Backpack for HVX205A

[dmchord]

I know there have been previous posts regarding this subject - I came across one in a google search, but when I log on to dvxuser and search for bag or camera bag, I get no results.

Anyway, I've got a hard case for my HVX, but I need something a little more portable. My search so far has got me pointed at the OGIO Ty.

At $150, it fits my budget, it appears to be capable of carrying my camera as well as a laptop and other accessories. Also, I've read a couple of posts where the author makes some good points about selecting a backpack rather than a regular bag.

It does seem likely, though, that I'll have to take the cardioid barrel off my Azden shotgun to fit in the bakcpack.

Any thoughts on this product? Is there a superior option within that price range, give or take $50? I've also looked at the KATA R-103, but it looks like it might be too small. Like I might actually have to take the lens hood off to get the camera in there! I'm concerned with protection and convenience. I'm pretty sure I've got a long way to go before anyone hires me for anything that will require getting on an airplane. Thanks!

[dmchord]

Um...no one has a backpack?

Oh..I just saw another post about this, sorry.

[youngindiefilms]

Unfortunately I can't comment on the backpacks you mentioned. For a documentary last year (mountaineering) I used my fairly big mountaineering backpack to carry my HVX. I padded it with socks and other stuff which worked fine for this shoot.
Might not be a good solution though if you have to take the camera out and back a lot.
Pro is that solution only cost me like US$ 60.

I have two Kata bags, though not backpacks I can recommend them for quality and reliability. They're very sturdy.

I recently came across an ad in HD Video Pro magazine, looks also quite nice but I could imagine they're not cheap:
http://www.cinebags.com/revolutionbackpack.html

[Noedig]

I know it's outside the budget number you gave, but I think the Kata R-106 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=kata+r-106&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=submit) is an amazing backpack for the HVX-200. Since I got mine I have never regretted it. I never use my hard-sided case anymore. I will admit, the bag can be quite heavy when you include the laptop, but without the laptop it's actually not too bad. The straps and harness adjust to make it quite comfortable.

When I was shopping around for a backpack I always wished I could see images of the bag loaded, with details of what was in each pocket, so I could get a better grasp of how much the bag would hold for me. As a result I've taken some pictures of my bag as it is right now, with a list of what is in it.

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/Noedig12/Kata%20R-106/KataR-106open.jpg

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/Noedig12/Kata%20R-106/KataR-106openandtitled.jpg

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc324/Noedig12/Kata%20R-106/KataR-106contents.jpg


And, to be honest, I could easily fit a few more things in there. I've had no problem adding the power supply and mouse for my laptop, and could jam in more P2 cards and batteries if need be.

I am real happy with my Kata R-106... I just grab it, sling it over my shoulder... and away I go. Well worth the money.

Mark

[trich]

Kata R-103. Our HVX200 fits just fine in it; you don't have to take anything off. Good protection, plenty of room for a power supply, 4 batts, RGB and XLR cables, 4 P2 cards, headphones, lens cleaner/tissue, a slimline laptop (that gets a little tight) and Barry Green's HVX Bible in the back pocket (don't leave home without it).

It has connection points for strapping things onto the outside (like an umbrella, a radio, or a tripod). Get some bungees, carabiners, and Velcro straps. Might be a bit smaller than the 106 pictured above, but it is a great backpack.

[RickyNorris]

I'll throw out there that I've been lugging my HPX170, with sticks and pretty much all my gear in a CineBags (http://www.cinebags.com/) CB-25 Backpack around Africa and it has been perfect, its supportive (mine loaded is about 30 pounds) and durable. As well as very well priced and good dudes.

[AmyO]

I just used that Cinebags pack on a trip to Texas. HPX-170, mic, batteries, P2 cards, Canon Rebel with additional zoom lens, various other accessories, and 17" MacBook Pro. A bit heavy fully loaded, but I appreciated having a backpack style bag going through the airport rather than an over the shoulder bag. I will say it was a snug fit in the overhead bin (737 and A320 planes). On a smaller plane, you might have to do gate-side check in.

[thekeygun]

How is the cinebag vs. the kata bag with rain protection?

[alexdias]

Having used both bags I'll side with the kata since it's way more discreet.
There're a lot of great features on the Cinebag but the design screams expensive gear form 3 miles away, and that's a big no no for any professional shooter I've known.

[SBRJ]

I have 2 of the CineBags backpacks. I sold my Kata bags after I used the first backpack for a cross country shoot and never looked back. Here is what I lug around.

HVX-200 with Zacuto Baseplate rails and accessory plate. FireStore and holder. 2 Chargers. 4 Batteries. lectro mic kit. Senheiser mic kit headphones. ikan 8 inch monitor. Laptop. All the misc cables and connectors. It ways a ton when fully loaded like this but the straps are pretty comfortable.

As far as the rain coat goes. I like that they both provide a rain cover I really like that the Cine bags is built into the bag and you just pull it over the bag as needed.

I agree that the Kata bag doesn't stand out in a crowd as much but I've gotten a lot of positive attention from the new camo bags.

[alexdias]

"positive attention" that's one of my concerns :)

They are both great bags and they perform well under most circumstances.
You can't go wrong with any of these.
The choice in this case seems to be of personal taste and expectations.

[phasion]

is it a bad idea to put the camera face down, with the lens cover on the bottom of the backpack with the eyepiece on the top of the backpack?

i have a cinebags cb-25 and 200a

[Tokarsky]

is it a bad idea to put the camera face down, with the lens cover on the bottom of the backpack with the eyepiece on the top of the backpack?

i have a cinebags cb-25 and 200a
I just got a cb-25 in from B&H today for my HVX, also. I am sorta scared to put it in eyepiece down annnnd handle up actually... Anyone have a cb-25 fitted for an HVX200(a)??? It might help to see some photos.