Carry-on bag for Z1u/FX1?

Hello, video folk. I was wondering if any of you experienced travellers out there had suggestions for a carry-on case that would fit a Sony Z1u/FX1 w/accessories, plus a Sony A1u. Bonus points if it can also carry an SLR and a couple of lenses.

I'm travelling with video for the first time, and need guidance!

Eric Ive been traveling with my Z1 for a while and I must say all the camera bags that fit it are quite big so finding one that fits the Fx1/Z1, an Hc1 and an SLR system is gonna probably be out of the question for carryon, from what Ive seen.

I currently travel with the Z1, an HC1, a 20D system (2 lenses) and a D200 system (3 lenses). The first bag I bought for the Z1 (made by Petrol) fit what I needed but didn not fit in all overhead compartments and left me in a few predicaments with grouchy flight attendants.

I currently pack the Z1 in a Kata CC-193 which was designed for the Z1 and DVX100 cameras. The HC1 along with the SLR systems (about 5-6 lenses) all fit in my Lowepro Dryzone 200. Ive been able to pack it all (pretty tight but perfect).

Hope this helps.

Mike

Eric,

Check out the offerings from portabrace.

Have been using them to transport our cameras for along time and can highly recomend them.

Peter

Eric,

i have devised a system for carrying my entire fx1 set up (camcorder, housing, lights, light arms, battery packs and lens). So far it hasn't gained any notice but who knows when it will. I have fitted an Eagle Creek Voyage 65L Backpack with foam (http://www.travelcountry.com/shop/Action/Vendor_Prod/CatId/65/ProdId/5536 ). It just fits all just barely. I think you would be able to get all the components (if you are not inlcuding the housing). With housing, the pack is maxed. Good thing about the set up is it is much cheaper than most "camera" bags, it is durable and it doesn't turn too many heads..."just a back pack". Also, it comes with a zip off external pack for the little stuff. Finally, it fits great in the overhead storage.

Shawn

Peter -- are the portabrace offerings one-camera setups? I've seen a lot of people using them.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I have to get something soon!

Here's what I'm thinking of now:

http://www.kata-bags.com/Item.asp?pid=243&...Id=1&ProdLine=1

(or, the updated MC-61, which B&H has)

It will carry a notebook computer as well, which is key for me. I can use my existing photo backpack to carry an additional HDV camera (smaller one), plus SLR body, lenses, and flash.

Man. This is getting complicated.

Eric,

Either the Kata or the Portabrace would carry the items you mention. I looked at the Kata previously but decided to stay with the Portabrace. ( the shoulder strap is particularly serious )

Air crews seem to be familiar with them as carryon that is full of valuable delicate equipment - I have never been hassled about one of these bags on a commercial flight . In fact often they identify you as film crew and give less obvious considerations (leg room is important for me - upgrades are great - smiles and drinks appreciated )

Depending on the housing you have - it may be possible to remove the handles from the housing and carry it ( with the camera inside ) in the bag. That would still leave the pockets and sleeves available for whatever you need - just dont go near the scales.

One thing I like about the Kata is the notebook pocket. The Portabrace looks serious, but it looks like it is designed to carry the camera w/accessories, without a space for larger items like a notebook computer?

Can someone post a photo of a packed Portabrace bag?

Hi Eric,

As you know, I'm a big fan of the Kata bags. They are very tough and light. I was complaining last weekend about mine not having a good suspension system - well, it looks like they've released two new models w/ good shoulder straps and hip belts.

Cheers

James

Shawnh, do you think I could fit a Phenom with dual lighting in that backpack WITH an external Amphibico monitor?

Eric,

I use a Lowe Pro / Pro-Roller 1 which works pretty well. It fits in the overhead compartment of the airplanes and has never given me a problem. It is going to be snug to fit all that equipment, but I think it will work... No UW-housing though :-)

It is at least worth to check it out.

When I do not use it for photo/video equipment I have used it fto fly with essential dive gear (3 regulators, 40 or 60lbs wing, wetnotes, Bottomtimer, Compass, 13.5 A/18w HID light, 2 backup lights, charger, 2 masks, etc.) When I use it for Dive gear I remove the photo-insert, and use the wing for "padding", which gives me a little more room. As you can see, it has room for quite a bit of gear.

Anders

Well I need the case to carry the Phenom housing, Phenom dual lighting/battery pack and external monitor.....the FX1 goes inside the housing while packed.

Dave,

If you are using the Amphico lighting system (very cool but large) and the montor (also large) I would say no. But, Eagle Creek has the Voyage 70L (http://www.eaglecreek.com/10053.html) that I think would get the job done and still squeek by the sniff test. I was checking this pack out at the airport and wondering if the additional space would have been worth it.

The other option I am sure you consdired is to carry on's. I use a back pack (housing et al) and shoulder bag (laptop, dive computers, accessories). your second piece may already be used up by the rebreather i am guessing.

-shawn

But will the larger Voyager bag still be a carry-on...that is the question...

If I have any room left over, I was going to put my rebreathers' electronics which are reasonably compact....

Dave,

my observation was yes, it would fit...still more compact than most roller bags. it would come down to how you packed it.

shawn

One thing that could be easier is to stop buying so much bloody equipment.

I mean, what are you guys the spoilt kids in the playground

Dive safe

Dean (not jealous in anyway) B