Kata back pack vs CineBag 20?

kenackr

kenackr

Well-known member
I've decided to go with a back pack for my local shooting and thanks to the previous posts seen here, the KATA rc-103 rucksack is an obvious contender and so is the CineBag (CB) 20 back pack.

The nearest place that stocks either or both is a 10 hour drive (one way) from me and consequently direct hands-on comparison is not possible in this situation.

I'm hoping that someone out there may have seen both and can advise which you would choose to put your DVX into to lug around and why.

Even if you haven't seen both, I feel I know a lot less about CineBag that KATA.

Further, if you have any other pros or cons with back packs vs other soft bags, I'd like to hear those.

I do use a matte box and realize that it will probably have to be taken off to carry in a back pack.


Ken :smile:
 
Ken,

I recently got a Kata HB-207 and love it. I did a lot of research and also looked at the CineBag. As far as I could tell, the CineBag does not offer nearly as much protection for your camera as a Kata bag would. The 207 protects from heat, cold, moisture, and dust. The design is awesome, I'm still finding pockets. My camera snuggly fits in it, which I like. I definately feel safe hauling my DVX around in the Kata bag. I would recommend them over the CineBags.
 
I own several pieces of equipment from Kata and love them. However, a few users in this forum reported the DVX fits a bit tight in the R-103 despite the pictures Kata publish on their website.

Lutnik
 
I checked out those "camera" bags and decided they were way over-priced. So ended up getting this:

$80 Lookout Backpack from REI
http://www.rei.com/online/store/Pro...26&parent_category_rn=4500509&vcat=REI_SEARCH

$25 Pelican Foam Set for 1510 case
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=330234&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

$2 Plastic Core found at any art supply store

I got the backpack and realized that my Pelican 1510 foam insert fit perfectly into the backpack. I already had plucked the foam so that it fit the camera (DVX100a) so I was set. After a few test trials of walking around the city and hiking, it needed a little reinforcement. Picked up some plastic core at a art supply store for like $2.00 and cut up bottom and side panels to go on the sides of the foam to stiffen the pack. So for roughly $100 I got a pack that is not only very comfortable, but fits all the gear I need to bring with me. I can send you photos of all the compartments and how it looks with all my gear in there if you'd like. (better yet I can send you video) Also if I need to, I can even fit a laptop and external hard drive in there.

The best $100 I've spent this year.
 
All,

Thanks for the feedback so far. I do have an REI near me so I can take a peek at that one.

I especially like that you can carry a hydration pack with the REI.

On the other hand, Kata does have a great reputation for good bags and I might lean towards sewn in foam padding rather than hand placed that can and will move around.

Ben - Does your 207 allow the DVX to be carried horizantally in the bag or does it have vertical orientation like the 103 ruck sack and CB 20 do? Can't say I'm wild about carrying the DVX in a vertical position.

Ken :smile:
 
Its a vertical orientation, and I understand the concern. I was worried about it too. But the bottom of the pack is heavily reinforced, and you can adjust the internal compartments in such a way that the DVX fits very snug, which further reduces any concerns I would have carrying it around. Now that I've had the bag and used it, any worries I had about the vertical orientation have disappeared. I also didn't mention that the backpack allows for many adjustments to get the fit on your back comfortable. It distributes the weight very well. It also comes with a tripod holding system. Don't know if that helps.
 
Whzkid,

Thanks for the tip!

I was considering DV rack, but I decided I want to stay Mac based on video 'cause I already have Final Cut, Motion, Livetype, Sound Track, etc and a mac to run it on.

If one of the other members here who is working on a mac mac version, gets it out on the street and the reviews are good, I'll probably go with that.

At the moment, I tend to be shooting local events for a local TV station singlehanded and move in crowds quite a bit. The back pack will make it easier to keep all my gear with me and not have to worry if it's safe and still be hands free. The point is that for this style of shooting, I think a back pack will work better for me than a production case like Panasonic's.

Ken
 
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Ben,

One more question.

I looked at the info on Kata's site about the 207 and I also went to REI and looked at the "Kelty" redwing 3100 cc bag that looks quite similar on the exterior (it was $100 and was the next higher grade/brand than Ian mentioned) and also has a multitude of pockets and can carry a tripod too.

The question is this:

Does the Kata 207 have foam padding (TST as they call it) sewn into the exterior front & back casings as protection for what ever is inside or is it just fabric? (The Kelty is basically a denier fabric shell.) I could not tell on Kata's site if the "TST" padding was on the inside of the front & back covers.

I realize the Kata has the internal modular dividers for edge padding to separate objects on the same plane.

Thanks!

Ken :smile:
 
Hey Ken,

Ben is right on. I have a Kata HB-207 and it rocks. Im finding new pockets too! haha This bag is just the right size to fit in overhead airplane bins and I have fit 2 DVX's plus mics, 2 slrs and 4 lenses and a laptop! It distributes the weight very well so you wont get tired from lugging it around. If you're carrying quit a bit of equipment I highly recommend you look into it. You can also get a caddy for it, but I have never needed one and it would just be more weight to carry in the long run. And yes the camera compartment is padded all around and the bottom is of the bag is a hard plastic of some sort. Good luck finding your bag!
 
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