Found great bag for XF300/305

[C. Keiser]

Good people of the DVX User forums,

After ineffectually seeking solutions on this forum for overhead-bin-capable bags, to carry an XF300, I found the answer in my own studio. In my defense I hadn't discovered this before as I don't currently own these cameras. The fine folks at Canon Professional Services in Singapore were kind enough to bring me a demo unit before I ditch my Panasonics.

Behold the "fits like a glove" accommodation that the LowePro TrekkerPro AV provides. This is the wheelie version. It's been in over 200 overhead bins (to the amazement of many airline folks who've sworn that it would never fit. All while carrying an HVX200 and a 15" MBPro along with hard drives, shotgun mics, cans, and various other bits.

While it looks like the shotgun mount surpasses the interior dimension of the bag, it closes quite cleanly and doesn't appear to be under stress. Of course, these type of mounts always stress me. I am sure that I will break one any day now.

Still, if anyone can tell me if the Kata OMB74 will fit into an overhead bin, I would appreciate the info.

Best to all,
Christopher

PS. Cannot figure out how to remove my previous "Kata OMB" thread. Little help?

 

[cowpunk52]

Nice bag! Looks like you can fit a lot of stuff into it. The shotgun mount comes off pretty easily if you're ever worried about it.

I'm currently using the Kata Capsule 183 with my XF, and it works a treat as a carry-on for air travel. I don't have any experience with the OMB74, however.

 

[C. Keiser]

Cowpunk,

Two reasons I am happy that you replied.

1. Was starting to wonder why everyone read my inquiries but never responded (maybe my breath?)
2. Pleased to know that the shotgun mount is easily removable, how about easily replaced (sourced for purchase?)

It's so hard to know what bag will be good until you've spent time working with it.

Appreciate the Kata Capsule rec. Already own one of the Porta-Brace quickdraw bags. Bought my first one for my first XL1 back in 97' or 98'.

Currently rolling with the LowePro as it has built in wheels, built in rain cover, and carries my MacBookPro. And yes, I can get so much stuff into it I am impressed every time.

Once again, thanks for the reply. Gonna go order the camera now (B&H online ordering was down for one of their multitudes of holiday closings). How many extra batts for a day of shooting?

-Christopher

 

[cowpunk52]

I don't know about the XF cameras, but the shotgun mount on my old XHA1 broke once. I called Canon and they sent me a new one for $80. A little pricier than I had hoped, but I got it replaced pretty easily.

I have 3 extra batteries, and it's more than enough for at least a few days of constant shooting. I have 1 Lenmar long life battery and 2 Canon BP-970's in addition to the battery that came with the cam. I usually use one of the BP-970's in a Microbeam on-cam LED.

While I do recommend the Kata Capsule as a great general bag - it won't hold quite as much extra gear as your LowePro up there. There is, unfortunately, no room for a laptop in the capsule.

 

[C. Keiser]

Cowpunk,

I ordered my XF300 yesterday, should take a week to get from NY to Singapore and get through customs.

Once it does, I'll load it up in the LowePro bag with all my must have on board with me stuff, and post a picture or two.

I also ordered the Kata OMB74 as it only cost $120 bucks right now.
RE: Batteries, I ordered 4. Can never be too safe on the road.

Laptop carrying is essential for my work. I do a lot of shoot, edit, compress, post online within an hour or so. Witness the linked video which was posted less than an hour after I shot it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cov28eGk_bY&feature=player_embedded

Looking forward to the XF300,
-Keiser

 

[Rickl4]

Which LowePro bag?

Which LowePro bag?

Keiser-
Which bag did you get? I searched for "LowePro TrekkerPro AV" and couldn't find it on the LowePro site.

Looks and sounds like a great bag.
Thanks
Rick

 

[C. Keiser]

Rick,

It appears that the rather inelegant product name is currently "Rolling CompuTrekker Plus AW".

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Rolling-CompuTrekker-Plus-AW,2023,17.htm

I've only shouldered it a few times when fully loaded, for skiing and running through airports. I can also attest that it is quite stable while running on it's wheels, as I've done this more times than I wish to recount.

I cannot tell you how many flights it's been on (into the hundreds) and it looks as new.

Sometimes when packed to the gills, it is necessary to remove my laptop so that it will fit into the overhead.

For these reasons, I was greatly relieved when i realized that the XF300 would fit into it so well.

Your milage/km may vary.

Regards,
Christopher

 

[C. Keiser]

More details about my favorite carry-all

More details about my favorite carry-all

Rick and others,

Thought I'd give some better pics now that I own a copy of the camera.

Please note, the contents include:
4 high-cap batteries and charger (not visible)
Sennheiser ME-66 shotgun mic with batt capsule enclose in two screens
Tram lav in plastic box
Sennheiser Evolution transceiver and receiver + lav (in the Altoids tin)
Sennheiser Evo handheld mic with butt plug (always fun to say)
Sony MDR-7506 cans (headphones)
LitePanels LP Micro light
2 XLR cables (for shotgun and wireless receiver)
1 XLR 5 meter cable (exterior pocket)
15" MacBook Pro and power adapter (exterior pocket)
1 Patagonia rain shell (for me not the camera, also exterior pocket)
1 PortaBrace rain slicker (for camera, ext pocket)
Batteries for wireless and LitePanels
Condoms and chewing gum (again for me, not camera)
Forgot to include a FW hard drive in the photo, but just tested one and it fits easily.

This is why I love traveling with this bag so much. Occasionally, airline staff will insist that I cannot take the bag onboard with me. Once I open the main compartment and exaggerate the value of the contents, they wave me on. Your km/milage may vary.

-Christopher