I need to buy a rain cover for my PD 170. I only shoot weddings and events, so I'd like to keep the cost down if possible.

Also, I want to buy a head cleaner. Sony has two different types:

1. SONY DVCAM Cleaning Cassette
Model Name: PDVM12CL (Small)

2. mini dv cleaning cassette
Digital Cleaning Cassette - Mini for use in mini dv cameras and DV decks. DVM - 12CLD

Which should I use.

Thanks

The rain cover from Petrol is about $100 bought by itself.

Sony did have a deal where for about $200 more than the camera, you got a nice Petrol camera case and the rain cover.

All from B&H.

Use either cleaner.

If you want to go really cheap on the rain cover, you can get a good quality garbage bag (the waste can size is perfect) or a 2 gallon size Ziploc bag. Take the lens hood off, put the bag upside down over the cam (usually I use a tripod to keep the cam steady). Make sure that the lens is not at the seem of the bag and hold the bag taunt over the front of the lens. Carefully screw a 58mm filter onto the lens. When the filter is on all the way, unscrew the filter and carefully remove the piece of the bag that has been cut out (you may have to use sissors to cut the portion out completely). Put the filter back on and replace the lenshood and you're done.

This is usually sufficient unless you're standing in a torrential downpour! I live in the Pacific Northwest and it rains somewhat often and this is good enough for me in a pinch.

Of course you can buy the Petrol rain cover instead! :)

HTH.

Doug

trying to survive NAB...

I bought an Ewa-Marine rain cover for my VX2000 for about $150. It works great, and has a little pocket to accomodate the LCD -- a convenient feature when working in a pouring rain.

I've had it out in quite a few downpours, and it's performed perfectly.