As I'm awaiting my EX-1 from B&H, (promises THIS week)… I’m doing research for a good ‘practical’ soft carrying case.
Since there are no tapes or lenses, it’s a waste a case half empty...
What about the Sony LCS-G1BP?
Should I go for that Sony case, or something better for less$$ ?

Thanks
Joel Klein

This is the one I got with the camera.

It's a good fit, as I can get the camera in with the Snheiser ME66 and wind sock attached (just).

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=316&cid=65&perentId=1&ProdLine=1

It's a KT CC 193.

Cheers Vaughan

Not sure if the other bag mfg's have this option but the Petrol bags has the option of converting to a back pack....

http://www.petrolbags.com/products/Camera_Bags_I/PUBP/PUBP.htm

Or a backpack itself would be another option...

I decided on this
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/370629-REG/Lowepro_34704_Rolling_Compu_Trekker_Plus.html

It holds the camera, has room for the often needed laptop for field offload. Can be worn as back back. Has built in wheels and handle when one prefers that.

The reviews are only so so but I need back back, wheels, laptop holder in one solution and it's working for me.

I think this is the one I'll be getting:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/491488-REG/Porta_Brace_DVO_3U_DVO_3_DV_Organizer_Blue_.html

Being that it has room to stuff a laptop as well, it'll be good for me so I can off load SxS cards in the field. Plus, it should be able to travel as a carry-on while traveling.

BTW one of the reasons why I prefer a back pack is that I don't want to walk around with something that screams that I have $10,000 worth of camera gear inside. Maybe it's because I'm from Brooklyn, NY.

I've also gotten the Kata CC-195 - seems to be a good fit, well-made, sturdy.

Bob P

I do have this one : http://www.petrolbags.com/products/Camera_Bags_I/PCCB-2/PCCB-2.htm

It's just the size of the EX1. I think you can put it equiped if you remove the separators inside.
I have the EX1, the battery charger + batteries + 25m HD-SDI coax + HDlink and some video/power cables and blue paper on the pocket on each side.

The bag is light but seems very strong. It should be waterproof (to rain) too.

Well, the truth is I live in Brooklyn too...
I will call up my B&H sales rep and ask about when the Sony bag will be out so I can see it.

As of now I think the CC-193 should be good.

"Thank you all for your honest advice"
I hope to have my EX1 SOON...I can’t sleep...

Best Regards to all of you at 1920 -1080 24p at 4k….

Joel Klein

I have the Sony LCS-G1BP - great for the V1, with lots of room for the camera with mic on, safe compartment for the wide lens converter, the DR60 drive and a couple of spare batteries / tapes. The bag is very bulky, though!

But (event thought I love my V1E), I will probably be selling it as there is no rationale behind keeping it while getting the EX1, in my particular situation.

So my question is this: does the EX1 fit nicely into the tad smaller Sony bag, the Sony LCS-VCB designed for the FX1/Z1? It's smaller and cheaper, has a rain coat... Is it worthwile to swap for my LCS-G1BP, with the EX1 camera without many add-ons in mind? But will it accomodate the EX1 with a short shotgun on?

Here's what I have:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/152798-REG/Porta_Brace_CAR_3_CAR_3_Cargo_Case_Blue_.html

Pros: lots of stuff in one bag including basic audio, carry-on (barely)
Cons: heavy, no wheels, screams equipment

I really like the Petrol PCPR-1. It will accomodate a full EX kit with matte box still attached to the camera. The bag size is still very manageable and easy to take as carry-on. Here is a full review by Doug Spotted Eagle.

http://dvformat.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=38620

Best,

I think this is the one I'll be getting:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/491488-REG/Porta_Brace_DVO_3U_DVO_3_DV_Organizer_Blue_.html

Being that it has room to stuff a laptop as well, it'll be good for me so I can off load SxS cards in the field. Plus, it should be able to travel as a carry-on while traveling.

My dealer has recommended the PortaBrace DV4U (which has been ordered as part of a whole kit that includes the EX1) and assuming it's the one he showed me it seemed to be a good compromise between having enough room for expansion (rods, Letus Extreme) and being easily portable.

Not sure what the differences between the "3" and the "4" model are?!

I really like the Petrol PCPR-1. It will accomodate a full EX kit with matte box still attached to the camera. The bag size is still very manageable and easy to take as carry-on. Here is a full review by Doug Spotted Eagle.

http://dvformat.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=38620

Best,

I choose this one as well. It has alot of extra room in the rear compartment.
I can even fit my dell laptop standing on its side in the front camera compartment along with the EX-1 and attached mattebox.

I use the Porta-Brace DV2. It's actually under spec for the camera, but it makes a nice, small carryon package with reasonable protection and can fit the basic accessories, like an extra battery or 2 and the charger, cables, etc.

Probably wouldn't work with a shotgun attached.

The EX1 fits in rather nicely with the battery attached as long as the case's tray is adjusted properly.

as another option, the KATA HB-207 backpack seems to work well with the PMW-EX1. There's also room for a laptop for field transfer

I use the Porta-Brace DV2. It's actually under spec for the camera, but it makes a nice, small carryon package with reasonable protection and can fit the basic accessories, like an extra battery or 2 and the charger, cables, etc.

Probably wouldn't work with a shotgun attached.

The EX1 fits in rather nicely with the battery attached as long as the case's tray is adjusted properly.

So the EX1 fits the DV2? I am looking at the black Porta Brace bags but they list the DV4 as compatible with the EX1 but not the DV2 and DV3. When looking at the specifications, the DV3 looks like the best fit.

If it fits in your DV2, it will definitely fit the DV3. Please confirm.

Yes, it fits in the DV2. Not much else fits, but it makes for a nice, compact bag and it's great for travel.

I have not tried it in the DV3 - I assume it would work but you might want to try it in person or buy from someone who will accept a return if you are not satisfied.

Because in the DV2, it's pretty snug and the tray inside (which is adjustable) can conflict slightly with the wide handgrip on the EX1.

I am considering buying this bag. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/377301-REG/Petrol_PWR_HDV_PWR_HDV_Rolling_Wingbag.html

I think the free rain cover is compatable with the EX1 from this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=110357

There is also a Petrol bag that is like a rucksack with the free rain cover but it appears the rucksack is not waterproof without an additional cover.

I would appreciate your views on my choice. I also realise I need to consider shipping etc to the uk, not sure how much this will be!

That's why I don't like the Petrol Bagsas much as Kata, Lowepro or PortaBrace. They are simply not of the same standard as Lowepro or Kata bags which include sun/rain covers. But they are a bit cheaper, that is one thing that is sure.

I am now looking at the Kata KB-207, the PortaBrace DV-3/DV-4 and the Petrol PRDB-3.

I am considering buying this bag. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/377301-REG/Petrol_PWR_HDV_PWR_HDV_Rolling_Wingbag.html

I think the free rain cover is compatable with the EX1 from this thread: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=110357

When I mean a 'free rain cover' I am talking about one for the camera not the bag! I think the Petrol PWR bag above is waterproof, it's just the cheaper rucksack versions are not.

I see no mention of water-proof at the Petrol website, nor at the BH Photo Video product description. So I think this bag is definitely not weatherproof.

This is what I use...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531353-REG/Lowepro_35186_Flipside_300_Backpack_Arctic.html

It fits the camera and not much else. There is a mesh pocket on the side that could hold a spare battery and a zippered pocket on the other side that could hold SxS cards.

Great for taking the camera around and offering protection, but no room for matte boxes or even addon lenses. The interior pocket is attached via velcro, so is easly removable, and indeed, must be removed to fit the camera in.

What do you guys think of the Sony LCS-VCB for the EX1?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/355584-REG/Sony_LCSVCB_LCS_VCB_Soft_Carrying_Case.html

I see no mention of water-proof at the Petrol website, nor at the BH Photo Video product description. So I think this bag is definitely not weatherproof.

I think the Lowepro bags are definitely more robust & waterproof. I am tempted by the Petrol bag mainly because of the free rain spray for the camera. If you click on 'specifications' on the BH link for the petrol bag it says the exterior is made of: Heavy duty water-resistant Cordura fabric.

Dennis, I would stay away from that Sony bag. I know someone with it and let's just say after one use with his FX1 it is now an extra bag just to carry mics cables etc. It is very soft, and does not have a lot of room. I got this with my EX1 after seeing it in use at some shoots and in travel. I needed a backpack for my use. Very robust and holds a lot of stuff including my soon to come 17" MBP. Check out the Petrol website for more phots of the inside etc..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/471045-REG/Petrol_PCBP_3N_PCBP_3N_Cocoon_Backpack.html

Jason,
does that fit in an overhead on an airplane?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Backpack.html

The DV2 is a bit tight for that camera. We use the Porta Brace DV4's and they are a decent size. The camera with a long shotgun will fit with enough room for batts, chargers, etc.
http://tinyurl.com/2uegop

Wayne, yes it does fit in the overhead...It will also fit under the seat in front of you on some planes as long as it is not an aisle seat, However I would not trust placing it there myself as it is a very tight fit. Mine went in the overhead just fine this past weekend on an Alsaka flight.

I was in a pro camera shop today looking at backpacks for my Ex1 and noticed the staff had a memo from sony that showed the exact measurements (in metric) of the PMW-EX1. As far as I know the Ex manual doesnt come with this schematic. I got a copy from them and I've attached it here. Hope it helps anyone trying to find a soft or hard case for their camera.

BTW, I got the Kata HB-207 in the end and it fits the camera perfectly.

Cheers, Kubalsky