Camera Armor -- good/bad?

yenemy · 01-19-2009, 02:28 AM

I've been looking for a "wrap" or "skin" for the K10D. The idea is so I can carry the K10 + DA*16-50 around in a messenger duffel or daypack without a dedicated camera bag, but still have a little extra protection against impacts/dings, etc. The best I've been able to find was the Camera Armor silicone skin. Does anyone happen to have any experience with this on the K10, or know of any similar products?

Thanks!

Arjay Bee · 01-19-2009, 04:36 AM

Camera wraps are an alternative I have been thinking about for exactly this situation. Domke, Lowepro both make them.
This product EchoStore - XWRAP PRO Ballistic Armor Wraplooks good but may be too small for the extra battery/grip. But then if you are going light you may not want to carry the grip.

soccerjoe5 · 01-19-2009, 04:55 AM

I personally hate the camera armors, it turns it into a bulky dust magnet.

I use the XWRAP and it's fantastic. Use it when throwing my stuff into a bag. I use it with my camera, my old 2.8 lenses (sold them off for the DA Ltds.), flashes, and chargers+cables.

*mickeyobe* · 01-19-2009, 05:16 AM

Bubble wrap.

Mickey

yenemy · 01-19-2009, 10:20 AM

Thanks for the advice, guys. The XWrap looks great, but it's kind of a bummer that ordering from the US involves some hoop-jumping. I see that Domke, OpTech, etc. make similar products, so I'll head down to the local camera shop today and see if they can recommend anything.

I'm definitely going light; this is for a long-term backpacking trip. I'll be carrying the K10D + DA*16-50... and accessories. One extra battery, charger, a few SD cards, lenspen, maybe my Ultrapod, and possibly a rocket blower... haven't decided if I'm going to take it, since the system will be weather sealed anyway.

soccerjoe5 · 01-19-2009, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by yenemy

Thanks for the advice, guys. The XWrap looks great, but it's kind of a bummer that ordering from the US involves some hoop-jumping. I see that Domke, OpTech, etc. make similar products, so I'll head down to the local camera shop today and see if they can recommend anything.

I'm definitely going light; this is for a long-term backpacking trip. I'll be carrying the K10D + DA*16-50... and accessories. One extra battery, charger, a few SD cards, lenspen, maybe my Ultrapod, and possibly a rocket blower... haven't decided if I'm going to take it, since the system will be weather sealed anyway.

Ah yeah Echostore is a local store here. Let us know how the other similar products are priced. If it's more expensive, I may help you out in ordering from Echostore.

yenemy · 01-19-2009, 01:33 PM

Hey soccerjoe,

Thanks for the offer on top of the advice. I went down to my local shop, and they had Domke wraps for $17US, and Tenba wraps for $13. The Tenba wraps were just a tiny bit thicker, but the Domke ones won out in the end; the velcro strips looked more secure.

Neither looked to be on par with the XWrap's quality and durability, but they'll do for now. Maybe I'll pick one up while I'm in Asia

Vylen · 01-19-2009, 02:32 PM

buy some kevlar... apparently its cheap... then you can use the spare kevlar to line your clothes and make yourself bulletproof (somewhat) :P

*Ratmagiclady* · 01-21-2009, 02:03 PM

Sometimes I carry my K20d (no battery grip) around in my old courier bag, just inside a Domke insert I have. I forget the model number, but it's about 4x6 around and 8 inches tall. You could even Velcro it in place that way, though I haven't done the sewing. Easier just to pull the whole thing out, strip the insert off, and stuff said insert back away.

I also use this insert in a nice handbag so I can take camera out to dinner.

Livewireshock · 01-24-2009, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by yenemy

I've been looking for a "wrap" or "skin" for the K10D. The idea is so I can carry the K10 + DA*16-50 around in a messenger duffel or daypack without a dedicated camera bag, but still have a little extra protection against impacts/dings, etc. The best I've been able to find was the Camera Armor silicone skin. Does anyone happen to have any experience with this on the K10, or know of any similar products?

Thanks!

Getting back to your original question, I have had the Camera Armor on my K10D from as soon as it was released. Personally, I love it. It has not stopped me from using any of the features or buttons on the camera.

It is hardy and robust. I take alot of outdoor pictures from car rallying to hiking. I never worry about the knocks and bumps that we all try to prevent but we all know we can not avoid totally. It gives me a lot of peace of mind.

It is so simple to slip on or off, so it maintaining the camera is a breeze. I have been in countless dusty situations and I have yet to find fine dust getting in between the silicone skin and the body. The fit is tight and if anything improves my grip on the camera. It is durable and has not lost it's shape which I thought I might have, after many stretches on and off the camera.

I personally think this has been a great addition to my kit and I easily recommend it to anyone considering it. Wraps are good but you have to wrap and unwrap all the time. It is hardly as convenient as the Camera Armor.

The only flaw with the Camera Armor is the included rubber lens hood which is hardly a leap forward in protecting a lens or the camera. Compared to the plastic lens hoods, it has the same effect. Oh another flaw was that I had to cut the rear thumb dial out myself, it was marked out and embossed symbols there but the opening was blanked over but this was hardly rocket science.

I even use the generic battery grip Camera Armor even though it is far from a perfect fit. I still like the feel and the protection it gives me when using the grip.