Cinema camera bags come in all different shapes and sizes, and while it may seem like a daunting task choosing the right one to carry and protect your gear, it doesn’t have to be.
First, you’ll need to decide on the type of bag you are looking for. Is it a backpack? shoulder bag? hard case? or perhaps something with wheels.
Another thing to consider, especially if you plan to travel by air, is to make sure that it’s an airline approved size (fits in the overhead bin), because you most likely won’t want to check your bag in at the gate.
The material the bag is made out of is also an important consideration.
Backpacks and shoulder bags are usually nylon, but even then, there are multiple nylon options such as ballistic or resin coated, whereas hard cases are formed with hard plastic and offer greater protection from weather and other mishaps.
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In terms of internal storage, most cinema camera bags come with flexible dividers within the main pocket. In most, if not all cases, these dividers can be repositioned or removed allowing you to configure the bag’s interior storage according to your needs.
So, with all that in mind, we’ve put together a list of our five our of best-selling cinema camera bags and cases to help you decide.
Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader
Available in small, medium and large versions, each Manfrotto Pro Light Cineloader bag is made of water-repellent RipStop nylon/polyester fabric with reinforcement yarn to keep it lightweight and deliver consistently high performance. Although slightly flexible, the bag feels sturdy enough to keep your equipment well protected.
With a 43L volume and tested for a payload of 25kg, the high-capacity large model is designed not only to carry a camcorder but also your cargo and everything else vital to set.
With a 28L volume and 15kg payload capacity, the Pro Light Cineloader Medium is designed to fit a fully rigged camcorder plus accessories. It’s the ideal choice for video-journalist crews or solo videographers.
Boasting 14L volume and able to accommodate a 10kg payload, the smallest is also the lightest and most compact, perfect for video-journalists on the go or for the one-man-band requiring only a light setup.
Despite their obvious differences, they’re all based on the same design concept, featuring a large top opening, three side pockets plus a window on the side for documents, labels and business cards. The main compartment is large enough to accommodate a fully assembled camera with a lens, camera cage and additional accessories.
Features
- Top lid in thermoformed EVA to provide protection
- Top lid compartment with transparent mesh zippered pockets
- M-Guard protective technology with splittable dividers
- Modular and stackable construction with rollers connection system
- Coated bottom
Tenba Cineluxe v2 Shoulder Bag 24
Designed specifically for filmmakers and DP’s, Tenba’s Cineluxe Collection was the first to bring a “doctor bag” style opening to backpacks and a carry-on compatible rolling cases providing easy access to all your gear.
With interior storage space measuring 51cm (20 in) width and 30cm (12 in) depth, the Cineluxe v2 Shoulder Bag 24 will accommodate professional camcorders, cinema cameras and ENG rigs even with accessories such as monitors, baseplates and matte boxes attached.
The “doctor bag” design features single zipper access providing an extra wide opening allowing for easy access to the gear inside.
Removable/repositionable interior flex-core dividers feature aluminum reinforcement that provide flexible, yet rigid protection for cameras and lenses.
On the outside, there is a large zippered pouch on the front and a smaller pouch on one side for storing accessories.
Built for both durability and weather resistance, the exterior of the bag is made of water-repellent 1680D ballistic nylon, while the interior features ripstop nylon construction.
The bag also features straps and webbing a made of seatbelt-grade material, YKK® zippers and heavily-reinforced stitching.
Features:
- Ideal for Camcorders/Cine Camera & ENG Rigs
- 61 x 35.5 x 36 cm (24 x 14.25 x 14″) Exterior
- 51-53 x 30 x 33 cm (20-21 x 12 x 13″) Interior
- 3.3-4.4 kg (7.2-9.3 lbs) Weight
- Airline Approved
- Ballistic Nylon Material Construction
- Quick Access Via Zipper Down The Middle
- Water & Abrasion Resistant Base
- Top & Side Handle
Tenba Cineluxe Backpack 24
Designed specifically for filmmakers and DP’s, Tenba’s Cineluxe Collection was the first to bring a “doctor bag” style opening to backpacks and a carry-on compatible rolling cases providing easy access to all your gear.
With interior storage space measuring 28cm (11 in) width and 30cm (12 in) depth, the Cineluxe Backpack 24 will accommodate professional camcorders, cinema cameras and ENG rigs even with accessories such as monitors, baseplates and matte boxes attached.
The “doctor bag” design features single zipper access providing an extra wide opening allowing for easy access to the gear inside.
Removable/repositionable interior flex-core dividers feature aluminum reinforcement that provide flexible, yet rigid protection for cameras and lenses.
On the outside, there is a large zippered pouch on the front for storing accessories.
Built for both durability and weather resistance, the exterior of the bag is made of water-repellent 1680D ballistic nylon, while the interior features ripstop nylon construction.
The bag also features Tenba’s ventilated Airflow back panel and Pivot-Fit™ harness straps that automatically adjust for different shoulder and body types.
Features:
- Fits One Camcorder/Cine Camera
- 34 x 61 x 36 cm (13.5 x 24 x 14″) Exterior
- 28 x 53 x 30 cm (11 x 21 x 12″) Interior
- 3.4-3.9 kg (7.6-8.7 lbs) Weight
- Airline Approved
- Ballistic Nylon Material Construction
- Quick Access Via Zipper Down The Middle
- Top & Side Handle
- Water & Abrasion Resistant Base
Built like a tank and designed for small to medium camcorders or compact cinema camera rigs, the Sachtler Doctor 1 bag features a wide doctor-style opening for rapid access to its spacious interior and easy removal of cameras with accessories attached.
It also boasts protective rigid internal dividers for custom configuration and a rugged nylon exterior to keep contents well protected and ensure long-term durability.
The padded shoulder strap and ergonomic handle make it easy to carry, side pockets make room for additional accessories and the shockproof laminate base safeguards everything from the unwanted effects of inevitable impacts.
Features:
- Fits Camera, Matte Box & Microphone
- 40 x 22 x 26 cm (15.7 x 8.7 x 10″) Exterior
- 34 x 18 x 22.5 cm (13.4 x 7 x 8.9″) Interior
- 1.9 kg (4.2 lbs) Weight
- Quick-Access Via Extra Wide Opening
- Removable Internal Rigid Dividers
Pelican 1510 Case w/ Dividers, Retractable Handle & Wheels
Billed as the “toughest and biggest FAA aproved airline-legal carry-on case on the market”, the Pelican 1510 case is the ultimate option to protect your gear.
Molded out of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer, this “unbreakable” case is not only watertight, airtight and dustproof, but chemical resistant and corrosion proof as well.
The exterior features a side and top handle, extension handle, double throw latches and two reinforced padlock protectors.
There is also an automatic purge value that allows for interior pressure equalization after exterior atmospheric pressure changes due to extreme changes of altitude or temperature.
The interior features padded, removeable/reconfigurable dividers that can be easily be replaced with different interior options including Pick N’ Pluck Foam, or the more rigid TrekPak dividers.
Features:
- Watertight & Crush/Dustproof Carry-on Case
- 56 x 35 x 23 cm (22 x 13.8 x 9″) Exterior
- 50 x 28 x 19 cm (19.75 x 11 x 7.6″) Interior
- 6.2 kg (13.61 lbs) Weight
- Airline Approved
- Double-Throw Latching System
- Retractable Rubber Over-molded Handle