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 CC-191N PL Video Case
Constructed out of high quality rip-stop nylon fabric the Manfrotto CC-19N PL fits a wide range of modular camera systems (eg. Sony FX6V or disassembled Canon C500 Mark II), classic HDV cameras and mirrorless cameras (eg. RED Komodo, Panasonic GH5 II, Canon EOS R series, etc.) as well as lenses and accessories.
Interior flexi dividers can be wrapped around camera bodies or extra lens and the bottom of the compartment made of specially shaped foam, provides additional shock absorption and vibration reduction protection.
A lens pillow that provides extra support to the lens area is also included.
The water-repelling outer shell provides protection from extreme weather conditions and top side dual-zippers providing easy access to the interior.
The exterior also features a full-length front pocket, providing space for small accessories, three handles (located on the top and on the sides) and a detachable padded shoulder strap.
Features:
- Designed for Professional Videographer
- 23 x 41 x 29 cm (9 x 16 x 11″) Exterior
- 20 x 39 x 23 cm (8 x 15 x 9″) Interior
- 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) Weight
- Airline Approved
- Nylon Material
- Dual Zippered Closure
- Flexi Dividers
- Top/Side Handle & Shoulder Strap
Tenba Cineluxe 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 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
Shimoda Carry-On Roller
The Shimoda Carry-On Roller was designed to meet most airline requirements and is compatible with Shimoda’s camera protecting Core Units and Accessory Cases.
It features a modular interior design that can be reconfigured by using Shimoda’s Core Units and like the Tenba bags above, features a “doctor’s bag” style extra wide opening.
Inside, there is enough room to accommodate up to two DSLR cameras and nine lenses (including 70-200mm zooms) or up to two DSLRs, five lenses and medium-sized drone kit when paired with the Large Core Unit (sold separately).
The added benefit of using the Core Unit is that it allows you to quickly transfer camera gear from the roller to a compatible Shimoda backpack in one go.
The exterior of the bag features a Carbonate Ether resin-coated shell that offers superior water resistance, and the wheels feature an aggressive tread that is as much at home on rough terrain as it is the concrete jungle of cities.
Finally, in addition to the telescoping handle, there are two other handles, one on the top and another on the front of the bag and the two side accessories pockets feature full-length zippers for easy access and storage.
Features:
- Carry-On Roller Camera Bag
- 39 x 52 x 25 cm (15.4 x 20.5 x 9.8″) Dimensions (Exterior)
- 30 x 45 x 20 cm (11.8 x 17.7 x 7.9″) Dimensions (Interior)
- 3.4 kg (7.4 lbs) Weight
- Airline Approved
- Resin coated Nylon Material Construction
- Water Resistant
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