Hello all,

Just got my XL2 and need a good soft case to pack it in. I was going to get a Kata CCC-1 but was advised against it by one of the sponsers (who failed to provide an alternative). So any recomendations would be helpful, or any actual experience with the Kata CCC-1 please let me know how it works for you.

Thanks,

Ben Jacob

Hey Ben,

I roll with the Kata CCC-1 bag, and it's served admirably, allowing me to transport my camera with me onboard airlines (where it's gotta be, right?).. My only caution is that the bag has a tendency to 'stretch out' if you overload it with gear...

I recently purchased the porta brace bag for the xl2. It is nice in that it does have a protective semi hard shell and special space for the view finder.

My only complaint is I can't carry much else in the bag.

I can also carry the bag on the plane with me!

It protects the camera very well.

Im gonna have to say the portabrace as well. I like it and dislike it for the same reasons as above but be careful......that portabrace blue really stands out to those looking for a quick grab at the airport.

BTW....I went through 3 bags before I got the PB and buying it first would have saved me a ton of $$$$. All of the others started out nice and solid but within a few field visits they started to "get soggy". The PB is rock solid !

Speaking of bags....heading out the door now to showcase video in the ATL for another one for my GL2. ;)

If you're willing to think a little out of the box, I have a suggestion for you. I use a Lowepro Compact AW bag for my XL2. At first, the bag looks too small to hold the camera, but if you remove the lens hood, viewfinder and mic, it all fits in perfectly. There is a nice side storage compartment where I keep my batteries and raincover, and end pouches for tapes and stuff like that. The bag also comes with a built in rain cover.
I really like my bag for the reasons that most would not:
-removing the viewfinder and mic takes 30 secs at the most, and saves it from damage in transport. I would NOT recommend transporting the camera with the viewfinder mounted unless it has a specific support in the bag or case.
-the bag doesn't look like its got a $4000 camera inside.
-it costs $99.... WOW!
If you're interested, I can post a pic of how all the stuff fits inside the bag, but if you want to "run and gun" (how I hate that term) then you'll want a bag that you can keep the camera intact and not have to put the viewfinder on when you want to use it. I find I can mount the viewfinder and mic in about 30 secs.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/video/Compact_AW_DV.aspx

I use an XL Kata bag for day-to-day use with lens+radio mic/mic holder etc all set up ready to be pulled out of the bag at a moments notice. I use the LowePro Trekker bag for cross-country/mountain work or walking long distances, and also use it for onboard flights. - Both bags are superb.

I like my Porta Brace and can get everything I need in there with the judicious use of some lens pads. I agree with everybody else; they're solid and built to last. BUT I take stills too: it's one of the reasons I switched from Nikon to Canon. If I had to do it all over again (and money were no object) I'd buy my next bag from these guys: ThinkTank Photo. Their stuff isn't cheap but they build some astonishing stuff for professionals. Check out the various configurations of this bag:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_ArprtAddctd_Configs.php

Toward the bottom is a set-up with two SLR bodies, several flashes, several lenses, walkie talkies and an XL1! And it will all go carry-on. I'm not sure I'd want to hike all day with it, but I'm not doing any hiking with my Porta Brace either.

I was using a Kata CCC 10 compact case for my XL1s.

It fit the XL1s with the MA100 and a pair of wireless recievers strapped to it. Just had to remove the antennas and the Lightwave mic mount.

It fits into the overhead compartment of most airlines, except for smaller commuter planes.

When I sold the camera I thought I'd sell the bag, too. But ended up using it with my Sony PD170.

I've had the bag since Sept 2002 and it shows no signs getting old.

I have the Kata CCC-10 bag, and my Canon XL2 - + 20X lens + Red Eye adapter + Canon hood + Light Wave Systems SI-XL1 System Isolater + XL2 rear metal holder + Sony 800 series radio mic all set-up together - slips nicely into the bag without breaking down.
I also use the Light Waves System MM-XL1 with a 19 inch long Audio Technica 815a mic fitted, but simply unscrew the small MM-XL1 bolt and then lay it beside the camcorder inside the bag (and it then only takes a couple of seconds to fit back inside the MM-XL1 holder for almost immediate use).

I use the Kata CCC-1. My XL-2 has the Cavision 4x4 bellows and rails mounted on it, as well as the Canon CH-910 dual-battery holder/charger. With the camera in the bag, there is still room behind the battery holder.

Downsides: The viewfinder must be pointed down to fit. The onboard mic will have its windscreen depressed by the top cover, but probably not if the camera is sans rails and matte box. I don't use it anyway, so I don't carry it. The batteries must be removed from the CH-910 before putting the camera in the bag. Finally, the zippered-flaps that make up the top of the bag always want to close by themselves while you try to get the camera in.

Pluses: large pockets fore and aft for batteries and tapes, etc. Exterior side pocket neatly holds Kata filter wallet for 4x4 filters. Interior pockets good for white/gray card and French flag from matte box. Good ergonomics. Handle design is much improved from the Kata PCUB-series.

I got mine for $199 from B&H. Only catch is that it is embroidered with the Panasonic logo and "DV Proline".

Another vote for the Kata bag... I always break down my gear and I can fit ALL of this in the Kata bag...

- XL2 body
- XL2 viewfinder
- Canon Mic
- 20X OIS lens
- 16X Manual lens
- 3X wide lens
- Century Fisheye adapter
- 12 tiffen filters in cases
- 4 extended batteries
- 20 DV tapes
- screwdriver
- lens care kit



ash =o)

The Kata bag sounds nice.

However, it wasn't readily available when I got my XL2, so I got the Tamrac case made for the XL1, and it works fine. I can leave all of the stuff attached, open the bag while it's on my shoulder, and pull it out and start shooting immediately without putting the bag down to get stolen or dirty.

It has plentry of room available for my stuff and it is carry-on legal.

While I myself have not used the Kata bag, I have the Tamrac case and have been very satisfied with it for "run and gun" application. To be honest, the reason I bought it was because it was black.


EDIT: Hey Ash, I would love to see a picture of just how you accomplish all that! :)

I will post a pic when I get home next week...



ash =o)

Does anyone have any experience with a Kata Bp-502. 50% of what I plan to shoot with is nature/hiking etc... ie need for backpack. I have an xl2 and would want to carry a digital slr with one or two lenses.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

New XL2 owner
Stuart

Stuart - I would point you towards the LowPro range of camera rucksacks - that come in a wide range of different sizes - I use them for trekking/wildlife work and they are superb.

http://www.lowepro.com/

Super Trekker, Photo Trekker AWII and Nature Trekker AW are the best for long journeys over tough terrain with a lot of camera or video gear. The Nature Trekker is good if you can break down the XL2 gear, but the larger size of the Photo Trekker allows you to keep the XL2 intact with lens.

Tony,

Thanks for the comment on the LowPro. I have a Nature Trekker AW for my stills equipment. I was looking at fitting all my gear in that one plus a still camera and it just would not fit. I will take a look at the photo Trekker or super Trekker. Do you know if those fit on airplanes?

Thanks
Stuart

The Xl1s or XL2 fits OK inside the Nature Trekker if you break it into parts, especially if you have size 4 lens pouch strapped to the side, but the larger Photo Trekker & Super Trekker do provide far more space if you want to leave most of the XL2 gear intact.
I think that the larger Photo Trekker is within airline regulations - just check with the airlines first, because some companies have different regulations depending on your final destination (With the size of the bags that I see some people taking with them on the plane during international flights, the large Photo Trekker & Super Trekker rucksacks look small in comparison!).

...that portabrace blue really stands out to those looking for a quick grab at the airport.

PortaBrace cases now come in black ;^)

Thanks,
Luke

Anyone ever used the portabrace CC-210 PW?

was thinking about ordering one (I like the idea of having the metal brace to protect the viewfinder)

thanks,

Louis.

I bought this case and find it just excellent. If I am going to be travelling far i still disassemble the Camera. I leave it together for daily use in the truck and it protects it well.

I Use the lowe pro AW commerial, it is a bit small, as said before take the lens hood off and turn the mic around the other way and it fits nicely, with lots of room in the side pockets for wireless mics, tapes, batteries ect.

Perhaps you might want to think way outside the box and make your own. I didn't like the offerings around, or if I did like them, I didn't like the prices. I made my own. $14 for the duffle bag, $40 for the foam, and $9 for the adhesive spray to glue the foam together. It is durable and protects the camera very well so far. It holds the XL2 fully assembled, the charger, batteries, Century 0.6x, wireless mics and wired mics, remote, earphones, cables, tapes, and all kinds of extra bits with room to spare.

http://www.atsi.ca/images/xl2/xl2bag1.jpg
http://www.atsi.ca/images/xl2/xl2bag2.jpg
http://www.atsi.ca/images/xl2/xl2bag3.jpg
http://www.atsi.ca/images/xl2/xl2bag4.jpg
http://www.atsi.ca/images/xl2/xl2bag5.jpg

If you want details on making this, I would be glad to provide them.

I haven't used their bags, but I love my ThinkTank belt system. Top quality and flexibility. The pouches and lens bags slide around the belt so I can bring what I need in front. Their stuff is designed for and by still camera pros, but it works great for my XL2 set up. Beats the heck out of the PortaBrace belt system I used for many years a a TV news shooter.