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Fujifilm Universal Zipped Case
by pmcds
At first glance, it's clear that this particular camera case has been designed specifically for Fujifilm's Finepix range of cameras, small and durable cameras that generally don't take up much space and have good connectivity in terms of transferring your pics and videos to a storage device. Camera cases are very much individual things, ... what suits one person will not suit another, so it's important to have as many facts and desires at your disposal when you decide.
The product design here is technically done very well. The fabric is aesthetically pleasing with a grey strip down the middle of the body adding to this somewhat, and the 'rough' look actually hides a soft exterior that is well padded and is actually nice to hold in your hand. The softness also applies to how flexible it is, as you can squeeze this into gaps where perhaps other harder cases would not go. Of course, these harder cases are so designed for extra protection for the devices inside them, but this softer case actually has good padding to absorb the shock of most clatters and knocks. Even so, I wouldn't trust the case to absorb everything, so it's important to not drop it really!
One issue I generally have with camera cases is the zip design often goes quite quickly. In an ideal world, I'd be slow and deliberate every time I want to unzip my camera case and zip it back up, but I use cameras a lot and often need to use them quickly. For safety, I do use cases when transporting them or out and about, and this one has a very smooth zip. It has caught a number of times and I always have a slight panic that it's going to have ruined the zip, but as yet I haven't had to fiddle with it too much. The teeth seem well designed and a closer look shows sturdy fabric held together well either side of the zip. Nor is there a slight flap overlapping, reducing the risk of this getting caught. So far, so good!
The main issue I have with smaller cases such as this one is the interior size. While this one will hold the vast majority of compact cameras, which I concede are getting smaller all the time, I am constantly aware that all these tend to hold is the camera itself - there is no room for any accompanying cables or instruction leaflets, or if there is you end up squeezing them in and this puts extra strain not only on the fabric but also on the zip, which will inevitably over time stretch and split as the teeth become distorted by being overextended.
Sadly, this case falls directly into this category. Even when using a Finepix there is a certain amount of stretching required to get a USB cable in the case with it, and so this is where it depends on why you are looking for a case. I'm strongly aware that most people will just need something to keep their camera safe, and if you're one of these people that is content with just the camera and you worry about attachments once you get back home and have the computer, etc, then this will not be a concern for you. However, for those who do need this extra albeit small bit of storage, this probably isn't going to work.
I have used this for work purposes as well as personally, issuing equipment to people needing to use it but also needing to have the attachments, and the case does come back looking a bit stretched at times, to the point where I've researched different ones. I will say in its defence though that it's just not designed to have anything in it other than the camera. The flexible fabric does take the strain out of the zip somewhat, but ultimately this has an impact on the fabric itself.
If, however, you're just after something that'll give basic protection to your compact camera, then this is probably a good purchase. Other than a harder case with padding inside, this is one of the better affordable options I'd go for. It's well designed, produced with quality materials that will last and can be easily cleaned, and has a well made zip. It's easy to get the camera in and out at speed (so far!) and makes me feel like my camera is protected. If it had a separate storage compartment for cables etc, I'd be using it more for work as well. Prices range but are generally between the £5 and £10 mark depending on where you look. Recommended, but as I said to start with, you really need to know what you want a camera case for to start with before taking the plunge.
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Panasonic DMW-PHS17XEK
by InchyInchy
Panasonic Tough Case for Lumix
After owning a camera years ago that was damaged on a night out thanks to my bag being tossed about I always opt for a cover, and in this instance one of the first covers I bought for my Lumix camera was the Panasonic Tough case.
--- The Pros ---
The ... camera case is very easy and simple to use. The hard case has one main zip that reveals the three internal compartments, one main centre space for your camera to fit and two small side compartments that are the right size for a spare memory card and a lens cloth, essentially smaller items. The camera fits easily into the centre compartment and is quick to put in and take out without any extra fuss, making this a great case for when you are on the go.
I have been using this case for a while now and so far with a few months wear and tear the case still looks pretty much like new. Admittedly I'm not a hugely adventurous person with where I take photos but because of the tough exterior I purchased another one of these cases for my brother who is a snowboarder and often drags his camera places where even I dare to go and so far both him and the camera have survived. Unlike my case he's put his through a lot rougher treatment and the case looks more used but has managed to protect the camera inside without too much complaint.
I picked my camera case up from John Lewis for around about £15 (if memory serves me right) and in my opinion the Panasonic camera case has been really good value for money, it's tough and it is definitely durable. I think for my camera it is probably a slight over kill in protection and I only generally only use it for when I'm off on an actually outing somewhere rather than to the pub with friends when I really want something more slender to fit into my going out bag. However, this is the camera case that my camera sits in for general storage because if someone knocked it or it was squished in beside something else I would worry less for the camera because the case is quite a sturdy cover.
--- The Cons ---
The only real main negative with this case is the bulkiness of it. In some ways the bulkiness is also a positive because it does add loads of extra protection between the world and your camera but I do find that on a typical night out the case can be a little bulky for most of my smaller going out handbag. It's also not the most attractive case and I think for special occasions I prefer to use something that is maybe not as robust and secure but something that looks a bit more special.
Furthermore, I am ever so slightly put off by the big LUMIX and PANASONIC advertising that is front and centre on the case. I know it's only a small thing, but I think it makes the case look a bit tackier than it would have otherwise. I also think that by having such prominent branding it advertises not only the company but what you are carrying around with you to anyone that might have dubious intentions.
--- Some basics ---
The case is designed to fit the TZ and FT Lumix camera ranges but I could imagine other types of cameras would also fit, but you would really need to try them or measure them before you buy.
The case also comes with a spring clip which can be really useful when you are out and about somewhere and just wanted to hold the camera, you can simply clip the case to your belt or back pack and suddenly you have one less thing to carry without any fuss.
--- Overall ---
To sum, the Panasonic case is a really good hard, tough and strong case that will withstand quite a lot of knocking about while keeping your camera safe and secure inside. I would recommend it but in my opinion it isn't an all round camera case it is quite specifically something that works better on adventures or holidays out trekking around, it wouldn't be something I would take along to a special occasion where I was all dressed up.
From me the Panasonic Tough case for the Lumix camera gets a very positive four out of five stars.
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Canon EH 20-L
by NicndDan
I have been a keen amateur photographer for some time now and being such an expensive hobby, it is vital to protect the camera and lens. Without a decent case investing in a decent camera is simply a recipe for disaster. My philosophy when doing so is to buy the best to ensure maximum protection and after reading reviews online of the ... Canon EH 20-L Leather Case as well as being recommended it by people in store, I decided it was worth the money.
The first thing to mention here is that this is not a cheap product at all. Indeed the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case is one of the most expensive on the market and buying this will leave you with not much change from £100. I picked it up online for £97 which was the cheapest I had seen it. This is one for serious users only but then again if you transport a camera around as much as me, and are as clumsy as me, then this will prove its worth time and time again! The Canon EH 20-L Leather Case though is worth its weight in gold.
Just for reference I use the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case with my Canon EOS 7D which in itself is almost £800. Therefore if you think about £100 for a case is not bad at all!
The reason for the high price here is that the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case is as it says real leather. This gives off a nice professional first impression, it looks stylish and indeed it gives the aurora of a serious professional photographer. But then again as I mentioned, even though the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case is stylish that is not the reason you would be buying it.
So what protections does the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case offer? I would say in all honesty I am very confident it offers high quality protection. It is semi-hard which I often think is the best as it is a fine balance. Too Hard and the case could have the opposite effect and too soft and you get no protection. With the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case there is plenty of give either way. I have used this in storage with other goods in a backpack and case and even when items have fell on top of it the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case has stood up. I have yet to drop it but I have every confidence the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case would do a grand job.
The whole design of the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case is solid with a great stern zip, solid structure and all round feeling of a well made product and of course it comes from a brand I have always trusted!
All in all I think this product comes down to the basic question of how much you are willing to pay in order to protect your camera. If you want to provide great protection to the camera then the Canon EH 20-L Leather Case will do a great job and not only will you have more confidence in your camera being protected but you will have bought a great product!
Well worth the money.
Also on Ciao
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