the GL2 for the A1 and I'm SCREWED! I also carry-on a 20D set up with all my EOS and Video lenses in a LowePro rolling backpack. It's does not fit the A1 either. Any further case suggestions would be helpful. All of my shoots are always two or more plane rides away. I need both cams in the cabin in one bag. I have a feeling I'm SOL.