XL1s rain gear... at DVinfo.net

September 19th, 2002, 04:44 PM

May I have some suggestions on some good rain gear and a good place to purchase for a Canon XL1s...Thank you...

Chris Hurd · September 19th, 2002, 05:26 PM

Regarding "where to buy," it's the most common question I get, so I posted a permanent message at the top of the forum addressing it. See http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22 -- basically, you should consider buying from our site sponsors, because they're simply the best, most honest and reputable dealers in the business, and they also help make these forums possible.

As for rain protection, your choices are KATA (green) and Porta-Brace (blue) rain slickers. Either one is an excellent choice. Someday soon I'll get my KATA rain slicker review up on the XL1 Watchdog website. Hope this helps,

Andrew Petrie · September 20th, 2002, 02:24 PM

I'll personally vouch for the PortaBrace Rain Slicker, I got the extended one with room for the MA-200. It already paid for itself when I was taking footage of crashing waves along the Canadian Maritimes coastline.

Pricier than the KATA however, but a great investment.

Ken Tanaka · September 20th, 2002, 03:25 PM

I'll second Andrew's recommendation for the PortaBrace slicker. It's very carefully designed and crafted with significant details. And it's sewn to last long enough to become an heirloom for your children. IMO, nobody knows camera weather protection better than PortaBrace. Ever see anything else on eng cameras?

Phil French · September 20th, 2002, 08:22 PM

I also have been happy with my Portabrace Rain Slicker. I haven't used it too much, but when I did need it, it came through with flying colors. I was shooting an outdoor bull riding competition and it started raining after the first bull. It poured for the rest of the show( about three hours) and my XL1s came through totally unscathed. I ordered mine by email from ZGC and it arrived in a day and a half (to Canada).

Dylan Couper · September 20th, 2002, 11:48 PM

I'll fourth the Porta-Brace. I'm a cheap b*st*rd (of Scottish descent), and even *I* think it's worth the money!

Phil, how much did yours come to after shipping and taxes?

Ed Frazier · September 21st, 2002, 07:17 AM

I also use the PortaBrace Slicker (MA200 version) and am quite happy with it. It is on the camera more than it's off, mainly to protect the camera from dust rather than rain and it serves that purpose fairly well.

The only problem I have with it is the necessity to remove the mic and eyepiece when installing and removing the cover. Others may not do it that way, but I find it necessary. It is difficult to attach and remove the mic with the cover on because of the tight fit in that area. Fortunately I'm almost always using external mics through the MA200 so in those instances just leave the onboard mic off, but that leaves another opening for dust to get inside.

Phil French · September 21st, 2002, 10:48 AM

In reply to Dylan's question, I paid $175 (for the MA-200 compatible version) plus $37 for shipping (Fed Ex). I believe these were in American dollars - so do the math (that's always the killer in Canada). I was only able to find one place in Canada that would order it for me. It would have taken weeks and cost almost the same price after conversion and shipping.

September 26th, 2002, 03:46 PM

I guess it's unanimous...I'm glad I didn't go ahead and get the KATA gear...This might be the first post where all of the respondents agreed...Thank you all for your time...

Dylan Couper · September 26th, 2002, 04:25 PM

Nothing wrong with the Kata cover either. I'm not sure what the price difference is between the two, but if it's at all close, I'd go with the Porta Brace. It seemed sturdier/better made to me. Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Dylan Couper · September 28th, 2002, 11:10 AM

WHoa!
I just checked out the price for the Kata cover, it's almost half the price of the Porta Brace cover. I expected them to be somewhat similar, but I was way wrong. The PB is around $200 ($175 at ZGC), where the Kata can be found for $100. The PB cover is nicer (imho) but I'm not sure if it's worth double the price.

Ken Tanaka · September 28th, 2002, 11:28 AM

Dylan,
Where YOU live it probably is worth double the price <g>. Seriously, though, the craftsmanship and generally higher quality of the PB slicker would be worth it for someone who expected to use it heavily in a wet climate. The Kata would be fine for an occasional user.

Dylan Couper · September 28th, 2002, 03:55 PM

I dunno what you are talking about Ken. It never rains HERE. Heh heh heh...
Heck, maybe Vancouverites should invest in one of those Eva-Marine submersible bags for casual use. :)

Mike Butler · October 9th, 2002, 07:05 PM

MATH is always the killer in Canada???
:-)
(sorry, Phil!)
But seriously folks, this is how it has worked with me with Porta Brace...you grit your teeth real hard when shelling out the money to buy it, and have a smile on your face every day thereafter.

Plus when you show up with your gear swaddled in PB, they know you mean business. I have even had stewardesses (ooops, flight attendants I mean) give a knowing smile when I show up aboard with a PB bag, they ask me who I'm shooting for, etc. cuz they've seen all the network boys carry their Betacams in PB rags.

I have never regretted having "too good" quality in any of my gear.

John Fitzpatrick · October 21st, 2002, 05:38 PM

How does the Porta Brace rain slicker work out with a camera loaded down with assorted gadgets. My XL1 uses a Lightwave system isolater with a ME66 shotgun mounted on it along with one of their windscreens. Add a battery pack, XLR adapter and a wireless receiver and you have a lot of stuff sticking out in all sorts of weird shapes.
I was also looking at their quickdraw cases with the same concern as their website fails to give any inside dimensions.

Fitz

September 19th, 2002, 04:44 PM	#1
Steve Pope Posts: n/a	XL1s rain gear... May I have some suggestions on some good rain gear and a good place to purchase for a Canon XL1s...Thank you...

September 19th, 2002, 05:26 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,369 Images: 513	Regarding "where to buy," it's the most common question I get, so I posted a permanent message at the top of the forum addressing it. See http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22 -- basically, you should consider buying from our site sponsors, because they're simply the best, most honest and reputable dealers in the business, and they also help make these forums possible. As for rain protection, your choices are KATA (green) and Porta-Brace (blue) rain slickers. Either one is an excellent choice. Someday soon I'll get my KATA rain slicker review up on the XL1 Watchdog website. Hope this helps, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

September 20th, 2002, 02:24 PM	#3
Andrew Petrie Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 484	I'll personally vouch for the PortaBrace Rain Slicker, I got the extended one with room for the MA-200. It already paid for itself when I was taking footage of crashing waves along the Canadian Maritimes coastline. Pricier than the KATA however, but a great investment. __________________ Andrew \| Canon XL1s, ME66, Vinten Vision 3, GlideCam V16 (for sale!)

September 20th, 2002, 03:25 PM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I'll second Andrew's recommendation for the PortaBrace slicker. It's very carefully designed and crafted with significant details. And it's sewn to last long enough to become an heirloom for your children. IMO, nobody knows camera weather protection better than PortaBrace. Ever see anything else on eng cameras? __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

September 20th, 2002, 08:22 PM	#5
Phil French Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lousana, Alberta, Canada Posts: 146	I also have been happy with my Portabrace Rain Slicker. I haven't used it too much, but when I did need it, it came through with flying colors. I was shooting an outdoor bull riding competition and it started raining after the first bull. It poured for the rest of the show( about three hours) and my XL1s came through totally unscathed. I ordered mine by email from ZGC and it arrived in a day and a half (to Canada). __________________ Nature Boy

September 20th, 2002, 11:48 PM	#6
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	I'll fourth the Porta-Brace. I'm a cheap bstrd (of Scottish descent), and even I think it's worth the money! Phil, how much did yours come to after shipping and taxes?

September 21st, 2002, 07:17 AM	#7
Ed Frazier Major Player Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 343	I also use the PortaBrace Slicker (MA200 version) and am quite happy with it. It is on the camera more than it's off, mainly to protect the camera from dust rather than rain and it serves that purpose fairly well. The only problem I have with it is the necessity to remove the mic and eyepiece when installing and removing the cover. Others may not do it that way, but I find it necessary. It is difficult to attach and remove the mic with the cover on because of the tight fit in that area. Fortunately I'm almost always using external mics through the MA200 so in those instances just leave the onboard mic off, but that leaves another opening for dust to get inside. __________________ Ed Frazier

September 21st, 2002, 10:48 AM	#8
Phil French Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lousana, Alberta, Canada Posts: 146	In reply to Dylan's question, I paid $175 (for the MA-200 compatible version) plus $37 for shipping (Fed Ex). I believe these were in American dollars - so do the math (that's always the killer in Canada). I was only able to find one place in Canada that would order it for me. It would have taken weeks and cost almost the same price after conversion and shipping. __________________ Nature Boy

September 26th, 2002, 03:46 PM	#9
Steve Pope Posts: n/a	Thanks...> I guess it's unanimous...I'm glad I didn't go ahead and get the KATA gear...This might be the first post where all of the respondents agreed...Thank you all for your time...

September 26th, 2002, 04:25 PM	#10
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Nothing wrong with the Kata cover either. I'm not sure what the price difference is between the two, but if it's at all close, I'd go with the Porta Brace. It seemed sturdier/better made to me. Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

September 28th, 2002, 11:10 AM	#11
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	WHoa! I just checked out the price for the Kata cover, it's almost half the price of the Porta Brace cover. I expected them to be somewhat similar, but I was way wrong. The PB is around $200 ($175 at ZGC), where the Kata can be found for $100. The PB cover is nicer (imho) but I'm not sure if it's worth double the price.

September 28th, 2002, 11:28 AM	#12
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Dylan, Where YOU live it probably is worth double the price <g>. Seriously, though, the craftsmanship and generally higher quality of the PB slicker would be worth it for someone who expected to use it heavily in a wet climate. The Kata would be fine for an occasional user. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

September 28th, 2002, 03:55 PM	#13
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	I dunno what you are talking about Ken. It never rains HERE. Heh heh heh... Heck, maybe Vancouverites should invest in one of those Eva-Marine submersible bags for casual use. :)

October 9th, 2002, 07:05 PM	#14
Mike Butler Machinist Mate Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Connecticut Posts: 644	MATH is always the killer in Canada??? :-) (sorry, Phil!) But seriously folks, this is how it has worked with me with Porta Brace...you grit your teeth real hard when shelling out the money to buy it, and have a smile on your face every day thereafter. Plus when you show up with your gear swaddled in PB, they know you mean business. I have even had stewardesses (ooops, flight attendants I mean) give a knowing smile when I show up aboard with a PB bag, they ask me who I'm shooting for, etc. cuz they've seen all the network boys carry their Betacams in PB rags. I have never regretted having "too good" quality in any of my gear. __________________ I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer. Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mc. My only words of wisdom are just, "Radio Edit."

October 21st, 2002, 05:38 PM	#15
John Fitzpatrick New Boot Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 14	How does the Porta Brace rain slicker work out with a camera loaded down with assorted gadgets. My XL1 uses a Lightwave system isolater with a ME66 shotgun mounted on it along with one of their windscreens. Add a battery pack, XLR adapter and a wireless receiver and you have a lot of stuff sticking out in all sorts of weird shapes. I was also looking at their quickdraw cases with the same concern as their website fails to give any inside dimensions. Fitz