In Broadcast June 2012 - 51

ISSUE 9 - JUNE 2012 | WWW.INBROADCAST.COM

InGEAR
Protective Covers Hold All The Aces Cont.
A Bag For All Seasons
Intended as an all-purpose kit holder, Cambo c a m B a g Combo is waterproof, professionally tailored, and large enough to carry a RED Epic or Canon C300. It’s one of the many dependable general usage carriers available to camera operators today. Whether it’s a Westcott skrim carrier, or an HPRC rugged long case for holding jib arms, there’s bound to be the ideal size, exact shape and perfectly constructed bag or case for every item of equipment. The question is, however, at what point does the investment in boxes start to exceed the price of the broadcast technology itself? After all, with companies such as Blackmagic Design developing 2K cinema cameras at under $3000, there is the potential for the bag to add 10% to the cost of the original purchase. While a $500 case is insigniﬁcant alongside a $50,000 camera purchase, surely the psychology changes when the price of technology falls lower and lower while the cost of the accessories is unchanging.

SKB’s 14U lightweight, ruggedised shock rack

accommodates a Zaxcom Nomad or Sound Devices SD 788 mixer with a CL8 controller and offers easy access to the SD522 mixer’s SD card slot. There is free access to all mixer panels at the side, back and top. A transparent top window allows easy viewing of controls. By making the technology portable and not getting in the way of its operation, it’s the kind of holdall that actually enhances the product it contains. Also introduced at the event, Petrol’s diminutive Portable Digital Recorder Pouch holds the Zoom H4N, Tascam DR-100 and DR40 audio devices. Its transparent polyurethane maintains maximum visibility while shielding the recorder’s front panel and top external microphones. Its top ﬂap can be folded back when microphones need to be used. Openings on the sides and rear offer free access to the recorder’s side controls and bottom XLR connectors. A hinged panel on the rear of the PS615 lifts up to expose the back of the recorder, enabling quick and easy connection to an external mounting arm. The bottom is reinforced with a strap of durable black nylon. A handy back belt clip keeps the pouch and recorder close at hand while working. This attention to detail and level of ingenuity puts most iPhone case manufacturers to shame. Meanwhile Kata introduced the Pro-V-610 PL backpack for large HDV camcorders or HDSLR video. Opening up the sack reveals an all purpose work mat that can be

unfurled so that all the equipment can be taken out of the V-610 and laid out for instant use. The amount of kit that can be held in the padded backpack is then revealed. Users can stow away a veritable Aladdin’s cave of equipment in its many compartments, from cameras and laptops, to lenses, batteries and ﬁlters. As with many Kata units, it comes with an innovative rain protector that doubles as a sun shade with a fast-reversible silver side. Kata also revealed its LW lighting bags. They are far lighter than a hard case yet have a structure that can withstand signiﬁcant weights – perfect for the hold of an aircraft. With built-in wheels, passage t h ro u g h airport terminals becomes less of a burden.

Petrol Liteporter

To compensate, bags and cases are becoming smarter, stronger, lighter, more user-friendly and more durable. Only time will tell if the industry is willing to continue spending on specialist equipmentspeciﬁc containers over lower cost, general purpose holders. (This is balanced out by getting crucial kit to the shoot in good working order – Editor) ■

Petrol Deca audio bag, wired for sound

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In Broadcast June 2012

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