Hi, has anyone used a camera jacket for the 350 or 330? I have the Petrol one and it seems awkward, its got all the right windows and openings but doesn't seem to sit right, the battery cover/radiomic holders seem to drift suggesting its rotating, to open the monitor requires folding the window in on itself which then means difficulty getting to the rear contol panel.
I have a portabrace for my 570 , its not perfect either but seems a little more friendly.

Anyone found a good jacket?

Andy

I use KATA gloves, much more fitted than Porta Brace. I enquired with Kata and they state that their model CG13 fits the XDCAMHD, although they advertise it as for the DSR 450, the layout is the same.

Here's the link http://www.kata-bags.com/category.asp?id=9&perentId=1&ProdLine=1

Kata glove here as well. What I do not like is the fact that it's not that easy to do things behind the audio pannel with the LCD display folded out.

I have the Portabrace SC-F350 on our 350's, and well, it takes a little while to get it on, just like most covers, seems to work good, I had to make 1 small cut liking =) I could throw up a couple pics if anyone wants to see.

Hi Ryan,

We always love to see pictures! :-)

I also would go for a Porta Brace shouldercase because they are the best.

I've got the Porta Brace cover and once you get all the straps tightened up properly and the cover settles and stretches a bit, you won't even notice it.

Also, the built in rain-gear is MUCH better than previous PB shoulder cases I've used. It actually completely covers the camera, even with a boom mic, big lens, Rycote softie and double wireless boxes on the back and I can still operate all the controls.

Hi Ryan,

We always love to see pictures! :-)

I also would go for a Porta Brace shouldercase because they are the best.

I will take some pics in the morning, and post them =)

Heres a pic, as promise,, excuse the clutter

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p20/spideywrx/portabrace.jpg

Thanks for shearing the picture!

Maybe someone else can post some pictures of their Petrol or KATA covers, so that we can see the difference.

My Kata glove, also around the viewfinder.
Quick photo taken with phonecam, so no good quality, but gives an impression:

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/900/photo021007001kq3.jpg

Heres a pic, as promise,, excuse the clutter

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p20/spideywrx/portabrace.jpg

Ryan,

Doesn't it have separate clear windows on the side for seeing and opening? Or does this black flap open all the way? Hmmm, strange cover.

My Kata glove, also around the viewfinder.
Quick photo taken with phonecam, so no good quality, but gives an impression:

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/900/photo021007001kq3.jpg

Thanks for posting Vincent. Looks like a nice cover to me. What mattebox are you using from VOCAS? I guess it is a 315 or 325 because you can control the eyebrowns on the side. I own an MB-320.

Yep, a 325. The Kata glove is okay, and it comes with a raincover as well.

Ryan,

Doesn't it have separate clear windows on the side for seeing and opening? Or does this black flap open all the way? Hmmm, strange cover.

Basically that whole black piece can lift up and velcro to the top,, or each half can be fold it back... it takes a little getting used too.

Have a look at this one:
http://www.workingeasy.it/
I already bought camera jackets there for my previous camcorders and just ordered one for my new PDW-F330.

Dean

Thanks for the link Dean!

Looks very simular as the ones from Porta Brace.
Do you have good experience with them?
Can you post us some pictures when your new cover for the F330 arrives?
How much is the cover for the F330/F350 costing?

Greetings,

Ivan

Yes it's very similar to the Portabrace, however each model is taylored for a specific camera. For instance, the C150S37 jacket is made especially for the PDW-F330/350 camcorder.
I bought from this company jackets for my Panasonic AG-DVC200 and my DY-90. This jacket comes also with a rain cover and its quality is very good.
As I sent the email yesterday, I should receive the price tomorrow.
I don't remember exactly the amount I paid last time I ordered the jacket, probably around 280-300 euros (+taxes) and it was for a big 2/3" camcorder. The PDW-F330 being smaller I suppose it could be cheaper...
Anyway, I let you know as soon as I receive the price.

Thanks Dean,

The choice of camera covers is so big today, that it is hard too choose between them. Years ago you only had Porta Brace, as far as I can remember. Now there also is KATA, Petrol, CP Cases, Camrade, Workingeasy, etc...

It would be very nice if a magazine would have a review of all the covers for popular professional camcorders like the XDCAM's.

For your information; The Kata's using wet-suit fabric for their gloves, like the surf wet-suits, so very stretchy.

I tried the Kata with my GY-DV5000, the quality was ok but I found it less handy than the Workingeasy. The jacket was somehow too tight for the camcorder.

Your absolutely right about that Dean , but after a while it'll loosen up and fit perfectly.

just received the price for the Workingeasy jacket:
270 euros including postage and packing

That is a lot less then Porta Brace! :-o

Please post some pics when it arrives.

Thanks again Dean!

Just received the camera jacket from Workingeasy. Here are a few pics of it:

http://www.deanostorm.ch/jacket/DSC_0029.jpg
http://www.deanostorm.ch/jacket/DSC_0030.jpg
http://www.deanostorm.ch/jacket/DSC_0031.jpg
http://www.deanostorm.ch/jacket/DSC_0034.jpg

Dean

Sony warns against covering the camera because of cooling issues, are you concerned about over-heating the block?

Just received the camera jacket from Workingeasy. Here are a few pics of it:

Thank you very much Dean!

Do these KATA gloves also have some build-in rain protection?

They come with a rain cover. It's in a pouch on the right side of the cam, where the disc compartment is. You can leave the pouch off as well, I have it in my cambag.

Thanks! Nice solution that you can add or take it off when you want.

I have the Kata as well. It's not the best fit, but better than a Portabrace. I find the softer neoprene of the Kata more user friendly than the thick canvas type material used on the portabrace covers. The removable rain cover is excellent.

Alister,

do you know which model number you´re using? Is it the same model as for the PDW-530? -> CG-9?

I will buy one I think!

If I may answer: It's the CG 13. The pics on the Kata site do not match though.

vincent,
thanks a lot! this is the cover for the dsr-450 right?

Yep. Well, that's what they say one the website. I've order mine with camera @ my dealer, and they came up with this one. But If you follow the Bag chooser app on their website you come out at this one as well: kata-bags.com/katabagchoosers/

Yes it is true, the Kata has yellow bits on it.

Yep.. CG13.