Protect Your Camcorder and Accessories: Tips on Choosing a Suitable Camcorder Carrying Case

Protect Your Camcorder and Accessories: Tips on Choosing a Suitable Camcorder Carrying Case
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Before you buy the first generic camcorder bag you see, consider this checklist even if you’re only intending to use your camera for light indoor use.

Checklist

  1. Does the carrying case come with compartments of different sizes for storage of necessary accessories like batteries, chargers, tapes and memory cards? Is there a false bottom for extra storage and protection of your equipment?
  2. Does it give a flexible, adjustable shoulder strap (padded) and top mounted handle to make it easier for you to grab and go when the situation warrants?
  3. How durable or waterproof the bag is? Is it constructed of quality material that can offer adequate protection for your video equipment? How strong are the buckles, straps and zippers?

Size

The bag should be large enough to accommodate your camcorder. The whole idea is to keep your ‘baby’ stationary inside. At the same time, the compartment for the camcorder should be fitting enough not to allow it to move in any direction while it’s being transported.

Fitting as the main compartment should be, it should also allow for the quick removal of your camera when the situation demands.

Let’s now consider the different harmful elements the camcorder should be protected from.

Wind

Can your camcorder bag offer protection against tiny, unseen particles carried by the wind and protect your camcorder body and lens?

Dust

Dust can scratch your camera body or lens. Dust settling on your camcorder can also affect the smooth functioning or the parts. When accumulated dust comes into contact with water or moisture, turns into mud.

Sand

Would you be carrying your camcorder to the beach or desert? Sand could mar the finish of your camcorder and could get into important moving parts and lens.

For that reason, you should wipe your camcorder before putting it back into the carrying case after a day out at the beach or desert. Also put your camcorder back into the bag as soon as you’ve finished shooting, so that there’s no likelihood of sand coming into contact with the camcorder.

Moisture

Unless yours is a certified waterproof camera, water in the form of rain or snow, could cause serious damage to your camcorder. Can your camcorder case protect your camera against the heaviest of rains and blizzards? You should make sure you’re getting a good quality weatherproof bag, made of vinyl, plastic or nylon.

Impact Proof

What is the extent of impact the carrying case can withstand to protect your camcorder from damage. Something heavy may drop on it, in which case the top cover should be strong enough to protect it from damage. You may accidentally drop your camcorder carrying case. Is the bottom part strong enough to protect it?

Unpredictable Weather

You may have to use your camcorder in extreme weather conditions. The sun may be in a mood to punish everything around it. The weather may fall to a temperature below freezing point. Would the carrying case be ready for these extreme conditions?

Bag Maintenance

Once you’ve purchased your bag, use it for what it is designed for - to store and carry your camcorder and its accessories. Don’t use it as an emergency bag for carrying sports equipment or other items.

Packing bulky objects into your camcorder bag may expand its compartments and render them unusable for storing your camcorder and its accessories.

Read Tips for Choosing the Best Camera Bag for additional information.