A couple of questions about various soft cases for the XL1s:

For each of the following cases, will the XL1s fit into it with the viewfinder and microphone attached? How about with an MA100 or 200 attached?

1. Portabrace CTC-2?

2. Portabrace CTC-3?

3. Petrol PCUB-1?

4. Kata CCC-10?

5. Tamrac 2249?

Thanks.

Steve, I can't comment on the others, but I use the CTC-2 PortaBrace case and the XL1S fits with or without the MA200 attached. The MA100 is smaller so obviously it would also fit.

With the MA200 attached, I have to either remove the microphone or often I leave it attached and turn it around in the holder and clamp it pointing to the rear. The camera just barely fits with the MA200 attached and I often wish I had ordered the CTC-3 instead.

The Tamrac is my bag of choice. For years and years I used Portabrace cases. They are very well made, extremely durable and very expensive. But when I shopped for a bag for my XL1, I just couldn't find a bag that fit the way I liked. The Tamrac 2249 was love at first sight. It holds my mic preamp, audio kit, wireless kit, and the XL1 with the 16X lens and the MA-200. Another pocket holds brackets for my long wildlife lenses. Extra protection is provided for the view finder. I couldn't be happier.

The Tamrac 2249 looks like a good case. In terms of price, however, it's about the same as a PortaBrace CTC-3.

Jeff--And does the xl1s fit into the 2249 with the viewfinder and microphone attached?

Yes, the stock mic, color viewfinder, lens and MA-200 all fit in the bag while attached to the camera. Ken is correct about the price. I only see a $20 difference or so. When I bought mine the Portabrace was $50 more than the Tamrac (B & H Photo).

How about KATA CCC-10 vs. Porta Brace CTC in term of durability and storage space, does both bags fix with MA200 attach????

Any comment cos i planning to get...advice me...

I originally bought the Tamrac 2248 and upgraded to the 2249 when added the MA200. I use both and they are fantastic.

If only there was just as good a backpack available for the XL1 with everything still attached and room for plenty of other accessories.