Camera hard cases are made to protect your camera kit from knocks and bumps and of course, the bad weather so it has to be Waterproof, crushproof, dustproof, shockproof, and airtight. They allow us to keep all your camera kit together, close to handle, and easy to access
while you need them. Camera hard cases have a diverse range of types, models and advantages. You can easily opt one using the following detailed tips.
Pelican 1510 CaseBest overall
Pelican 1200 CaseBest expensive
Monoprice Weatherproof Hard CaseBest price
Pelican 1510 Hybrid Case
SKB iSeries 3i-1309
Vanguard Supreme 53F
Meijia Camera Case
HILDRYN Hard Camera Case
Condition 1 Hard Case with Foam
Vanguard Supreme 40F
What is a camera hard case?
The way to safeguarding your camera when you are moving is to store it with a lot of padding. Your camera body and the different focal points ought to be embraced in a padding, with no unreasonable space for them to move around. It is in every case best to lenses from the main body of your camera. You should remember to put lens wipes and cleaning supplies in your camera hard case. Utilizing your sleeve can make an astounding measure of harm your lens glass.
It is a good idea remove the battery before putting it in the case since there is chance of leakage or accidental short-circuiting of the terminals. Your camera and gear ought to be put away in a dry, all around ventilated space. For preventing your camera hard case from mold or mildew, you can put a desiccant inside it and replace it with a dryer one every few months.
Numerous expert photographers pick a devoted camera rucksack or sack to store their gear when they are in a hurry. Yet, for the individuals who incline toward somewhat more adaptability and flexibility, travel case for camera is an incredible other option. This models are not as restrictive as a camera backpacks. You have greater freedom to carry only what is necessary, dropping the appropriate lenses and bodies into your case; being sure that they will not be scratched and damaged.
Where to buy the best camera hard case?
Hard camera cases can be bought from online shops as well as department stores and depending on your location; you can choose where to buy a camera case. The important thing to note is that the store should apply a full guarantee on behalf of the product company.
What are the top 10 camera hard cases?
Since camera and its equipment are expensive, choosing the right camera case for it requires a careful consideration. However, if you do not take measures to protect it, you can quickly make your equipment useless. Cases are as vital as carrying equipment so a variety of protective equipment like ra hard cases, hard camera cases etc. are available in the market. Deciding which part is right for you can be confusing quickly but you should know that protection is more important than style.
Below you can see the types of hard camera cases that you can buy at a relatively reasonable price in the market:
1.Pelican 1510 Case
The Pelican 1510 is one of the most popular options for holding and carrying your camera. This travel case for camera offers many features that you should consider when buying a hard camera case. Pelican brand has a long history of producing products that protect photographic equipment from damage and Pelican 1510 Case is one of them. The company’s products are popular among elites, and many feel that Pelican 1510 Case is the best option for storing expensive cameras and their accessories. To be more familiar with this model you can know more about it knowing pros and cons.
Pros
- Waterproof with an automatic pressure equalization valve
- Waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof
- A trustworthy brand with guarantee
- Well-set for airplanes
Cons
- This case for camera is expensive comparing to other models
- Limited customization
- Slightly old locking system
2.Pelican 1200 Case
This camera hard case are kept watertight by using a tongue and groove fit and a polymer o-ring. Pelican 1200 Case standardized with an Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve that releases built up air pressure while keeping it water resistance. The inside foam customizes the interior and stainless steel reinforced padlock protectors. Single folding front handle is another feature of this case for camera.
The camera hard case interior dimensions (inches):
9.25 x 7.12 x 4.12. Foam Layer 1 (Lid)-1.19 inch (Convolute), Foam Layer 2 (Base)-2.19 inch-Pick N Pluck (.50 inch x .50 inch squares), Foam Layer 3 (Base)-0.56 inch (Solid)
Pros
- Holds the camera with all of the backs
- Handy and compact
- waterproof
Cons
- Not suitable for LiPo batteries since the foam is rubber
- Not suitable for bigger cameras
- Not fireproof
3.Monoprice Weatherproof Hard Case
This camera hard case is designed and developed to bring about the highest level of safety standards. Shockproof design of this model offers a fully customizable interior foam. An ultraviolet and impact-resistant material with pressure relief valve allows gradual pressure equalization and makes Monoprice Weatherproof Hard Case outstanding. Other qualifications are 28.6-liter internal volume that weighs only 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg).
The camera hard case interior dimensions (inches):
20.51 x 10.94 x 7.48 (521 x 278 x 190mm). External: 21.93 x 13.70 x 9.76 (557 x 348 x 248mm).
Pros
- Waterproof up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes
- Shockproof design
- Dustproof
- Ergonomic
- Manual pressure relief valve that eases pressure equalization
- Easy portability by having wheels allows it to work as a hard case
Cons
- latches are difficult to open
- There is no space to put lock on it so not an air travel case for camera
4.Pelican 1510 Hybrid Case
1510 Hybrid Case is another top Pelican camera case. If you see the name Pelican, you can be sure that you have a quality to carry rough. The exterior is L 22 inches, W 13.81 inches, D 9.00 inches, while the interior is 19.75 inches, W 11.00 inches, D 7.60 inches. No matter what kind of packaging you use, it is big enough for a long trip.
pros
- It is waterproof and has US military standards
- The equalization valve stabilizes the pressure inside the case and does not expel water
- This model option has both splitters and foam inserts
- Lenses and other items fit well between the separating panels, and each of the camera bodies can have its own custom foam place
- expandable wheels and handlebars make travel comfortable and easy
Cons
- Heavy when full
- there are no dividers in the case
5.SKB iSeries 3i-1309
SKB 3i-1309 is one of the smaller cases on this list. But SKB does not compromise on build quality. This is a handy bag that keeps your belongings safe. Internal dimensions are 13.7 inches L, 9.2 inches W, 7.5 inches D, which is enough to store a DSLR or mirrorless camera. You can also get two extra lenses and other accessories without clogging the frame.
pros
- SKB 3i-1309 has a degree of military rigor
- The outer hard frame is very hard
- completely waterproof
- Foam inserts and door guards keep equipments safe
- suitable for short trips and is small enough to carry as a hand luggage
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not big enough for long trips
6.Vanguard Supreme 53F
The Vanguard Supreme 53D case offers the same level of safety and excellent protection. The length measures 25 inches, the width is 20 inches and the depth is 9.5 inches, so you do not have to decide which camera to take or leave. There is a lot of space for all models.
pros
- The padded interior has enough pockets for all your equipment and lenses
- It is waterproof and crush-proof and can withstand 120 kg of external pressure
- Safe locking sockets and thick latches
Cons
- The wheels are not fit for a big case like that
7. Meijia Camera Case
The Mejia camera case gives you strength and durability in a small package. This is a handheld camera bag for photographers who like to travel light. Internal dimensions are L 14.6 inches, W 10.2 inches and D 6 inches. When it comes to camera bodies, you only have one there.
Pros
- Extra space for one or two lenses
- The inner foam keeps your equipment safe
- completely waterproof
- interior foam is customizable
Cons
- edge on the lid could be cleaner as you can see slight discoloration
8. HILDRYN Hard Camera Case
This is a great hard camera case from HILDRYN. They are one of the lesser known manufacturers in this field, but this camera frame stands against the competitors. Total internal size L 20.3 inches, W 11.4 inches, D 7.3 inches. You also have enough space for several cameras and several lenses. The inner foam can be detached so you can customize each pocket for a precise fit.
pros
- completely waterproof
- Telescopic wheels and handles carry equipment easily
- Perfect for international travel
- latches lock completely
cons
- No color diversity
9. Condition 1 Hard Case with Foam
This condition 1 case is a IP67 rated waterproof and dustproof one to protect against the elements. The injection molded CN-1 resin is formulated to be lightweight but virtually indestructible. This hard case includes convoluted egg foam in the lid. The base layer is a 0.5″ thick foam, and there are layers of 1.5″ thick pluckable cubed foam that allows you to customize the fit to your items.
Pros
- Well designed
- Plenty of room for accessories
- highly tough
Cons
- Packaging is not good in some cases
10. Vanguard Supreme 40F
This hard case keeps your kit dry up to 5 meters deep. However, with its cubic foam interior, you should be surprised how this case may sink so deep in the first place. Its 43 x 29.5 x 17.5 cm internal dimensions provide enough space for a full-frame DSLR and three or four lenses, but there is not enough space to carry a glass larger than 70-200 mm f / 2.8. It translates to a very comfortable outer size of 46.5 x 36.5 x 19.5 cm and an average weight of 4.4 kg – and it comes with a full and intact foam interior.
pros
- Practical size for smaller camera kits
- Very well priced
Cons
- Not designed for carrying large lenses
- No roller wheels
- flexibility, but also at an additional cost.
In conclusion
When you are a professional photographer, keeping your equipment safe should be one of your top priorities. If your camera breaks during your project, you will be completely frustrated. This is why more and more photographers are using hard camera frames to transport their equipment. They are great for international travel and great for everyday use. You just need to choose wisely among top cases.
