carry-on case for video cameras

[Yang Wen]

For those of you who shoots destination weddings, what carry-on case are you using to transport your video cams?

When flying to a gig, I'm thinking of picking a Panasonic HMC-150 and probably use one or two HV30s as B-Roll cams.

[Edward Carlson]

The Kata CC-193 is the case I use for my DVC30. According to Kata it is regulation size for carry-on luggage. My DVC30 fits with plenty of room, so you might be able to fit all 3 of your cameras in.

[Yang Wen]

Thanks Ed, but I think I need something bigger. Preferably something just under the limit of the carry-on size.

I was able to find the Pelican 1510... which is a roller case and I "believe" it is the largest carry-on case from the Pelican line.

Has anyone used the Pelican 1510?

[Mark Von Lanken]

Hi Yen,

I have a Pelican 1510, but I like the Petrol PCPR-1 better. The Perol bag is great for around town or around the county and it fits in the over head storage on a plane.
I can keep my gear organized better in the Petrol bag, but if you must have a hard case, the Pelican 1510 is good.

You can read a review I did on the Petrol bag here.
EventDV.net: In the Field: Petrol PCPR-1 Camera Bag

[Yang Wen]

Mark: Thanks for the link.

You said the Petrol is a great back for shooting around town. However, I'm merely looking for a case that is large enough to hold a DVX-sized camera + 1 or 2 HV30s + batteries and chargers. I need this case to travel travel well on a plane and will transport well to the location. I don't really need for something that can accommodate around town shooting. With that said, how would you rate the 1510 for my needs?

I really look at the Petrol and Pelican 1510 to have different uses since the Petrol is much much smaller and more easily transportable than the Pelican.

[Mark Von Lanken]

Hi Yang,

In the article as well as my post to you I mentioned that the Petrol bag fits in the over head bin on airplanes. I have traveled with my Petol bag from Florida to California. The Petrol bag will easily hold the gear you have mentioned.

When I set the Petrol next to the Pelican, the Petrol looks a tad longer and a tad taller. The width is about the same. I'm sure you can look up the specs of each bag to get the dimensions online.

What I like about the Petrol over the Pelican is the ability to organize my gear with all of the different compartments, pockets and flaps. Then when I am at the shoot it is very easy to find the gear I am looking for.

[Yang Wen]

Hey Mark, I'm comparing the interior dimension of these two bags..

7.1-15.7 x 9.8 x 9.0" (18-40 x 25 x 23 cm) (LxWxH) (petrol)

19.75 x 11 x 7.6" (50.17 x 27.94 x 19.3cm) (LxWxD) (pelican)

What does the variable 7.1-15.7 lengh indicate on the Petrol?

From the pics on your review, it looks like the bag is just wide enough for a DVX-sized camcorder.. is there more room behind the camera to store 1 or 2 more Canon HV30s?

[Mark Von Lanken]

Hi Yang,

The Petrol has two interior sections. One is is 7.1 and the other is 15.7. I use my Petrol with a Sony Z1. In the smaller secondary section, it is divided into three sections, but you can take the divider out if you want. In those three sections I store my Fisheye lens, NRG Varalight, two wireless kits and gaffers tape. You can easily put two HV30s in the smaller section and still have room for other things.