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full screenprintcontentsfull screenprint22 VIDEOMAKER >>> NOVEMBER 2019
Best Camera Backpack
Think Tank BackLight Elite 45L
This video-focused backpack can hold a DSRL
or mirrorless camera body with attached lens,
along with several separate lenses, smaller ac-
tion cameras or even a small drone like the DJI
Mavic. The Think Tank BackLight Elite 45L can
accommodate lenses up to 600mm. The included
dividers allow you to safely store and organize all
that gear in a convenient wearable form factor.
Plus, the BackLight Elite gives you lots of ways
to quickly access your gear when you need it
with well-placed openings and lots of extra cargo
compartments and accessory loops. A water-
repellent coating and durable Sailcloth construc-
tion promise a lightweight, weather-resistant
pack, and quality zippers and clips should add to
the pack’s longevity. The Think Tank Backlight
Elite 45L retails for $400.Best Designer Camera Bag
Tenba DNA Messenger 15
Tenba’s DNA series features soft-sided bags made
of sturdy water repellent fabric with a waterproof
bottom. These rugged bags are great in the fi eld,
but are also quite fashionable on a corporateBest Hard Camera Case
Pelican 1510 Carry On Case with Divider
When it comes to hard cases, Pelican has a
wide offering of products in materials designed
for all uses including industrial, military and
even underwater use. Many of their larger size
cases include handles and wheels. Additionally,
Pelican cases are great for stacking. Pelican has
a great reputation for producing virtually inde-
structible cases, carrying a lifetime warranty.
Most of the cases are waterproof, dust-proof
and crush-proof. Additionally, many of the
cases feature O-rings as well as pressurization
valves. The specs for each case include impor-
tant factors such as weight limits for buoyancy.
While we can confi dently recommend most
cases from this brand, our pick for best hard
case goes to the Pelican 1510 Carry On Case.
This 22 x 13.8 x 9-inch case is designed to
travel with you. It meets current FAA carry
on requirements, so you don’t have to worry
about checking your valuable gear when fl ying.
For even easier transportation, the case also
features an extension handle and wheels in
addition to folding front and side handles. The
included dividers promise to help keep your
camera, lenses and other accessories organized.
The Pelican 1510 with Dividers retails for $230.The Pelican 1510 with Dividers retails for $230.Sachtler Dr. Bag-5Pelican 1510 Carry On Case with DividerThe Best Camera bags and Cases
390 Bags and Cases.indd 22 9/24/19 2:13 PMVIDEOMAKER >>> NOVEMBER 2019 23
between DSLR and my Micro Four Thirds (MFT)
cameras. Consider your unique circumstances
when choosing a bag or case, such as how you
intend to use it, the amount of gear you will be
carrying in the bag, the quality of its craftsman-
ship, and the amount of money you have avail-
able to spend.
To start, there are two basic types of cases —
hard and soft. Each has its own benefi ts as well
as specifi c disadvantages. Initially, narrowing
down your purchasing decision to a hard or soft
case may save you a lot of time as you search
for the case that’s right for you and your gear.Hard camera cases
The fi rst obvious advantage of hard cases is
that they are crush proof. However, cases are
only impact resistant to a certain degree. Some
manufacturers will include impact resistance
information in their specifi cations.
Hard cases are great for storing and transport-
ing gear because they offer more durability and
more protection in challenging environments
like snow, water, dust and sand. They also tend
to be stackable, which is great for storing lots
of gear in really small spaces. Plus, many of the
larger hard cases have telescoping handles and
wheels for easy transport.
Hard cases typically feature high-impact
plastic polymers, which are lighter in weight
than wood or metal but still incredibly
durable. Many cases have a way to attach a
padlock without compromising their airtightBest Camera Backpack
Think Tank BackLight Elite 45L
This video-focused backpack can hold a DSRL
or mirrorless camera body with attached lens,
along with several separate lenses, smaller ac-
tion cameras or even a small drone like the DJI
Mavic. The Think Tank BackLight Elite 45L can
accommodate lenses up to 600mm. The included
dividers allow you to safely store and organize all
that gear in a convenient wearable form factor.
Plus, the BackLight Elite gives you lots of ways
to quickly access your gear when you need it
with well-placed openings and lots of extra cargo
compartments and accessory loops. A water-
repellent coating and durable Sailcloth construc-
tion promise a lightweight, weather-resistant
pack, and quality zippers and clips should add to
the pack’s longevity. The Think Tank Backlight
Elite 45L retails for $400.Best Designer Camera Bag
Tenba DNA Messenger 15
Tenba’s DNA series features soft-sided bags made
of sturdy water repellent fabric with a waterproof
bottom. These rugged bags are great in the fi eld,
but are also quite fashionable on a corporateshoot. DNA Messenger bags come in several
different sizes, colors and widths. Their DNA
Messenger 15 has a removable, padded insert
that protects a MFT camera system with three
to fi ve lenses or a DSLR with two to three lenses
(including a DSLR with an attached 24-70mm 2.8
lens); the bag can also fi t a 15-inch laptop and a
tablet. The DNA Messenger 15 has a reversible
weather wrap that has a silver side to refl ect the
heat or a black side to keep your gear toasty in
the winter. Available for $170, this versatile bag
should provide you with options for a variety of
shooting occasions.Factors we considered
In general, a one-size-fi ts-all purchasing ap-
proach for bags and cases will probably leave
you disappointed. Filmmakers often own and
use more than a dozen bags and cases at a time.
Why so many? The bag for your camcorder is
different than the backpack for your DSLR. And
we wouldn’t transport a drone in a case designed
for a cinema camera.
Occasionally, we’ll swap out gear if we’re
in need of a case for a specifi c activity, but the
gear needs to be similar — like exchanging bagsdurable. Many cases have a way to attach a
padlock without compromising their airtightPelican 1510 Carry On Case with Divider Think Tank BackLight Elite 45LTenba DNA Messenger 15390 Bags and Cases.indd 23 9/24/19 2:13 PM