AC90: Case/Bag Recommendation

D

dmwc

New member
Hi everyone,
I bought the AC-90 last month and, going by B&H's measurements on the size of the camera, I also purchased a bag to carry it in (the CineBags Skinny Jimmy). The only problem is B&H's measurements are for the camera without the mic holder attached. The bag wasn't tall enough, so I returned it. So I eventually ordered a different bag, a Kata CC-197 PL, which I knew the cam would fit inside. When I received it, I discovered it was HUGE, way bigger than I expected, and I don't really have anywhere to keep such a monster sized bag, so it went back as well.

Camera bags are hard to visualize using tiny photos and a list of measurements on a website. For a couple of bags, I haven't even been able to find photos of the interior. The nearest places to look at any bags/cases that would fit the AC-90 in person are 3 - 4 hours away, so I'm kinda stuck looking online, but there are a ton of choices and I'm not in love with any of them.

What bags/carrying cases are other AC-90 owners using? I need something that isn't gigantic, but tall enough to leave the mic holder attached, and preferably with dividers and/or pouches to hold spare batteries, charger, filters, SD cards, etc. Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Doug
 
not an answer to your question, but i do wonder why they made the microphone holder like this. why not just add a second hotshoe (or: coldshoe)? do they expect us to have screwdrivers at hand all the time? with a second hotshoe you can mount anything, a light, a micholder, recorder.. and you can take it off with ease.
i am now searching for some little shoe mount that i can fix to these screw holes.
 
The Kata Capsules are indeed very good soft cases. You just need to get a larger model, as ataxelramofsanquintin suggested.

I made the exact same mistake myself in ordering my Kata, so I have to remove my microphone when transporting my AC130. I admit that it is somewhat inconvenient.
 
I decided to go incognito with my case and I am using a rolling duffel bag that I padded. I got lucky and found a discontinued Skullcandy with 6 pockets at Target for under $30 which has I would have preferred a name brand like the Kata, but I wanted something bigger and less obvious. I don't like the microphone holder either. It messes up with my 312 LED panel too. I live with it, but I don't like it. I have a Pelican 1510 case for airline travel and I would have to take the mic attachment to make it fit in that.
 
Axelramofsanquintin (can I call you Axel?), I like the looks of the Kata Capsule bag, but I see that the interior dimensions given for it say it is only 8.3" high, when the AC-90 with mic holder is about 9". Obviously, if you're using it the AC-90 must fit. Does it have any space between the top of the bag and the mic holder, or does the holder press up against the bag? And is that price for real? The seller has good Amazon feedback ratings, for the most part, but other sellers are selling the same bag for $149.99. Even Amazon itself is selling it for $106. That makes me worry the $41 is too good to be true.

This is why I really wish I could just go to a store and look at the bags. I wish I lived closer to B&H :)
 
@dmwc

$41 on the Kata Capsule from LCD4video is a killer deal. I bought my first 10 months ago for $46.00 and the second 3 months ago for $43.00 from the same vendor thru eBay. It even comes with a free rain cover for the bag and designed so that you can mount the covered bag in a trolley.

actual height inside is 9 3/4", same reason even my AC130 with a Manfrotto 501 PL plate for a height of 9 1/2" it still fits.

I made the same mistake as others trying to find the ideal size. So first i ordered the -183, then I thought its not the right size so I returned/exchanged it to the next size. The next size is way too big, can't have it as hand-carry when traveling by air. I returned the bigger model and reordered the -183. I used the -183 carrying my AC130 in two domestic air trips and I am very pleased with the features.

AC90 with a Azden SGM PDII inside the Kata Capsule 183. Excuse the orientation, it flips this way every time I exported the file.

photo.jpg
 

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I just ordered it too. And since the bag is such a good price, I think I'll also get an LED light with my savings :) Thanks for the recommendation, info, and photos axelramofsanquintin!
 
New Chrome Niko Backpack came in time for an out of town shoot. Had no problem fitting what I needed plus some extras. We'll see how it holds up this weekend.


IMG_1061.jpgIMG_1062.jpg
 
Your Kata Capsule 183 looks like a perfect fit for my AC90... I also want to leave my shotgun mic mounted... BUT my mike is a Rode NTG-1, about 2.5 inches longer than your Azden... is there enought room for my longer mic? My camera and mic (with EVF folded up) is 16 inches long. (Your images really help, but I cannot tell if the "battery end" on the camera is up against the case.)

Thanks for any advice you can give me.
 
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I'm using a Kata 193 with my AC90 and it does fit with an NTG-1 mounted. It's a tight fit height wise with the mic on though. The pics on the previous page make me think that the 183 may have a little more height available.
 
Can someone share with me when you received the Kata Capsule 183, is the box/packaging is just big enough to contain 1 bag or is it big enough to contain 2 bags?
 

@JBCoons - I tried with the evf pointing up and it has 2.5" - 3" available with my Azden mic (measured with foam). if evf in horizontal position thats about 1"-1.5" of space. I am using the available space in front of AC-130 for my Lumix G5 with kit lens, 144 LED lights on the sides.

I just bought my 3rd @$39.00 and finally I figured out why the rain cover that comes with it looks small when in fact it is the right size. For those who ordered the 183 and don't know yet how to use the rain cover, heres how: the bag should be inserted on it side with the Kata side pocket first. The other side where you will insert the bag into a trolley system should have the opening strap where it is exposed. Try it with your travel trolley and you will be surprised the idea works. there are two opening slots provided for the shoulder straps.

@littletiger2010 - the box size from my last order was 22" X 17" X 10" , one bag with bubble packs
 
axelramofsanquintin said:

144 LED lights on the sides.
Click to expand...

@axelramofsanquintin - off topic, but wondering what is the brand/model of your 144 LED lights? I'm a newbie and just bought the AC90, and wanted to know about the brand of lights that you mentioned. Thanks.

Regarding the mic mount on the AC90, it's definitely designed incorrectly on this camera. Hopefully, that mic mount won't be easily damaged if I leave it attached by the screws while in the Kata Capsule 183. Any thoughts about that issue?
 
I went with the Pearstone DVC777 and have been really happy with it. The AC90 is so much smaller than alot of other comparable/slightly higher end models and I found alot of the other bags were just a bit to bulky for this particular camera. This bag is nice and small, fits the camera securely and provides additional room for your main accessories. The side pocket is quite small and narrow but it's still there for a few smaller additions.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/566270-REG/Pearstone_DVC777_Digital_Video_Camcorder_Bag.html
 
I realise this thread is quite old But are their any updates for appropriates cases (I'm based in the UK)

Thanks
 
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