Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have been a photographer for over thirty years and I was in the wholesale professional photographic equipment business for about twenty. I now photograph wild birds in some of the harshest environments on earth so when I review an item like this I like to put it through the wringer. And that is just what I did.
First: I like the look and the basic design of the bag. The velcro for the top flap is really heavy duty. It is a good substitute for zippers IF you are using the orange bag inside of the case. The orange protection bag can be pulled out and the insert with the dividers can be reinserted without the water resistant bag. There is space for memory cards and filters just above where the top lid attaches to the case, but no where else. The backpack-type strap is unique and I liked it, although it took some getting used to. The interior space is surprisingly small considering the size of the bag. However, I don't believe that this was designed to be an "all-purpose" camera bag (as are most Tenbas and Lowe Pros). This was made for transporting equipment (photo or otherwise) into really wet environments. So that's what I tested it for.
I used the orange "bag" for all of the water tests. I stuffed the interior dividers with colored paper (I was not up for risking my own photo gear) that turns really dark when exposed to the slightest bit of moisture. Next, I took it outside and took out my garden hose and my trusty eight-way spray nozzle.
I started with the "mist" setting and held the nozzle just two feet from the bag and sprayed all around it for about 20 minutes. If you have ever been close to a great falls you have an idea of what I was testing for. The bag wipes off surprisingly well. The paper was completely dry. Success #1.
Second I used a setting that would simulate a pretty good rain storm. Since I have been caught in these many times with my own camera bag in the past (including in the rain forest of Peru and a down-pour in a South Florida that I thought would never end) I felt that one hour was just about the right amount of time. I noticed some water inside of the case itself but not inside of the orange bag. It was still dry inside. Success #2.
Now, I wouldn't have subjected the bag to this last test if it were not for the photo on the tag that showed the bag being submerged in water. I wanted to see how well the Camera Armor bag protected gear from an accidental fall into water. This has happened to me several times in my life and I have ended up damaging a Hassleblad, two Leicas and ruining a favorite view camera lens. Time for a dip in the pool!
I stood near the edge of the four foot deep part of a community swimming pool and imagined that I had a brand new Canon 50D (yet to be released at this time) and about $5000 in lenses in the bag. I "lost" my balance, fell into the water and immediately raised the bag out of the pool as quickly as I would have if it had been for real. Wow! No paper inside of the bag was even a little bit wet. However, if I had memory cards in the space that I think they were meant to be they would have been subjected to a drowning unless they were in their own little plastic cases. Success #3!
I took out the colored paper and stuck white paper inside it now. I took it to a dry field and almost covered it with dirt and sand. Again, the interior of the bag had dirt in it, but not the protective orange bag. Success #4. I was tired and gave up in any further torture.
This is a GREAT bag for what it is designed for and worth the cost. But I have to be honest and say that this model should not be considered a "Pro" bag. There just isn't enough room for even enough gear for a day trip. Also, it is hard to get in and out of when using the orange bag. Where I think that this bag fits in is as a way for adventurists to carry a modest amount of sensitive gear and protect it from getting wet or dirty. I could put a digital SLR with a zoom attached, a flash, a GPS and radio or two. Until it is available in a larger model I would suggest the pro gets an external cover for his/her existing case. If you think that you and your bag might get submerged carry your equipment in a Pelican case.
I give the Camera Armor 5 stars for water resistance and 3 for being a well thought-out camera bag, so 4 stars in all.
Pelican 1450 Case w/Foam (Black)
Pelican 1620 Watertight Hard Case with Dividers & Wheels - Black
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MADE Products CA-2001-BLK Seattle Sling Waterproof Bag (Black)We shield while you shoot!Camera Armor is a line of rugged, custom fit SLR digital camera cases engineered to provide maximum protection from impact and abrasion while allowing full access to all features of the camera.The four-part system includes Body Armor, Lens Armor, LCD Shield, and Lens Cap Leash. We love our cameras as much as you do.That's why we designed Camera Armor - the only choice for full time protection.Each model is engineered to provide maximum protection while allowing full access to all controls, compartments, and ports.You focus on the shot - we've got you covered.
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