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Camera Bags Unzipped...So, you've bought yourself an expensive camera...now you need something to protect it. Our review rounds up all the new bags and covers on show at IBC2001. From rugged cordura to leather (no, I didn't believe it either) you'll find something here to fit camera and budget - whatever size they may be. |
CamRade CamRade has added a camSuit for the JVC GY-DV500 and DV700 to its range. The camSuit is a more tailored camera cover to protect it from the general bumps scratches of everyday use. It includes a small pouch and a standard raincover for light rain. It has also widened its range of camBag soft cases (costing between 200 and 300 Euros) to include models for the smaller Panasonic cameras. Kouwenhoven explains that after research they "found the bag would protect the camera better if we made the inside of the bag hard and put the padding on the outside." Kouwenhoven says that "we talk to cameramen when designing our range." Which is why its 290 Euros tripod case is "square, not round. Round cases roll about at the airport". The case has other useful features, such as carry handles which can be easily moved so that if you put the tripod in the wrong way it won't be unbalanced. It also comes with hidden shoulder straps like a rucksack.
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KATA
A larger version, the CBP-3 ($475), will take a full Betacam camcorder with lens and battery. You can use it as a hold-all or backpack. But if you prefer wheels, the straps can be concealed and the KATA trolley used to take the weight. Also new are two compact camera cases, the CCC-1111 ($100) for smaller Hi-8 and miniDV cameras, and the CCC-3333 for Canon XL1 or Sony PD-150. All these bags use KATA's Modi-Vers system of custom dividers to create compartments within the bag to suit your kit. Extra dividers come in 10cm and 20cm wide strips, 100cm long, for $35 and $39 respectively.
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CP CasesCP Cases has four new cases. The smallest will take the PD-150 and cost £239, the largest, for the Sony DVW-790, is £448. Made from 2mm aluminium, all the cases all have rounded corners with no mitred edges and are welded rather than riveted to increase strength. There is plenty of internal padding and cushions for lens. If you're saying bon voyage to your camera, then you can secure your kit in its case with the recessed butterfly catches, one of which takes a padlock. Shipping information goes onto an indented write-on/wipe-off label. If you prefer to keep your kit with you then CP Cases also has a new backpack the BBP01 (£212). Similar to the new Portabrace backpack, the HKP-3L (450 Euros), it will take a PD-150 with accessories and has a pocket for a laptop. Either one would be a good buy for video journalists setting off abroad. CP cases also has the larger BC02 (£200), BC03 (£250) and its largest BC04 (£320) which can take a ENG camera with Canon J9 lens. For fashion victims, Portabrace has the SS-2BL side-slinger shoulder bag, with pockets large enough to take an ENG cameraman's batteries, tapes and mobile phone (300 Euros). |
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Petrol
Its Caboose range of backpacks have internal trolleys, so when you're tired of carrying it you can just pull out the handle and let the wheels take over. To keep everything organised it has two compartments, with the usual dividers and pockets. It comes in three sizes to accommodate virtually any camera. The smallest PBPC-1 ($269) will take a PD-150 size camera. The PBPC-2 ($289) will take a Sony DSR-250 and the PBPC-3 ($339) will comfortably hold a Betacam.
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Ewa-MarineDon't like getting your camera wet? Ewa-Marine's waterproof housings can cope with a spot of white water rafting. To add to the range, its latest TV170 fits the Sony PD250, will keep it dry down to a depth of 10m and only weighs 80g. The supplied adapter rings hold the lens firmly in place behind the opitcally-neutral, hardened glass port.
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Doggy BagDoggy Bag has a new monitor bag for Sony nine-inch monitors with an alloy cage to protect the back of the monitor. It has a built-in sun visor, cable routing and battery storage. It has also introduced a new, lightweight plastic flight case which is strong enough to stand on.
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The last word in camera protection.For those who like the feel of more traditional materials how about a leather shoulder case for your camera? Luggy director, Jean-Pierre Morin, believes: "The concept of leather is new." It was certainly unique at IBC 2001. Whether you have a pampered Panasonic or sexy Sony, a black leather shoulder case will cost 380 Euros. JAN 2002 |
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Dutch
bag maker, 
New
from 
If
you prefer a holdall carry bag for your PD-150, the Portabrace CS-DV3
(300 Euros) has space for camera, batteries, wide angle lens and a notebook.
It is padded with one inch of foam. Similarly, CP cases' BC01 holdall
bag (£140) is large enough to take a PD-150 with accessories. It
has a rigid shell of 4mm Astroboard padded internally and externally.
Both come in 1000 denier Cordura.
A
nice idea from 
Petrol
UB-2 and UB-3 are robust camera bags with extra wide opening. They offer
extra protection for viewfinder and microphone in compartments made with
reinforced laminate panels. Both have expandable end compartments to suit
cameras of varying lengths. The UB-2 ($289) expands from 57 to 62cm, and
the UB-3 ($319) from 67 to 73cm.