I took my first road trip with my week-old EX-1 today. Packed away in a photo backpack which I had been using with my small HV20 and all of its accessories. I chose not to get a Storm or Pelican case for the EX-1 thinking it would be too cumbersome particularly since I do not fly with my gear and it does not get thrown about by baggage handlers. But now I'm having second thoughts about lugging a $6k camera protected by only a thin layer of padding. My gut churned when I heard my babies' stroller tip over onto the knapsack in the cargo area of my car! Nothing bad happened but it made me reconsider whether I'm taking appropriate precautions.

So, I'd like an informal poll as to who uses a hard case for everyday use and what you pack into it, please. Do you put all your audio gear, hard drives and other bits and pieces into the same case or bag as your camera?

The "pros" of the backpack for me are that it's infinitely configurable and low profile/inconspicuous. The case will afford much greater protection but it's not as if you can wheel it around town without attracting attention.

{FWIW: my current bag has the camera, wireless mic, batteries/charger, warm cards, soft slate, the HV20 as a backup, and two portable hard drives. I'll be adding a matte box in a few months}

Thank you.

(Ps: Mitch, you already answered this somewhere else! Thanks. Just looking for a wider array of responses)

Storm Case (purchased through Zacuto) custom fit for an EX1 or EX3 with a Letus Ultimate 35mm adaptor. It holds the camera, 3 lenses, batteries, charger, memory cards, matte box, 2 x 25 ft mic cables, lavaliere microphone, headphones, business cards and EX3 manual.

Yes, it's a bit big and heavy, but the wheels and carrying handle make it easy to transport. Just like hauling wheeled luggage through an airport. I also like that you can stack a few smaller cases on top of it and use it like a make shift hand truck. Really the only negative with it is when you have to lift it into the back of a pickup truck. I'm not a very strong person, but I can still lift it using both arms and a little help from my left leg (knee).

I'm happy. But this is for professional use. We shoot local television commercials and corporate training and promotional videos.

I have the Kata 197 bag which for many shoots is just fine but recently I have seen where the Zacuto Storm case setup would be really nice. The Kata 197 will accept even an EX3 with a Letus and rails setup as long as you have the height profile as compact as possible and still have room for a few smallish prime lens and the typical mics and accessories you would take, however, you still have to piece a lot together. The wire cage around the upper perimeter of the 197 is pretty robust but the viewfinder does protrude up enough that it does cause you a fair amount of worry that it will be damaged if you are not really careful.

I can see a time in the not too distant future that I will utilize both the bag I have and a hardcase, particularly when I am shooting with the Letus.

With the 197 you can easily still manhandle the bag with a Letus attached whereas with the Storm or an equivalent Pelican it would tip the weight to the point where you would find it difficult to handbomb the thing in and out of a vehicle with one hand.

I have the Kata CC-197! I can squeeze quite a bit of gear into it for my average days shoot but wouldn’t throw it around any! Hence, I always try to keep it up right! I’ve found the cam fits better since I got rid of the original mic holder and swapped it for the DM cold shoe mount (doesn’t snag so easy getting it out of the bag like it used too). It suits me for all but serious hiking and air travel.

Thanks everyone.

Mitch, does that case come with "extra" foam for situation where you are not carrying the Letus and mattebox?

I could have sworn I saw a Zacuto tutorial on Vimeo or somewhere showing how to add/remove foam blocks based on the configuration you need.

It does come with a fair amount of extra foam, but not enough to completely fill all the voids. But even without the Letus and Mattebox installed, it will hold your EX3 very snugly.

I could have sworn I saw a Zacuto tutorial on Vimeo or somewhere showing how to add/remove foam blocks based on the configuration you need.

You did see it but the video is posted on some offbeat page. The video shows there are some wedges of foam at the bottom of some of the cutouts that allow you to stick your camera or accessories in with extra bits installed like baseplates, Zgrip mounts, you know the Zacuto stuff! Kidding aside the forethought shown in with the number of precut plugs you can pull out makes modding the foam insert a breeze. The idea of having your kitted out rig either ready to go or near ready to go out of the case is very appealing.

That's exactly how we use the case. Using one case we can show up with the camera with or without the 35mm adaptor installed. And if we change our mind and want to go with the other setup, we always have everything in the case to change it over.

The only issue we have is the Red Rock Matte Box is very large and it won't fit in the case when the rig is the 35mm adaptor configuration. If we would have bought one of the Zacuto recommended smaller matte boxes, then we wouldn't have had this problem. But their matte boxes are almost twice the price of the Red Rock. But I think I've got a work around for this minor problem.

The only issue we have is the Red Rock Matte Box is very large and it won't fit in the case...But their matte boxes are almost twice the price of the Red Rock. But I think I've got a work around for this minor problem.

What is your workaround Mitchell?

Hahaha! I said I "think". That means I'm still thinking about it! hehehe

The only plan I've figured out so far is to add a second small (light weight) case to the mix. This case would be big enough to hold the matte box fully assembled without the flags installed. But it would also carry the flags and the filters.

I was a little disappointed to find that the custom case we purchased from Red Rock for their Matte box will only fit the box when it's mostly disassembled. You have to remove the flags, remove the rod mount and dismount the matte box from the rod mount to put it away. This takes way to long for us to do as we move from location to location. If we needed to ship the matte box, then their case would be beyond perfect as it's a beautiful case. I'm looking for a simple light weight plastic case with foam inside that I can custom cut to fit the matte box assembled without the flags.

If you have more time than I do for assembly/disassembly, then the optional case you can buy from Red Rock will work great. As I said above, it's a BEAUTIFUL case. You just have to take the time to disassemble to matte box to put it away.

Hope that makes sense. :)

I use the Lowepro Flipside 300.

Lowepro | Flipside 300 Backpack (Black) | LP35185-PEU | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531351-REG/Lowepro_LP35185_PEU_Flipside_300_Backpack_Black_.html)

It fits the EX1 perfectly, but there is no room for any extras, except a battery (in the side pouch). They also make a Flipside 400 which might be a better choice for those that want to pack additional gear.

When I got my DVX, my VERY NEXT purchase was a good Portabrace bag. I've had that bag about 4 years now, and it still looks new.

When I bought the EX1 I realized I wanted to go a different direction. So I bought a portabrace hard case with rollers for it. I could stand on the thing and feel secure about my camera.

I keep my camera, shotgun, firestore, headphones, light meter, cables, and a few other ancillaries in there. I also have a production bag that has my long audio and video cables, backup gear, mics, and other needed stuff in it.

When I got lights, I bought a kit with a hard case. It has rollers also.

We spend a ton of money on this gear. For me, it made sense to protect it as best I could. And to me, that means a hard case with reinforced corners, and good foam inside.

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning toward the case myself for the reasons Perrone mentions. I've never had an issue with a bag in all the years I've done still photography but I somehow feel the time has come for more protection. After all, it's basically a $6k computer with a lens on the front. A lot can go wrong with a nasty bump or drop.

The answer is that you really need both, but if I had to have just one I'd go for a Peli. In fact I did... twice!

Peli 1550 & 1560 hard cases | Paul Joy (http://www.pauljoy.com/?page_id=852)

But I also have a Kata backpack which works well when you need the camera on your back.

Kata HB-207 backpack | Paul Joy (http://www.pauljoy.com/?page_id=871)

Kata have just launched a Pro series bag which is ideal for the EX3. They will be sending me a bag for review within the next two weeks, I will post full details.

An update for those who helped me and those who stumble on this thread trying to decide for themselves: I went with a Storm case from Abel, custom cut for the EX-1. I'm satisfied with the case and it has wonderfully smooth wheels.

Clockwise from the camera: Large slot big enough for a monitor. I use it for warm cards, filters and cables. Short shotgun in bottom right. Memory cards and remote control. Swit torch on camera light and filters. Battery charger. Batteries (room for 3).

The knapsack I had been using is now my location "extras" bag with wireless, other audio cables, hard drives and a few grip items.

My intent was to set the Storm case up with the essentials, so I can shoot without the accessory bag if needed.

It's amazing how quickly you accumulate little bits and pieces and need more and more bags and cases to move it around. And I don't even have a lighting kit!

It's amazing how quickly you accumulate little bits and pieces and need more and more bags and cases to move it around. And I don't even have a lighting kit!

How about a Ford van, you can get it all in then.

Bob, when I got my EX1, I went with this case:
PortaBrace - Product Detail:DVO-1RQS-M4 (http://www.portabrace.com/productC-DVO-1RQS-M4)
because it was the one I could afford at the time. However, it has proven to be a very versatile case and has a wireframe around the perimeter to keep it fairly rigid. For quick jobs around town, it works out fine as I can fit my camera, 3 batteries w/charger, shotgun mic with furry and mount, extra cards, lens cleaner, etc. with a little room to spare. I'm looking for a larger case for some upcoming projects and I too am debating about either going to a backpack, a hardcase like a Pelican OR a roller case similar to the larger Kata or Petrol models.

I went for a Portabrace PB-2500 for my XAH1, I chose a hard case mainly because in the small print of my camera insurance policy it says it's not covered in my car if it's not in a hard case, the case is very good and has pick 'n' pluck foam which you can remove to the shape of the camera, my concern though is static electricity, after plucking to the shape of the camera and trying it in place when I removed it I was greeted with loads of static discharge quiet audible which I was afraid may have damaged it but it seems to have survived, I think it was the picking that built up the charge because there wasn't as much the next day, anyone else had this problem?

I was very fortunate around six years ago in that while at a computer show some guy had a stack of heavy duty aluminum equipment cases for some sort of industrial instrument. It had sections that were heavy duty and that could easily be cut to accommodate a camera. It even had a Velcro attached bag that attached under the lid. Incredible case that would stack up against any dedicated Pelican or other case today and probably beat it in terms of durability. It even had keys to lock the latches. Not being greedy I only bought two of them for $5 US. When the other vendors at the computer show saw the two cases I was carrying around they raced over to the guy who was selling them and started a bidding war over the cases.
One has since housed my VX2000 for several years and the other now houses my EX1, PLUS a host of other things like batteries, chargers, and tapes / SDHC adapters and cards. Cables are in the Velcro bag and I still have some room left over for wide angle lenses, etc. You could literally drive a truck over these cases and it wouldn't damage them. I'll never part with them.

I did want a bag as well so I started recently going through a bunch of threads to narrow it down. I seriously considered a backpack and decided against one. Why? They are literally all too small and outrageously overpriced. I could get a Kelty External Frame pack for mountaineering for less money than these Kata or other bags cost. And still I would have a bag that is too small.

So I finally decided upon a "Doctor Type" of bag designed for cameras. I am extremely pleased with my choice - A Petrol PDRB-3.

Petrol | PDRB-3 Dr. Petrol Bag | PDRB-3 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531227-REG/Petrol_PDRB_3_PDRB_3_Dr_Petrol_Bag.html)

The posts by Ned Soltz really helped me out and I want to thank him for the e-mail he sent me regarding the bag. This bag is the perfect size for an EX1, PLUS the other things you need in your kit. Very well made and reasonably priced. As a matter of fact, B&H had the bag listed in a kit form along with the PRC-EX1 rain cover for $159. The combo was ALWAYS out of stock and still is despite being $199 now.
Petrol | PDRB-3 Dr. Petrol Bag Kit 1 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/585558-REG/Petrol__PDRB_3_Dr_Petrol_Bag.html)
I ended up calling the company and got a salesman who told me to order the kit and they would send the bag first and then the rain cover when it came in at the combo price of $159 (only $10 more than the bag itself for a $100 rain cover). That is what I did and I got the rain cover less than a week after the bag arrived. GREAT DEAL !

Either way, I would highly recommend the bag at $149 by itself if you don't need the rain cover.

John

So I finally decided upon a "Doctor Type" of bag designed for cameras. I am extremely pleased with my choice - A Petrol PDRB-3.

Petrol | PDRB-3 Dr. Petrol Bag | PDRB-3 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531227-REG/Petrol_PDRB_3_PDRB_3_Dr_Petrol_Bag.html)

The posts by Ned Soltz really helped me out and I want to thank him for the e-mail he sent me regarding the bag. This bag is the perfect size for an EX1, PLUS the other things you need in your kit. Very well made and reasonably priced. As a matter of fact, B&H had the bag listed in a kit form along with the PRC-EX1 rain cover for $159. The combo was ALWAYS out of stock and still is despite being $199 now.
Petrol | PDRB-3 Dr. Petrol Bag Kit 1 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/585558-REG/Petrol__PDRB_3_Dr_Petrol_Bag.html)
I ended up calling the company and got a salesman who told me to order the kit and they would send the bag first and then the rain cover when it came in at the combo price of $159 (only $10 more than the bag itself for a $100 rain cover). That is what I did and I got the rain cover less than a week after the bag arrived. GREAT DEAL !

Either way, I would highly recommend the bag at $149 by itself if you don't need the rain cover.

John


John

Glad you brought up the Petrol line - I have found one that works perfectly for my needs the Petrol PCTB-3

Petrol | PCTB-3 Camlap Trolley Backpack | PCTB3 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/562540-REG/Petrol_PCTB3_PCTB_3_Camlap_Trolley_Backpack.html)

If you click on "more images" on the B&H website you can see that it has plenty of room for the PMW-EX1 (including an attached AT835ST shotgun mic, all the accessories that go with my camera including the Sony HVL-LBP light, a Pro Hood (fully opened-not squished), AND a large Sony Vaio laptop (VGN-AW290) with an 18.4" screen. I like the ability to roll it on wheels and also being able to use it as a backpack - the harness straps are normally covered with a zippered cover but are ready to use when unzipped.

It is a bit pricey but since you can carry one of the largest screen laptops on the market it seemed well worth it.

Kata have just launched a Pro series bag which is ideal for the EX3. They will be sending me a bag for review within the next two weeks, I will post full details.

Any word yet?

I been using for some time a Petrol PCPR-1 bag (initially purchased for a HVR-Z1U). Holds the EX1 fitted with Chrosziel matte box and rails, plus flags, viewfinder, two batteries, 5 filters, charger, lens cleaning fluid + tissues, spare MxR Expresscard holders, small Edirol recorder, compact headphones, tools, short cables and mikes. The case can be configured as a backpack (with extra fittings), but I would be unloading the case somewhat if I was carrying it hiking. The case is well padded and provides very good access. It is big enough to contain everything directly pertinent to the camera (apart from the tripod) plus minimum audio gear. A hard case is better for checked luggage.

John

Glad you brought up the Petrol line - I have found one that works perfectly for my needs the Petrol PCTB-3

Petrol | PCTB-3 Camlap Trolley Backpack | PCTB3 | B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/562540-REG/Petrol_PCTB3_PCTB_3_Camlap_Trolley_Backpack.html)

If you click on "more images" on the B&H website you can see that it has plenty of room for the PMW-EX1 (including an attached AT835ST shotgun mic, all the accessories that go with my camera including the Sony HVL-LBP light, a Pro Hood (fully opened-not squished), AND a large Sony Vaio laptop (VGN-AW290) with an 18.4" screen. I like the ability to roll it on wheels and also being able to use it as a backpack - the harness straps are normally covered with a zippered cover but are ready to use when unzipped.

It is a bit pricey but since you can carry one of the largest screen laptops on the market it seemed well worth it.


Barry,

have you taken the petrol rolling backpack onto a airplane yet?
last summer, i traveled extensively with my EX1 and a Kata HB-207 with the trolley attachment. While the case accommodated the EX1 easily, but the outside dimensions were longer than i liked and only allowed for a 15.4" notebook. my macbook pro 17" really cannot fit in with the Sony EX1 plus some items.

The trolley when attached cannot be worn comfortably as a back pack so i had to roll the case on some rather rough cobblestones road. as most of these rollers are hard, that leads to lots of vibration. it may not have hurt my EX1, just did not make me feel comfortable.

the petrol pctb-3 is much deeper, so a macbook pro 17" should fit easily.
the wheels also look thicker, i wonder if it can handle rough terrain better than the Kata trolley and save my back.

lastly, can you take the petrol on board without checking it in?

paul

Barry,

have you taken the petrol rolling backpack onto a airplane yet?

I have not taken it on an airplane yet but is virtually the same size as a Petrol PWR-HDV which I use for my V1U. That unit will not fit into the overheads of the small commuter jets but fits ok on the larger planes

last summer, i traveled extensively with my EX1 and a Kata HB-207 with the trolley attachment. While the case accommodated the EX1 easily, but the outside dimensions were longer than i liked and only allowed for a 15.4" notebook. my macbook pro 17" really cannot fit in with the Sony EX1 plus some items.

There is room for my Sony Vaio with an 18.4 screen - the Macbook Pro is somewhat smaller than the Sony - it should fit well and the compartment is well padded.


The trolley when attached cannot be worn comfortably as a back pack so i had to roll the case on some rather rough cobblestones road. as most of these rollers are hard, that leads to lots of vibration. it may not have hurt my EX1, just did not make me feel comfortable.

The wheels are built snugly into the backpack and the backpack straps are normally hidden under a zippered cover but are easily detached - so it acts like any other backpack - look at the pics on Petrol site.

the petrol pctb-3 is much deeper, so a macbook pro 17" should fit easily.
the wheels also look thicker, i wonder if it can handle rough terrain better than the Kata trolley and save my back.

The wheels are quite large and sturdy and work quite well.

lastly, can you take the petrol on board without checking it in?

paul

On most planes you can take it on board except for the short run commuter jets - same as for my PWR-HDV bag.

The wheels are built snugly into the backpack and the backpack straps are normally hidden under a zippered cover but are easily detached - so it acts like any other backpack - look at the pics on Petrol site.
On most planes you can take it on board except for the short run commuter jets - same as for my PWR-HDV bag.

Barry,

Thanks a ton!
I'm down to either that Petrol soft trolley or a Pelican hard case 1510 that also fits the EX1 and can be wheeled around.

As I have never used a hard case in my life, i am clueless as to whether it can protect against rough road vibration better than a soft case with wheels. Besides the obvious impact protection from being crushed, wouldn't a hard case transfer the constant road vibrations to the equipment the same way as a soft case?

I usually take my equipment, most recently the EX1 and a Nikon D2x with me on vacation. In a month, that'll be the 4 big parks in Orlando. While most of the Disney parks have perfect walkways for wheels, there are many portions of cobblestones and rocky roads.

With my HB-207 and the trolley insert, picking it up was not a great alternative.

I am hoping either the Petrol or the Pelican will be safe enough protection for the Orlando parks.

Paul

The disadvantage of a hard case is its weight. Carry on luggage is limited in weight as well as dimensions, generally 10Kg for large aircraft and 5Kg for feeders. I've travelled with a ZU1 in a wheeled Pelican 1510 hard case designed to satisfy hand luggage dimension regulations but weighing 7Kg empty. With contents it well exceeded the regulation weight limits (especially on feeders) and I made sure I carried it in a manner that made it appear light. I could insert it into feeder overhead lockers (with an artful firm push). The 1510 will also hold an EX1 in bare configuration (no matte box and rails).
These cases have fitted foam so the contents are well protected from vibration.

The disadvantage of a hard case is its weight. Carry on luggage is limited in weight as well as dimensions, generally 10Kg for large aircraft and 5Kg for feeders. I've travelled with a ZU1 in a wheeled Pelican 1510 hard case designed to satisfy hand luggage dimension regulations but weighing 7Kg empty. With contents it well exceeded the regulation weight limits (especially on feeders) and I made sure I carried it in a manner that made it appear light. I could insert it into feeder overhead lockers (with an artful firm push). The 1510 will also hold an EX1 in bare configuration (no matte box and rails).
These cases have fitted foam so the contents are well protected from vibration.

thanks serena!

upon further consideration, i wonder if it's wise to roll or carry a hard case through the 10-20 miles of the resorts and parks. Also, the pelican or porta brace case may get too much attention.
do you find that's the case?

paul

Someone posted a while back if anyone has tried the Kata R106 with an EX3. My EX3 arrives this week. (oh joy!) and Kata claims the r106 will take it. The 502 seems way too big for me. Has anyone tried the r106?

I usually take my equipment, most recently the EX1 and a Nikon D2x with me on vacation. In a month, that'll be the 4 big parks in Orlando. While most of the Disney parks have perfect walkways for wheels, there are many portions of cobblestones and rocky roads.

With my HB-207 and the trolley insert, picking it up was not a great alternative.

I am hoping either the Petrol or the Pelican will be safe enough protection for the Orlando parks.

Paul

I have pulled the PWR-HDV (with similar wheels to the Petrol PCTB-3)
through all the Disney Parks for the last 3 years with my V1U and have had no problems.

Actually, the PWR-HDV will accomodate the PMW-EX1 but it was just such a hassle getting it in and out of the bag expecially with the AT835ST shotgun installed. I like the way you can open up the PCTB-3 fully for easy access to the camera.

I have pulled the PWR-HDV (with similar wheels to the Petrol PCTB-3)
through all the Disney Parks for the last 3 years with my V1U and have had no problems.

Actually, the PWR-HDV will accomodate the PMW-EX1 but it was just such a hassle getting it in and out of the bag expecially with the AT835ST shotgun installed. I like the way you can open up the PCTB-3 fully for easy access to the camera.

thanks again barry,

i went to b&h to check out the pctb-3 today and it's a great bag.
as i suspected, it does not look as big as the dimensions suggested on paper.
the hard cases, pelican and hprc (porta brace) on the other hand looked a lot bigger than the paper dimensions.

the in line style wheels rolled smoothly inside the store.
i did also check out the new crumpler cork and fork backpack inside a roller (2 in 1) as well as 2 rollers from tenba, the roadie small and roadie large (638321 and 638322)

now, i have too many to consider...

one thing is true.
i am beginning to warm up to having the wheels and handlebars built into the bag.
the kata hb-207 with external trolley which served me well last year has its limitations.

paul