Thursday, July 31, 2014

Review of High Density Neoprene FlexArmor Camera Case for Panasonic, Nikon

High Density Neoprene FlexArmor Camera Case for Panasonic, Nikon with attached lenses up through 14-45mm zoom
Customer Ratings: 4 stars
Buy Now
In my 40 years of amateur photography, this is my first experience with a neoprene flexible case. I find it a great addition to the heavier hardshell leather cases and large camera kit bags that I also use with my micro 4/3 camera equipment.

First, I should clarify what type camera this bag fits: The Amazon ad correctly states in the "Technical Details" section of the ad that it fits the Panasonic Lumix GF1 with my 14-42mm zoom lens, my 14-45mm zoom lens, and my 20mm "pancake" lens. (I believe it will also fit the Gf2 and upcoming GF3, which are slightly smaller than the FG1.) However, the Amazon ad states incorrectly in the top title and elsewhere in the ad that it fits the DMC-G3 / DMC-GH2 / DMC-G2. I tried to fit my DMC-G2 and DMC-GH1 camera bodies (without lens) into this bag, and those camera bodies were too large. I hope the ad will be corrected to say GF1/GF2/GF3 with attached lenses up through the size of the 14-45mm zoom.

Now, back to the bag, itself. It appears extremely well made, and likely to hold up to regular use. The seams are well stitched and there are no sloppy or excess cuttings. There is a convenient external zip pocket for extra memory cards and other tiny items. Another reviewer found that it was not easy getting the camera in and out of the case. I found it took only a few seconds to remove the camera, and a few seconds longer to reinsert... comparable to other cases I've used over the years.

The case's main opening uses 2 snaps, rather than velcro, and I prefer the snaps. There is a sufficient small gap on the sides to pass through a camera strap, attached to your camera, to carry the enclosed camera on your shoulder. The case is extremely lightweight, and appears to offer at least limited water resistance, if not waterproof. The neoprene cushioning is not thick, but it is dense, and provides a decent first line of defense against dust, dirt, nicks, scratches, and light bumps. It is not so thick as to protect against drops on a cement floor.

This is not an "everready"-style case that would allow you to snap off a top half to quickly take photos, while a bottom half remains screwed into a tripod mount. This is a storage case from which you remove the camera to take photos. The case has a narrow belt loop that opens via velcro; a tag warns that this belt loop is meant only for storing the case while you are holding and shooting the camera... the belt loop is not strong enough to support carrying the camera in the case attached to your trouser belt.

I should mention that I find this to be an attractive case I'm happy to be seen with, given the dark gray color and quality of construction. In conclusion, the extreme lightness and "first line of defense" protectiveness of this case will make it my main carry-along case for walking about with my Panasonic Lumix GF1.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

The case isn't a tight fit around my camera, it would be better if it were. Overall it's a great price for a case for my Panasonic GF3 with 14-42mm lens.

Best Deals for High Density Neoprene FlexArmor Camera Case for Panasonic, Nikon

The product delivered as advertised. My GF1 with 55mm lens fit snugly inside the neoprene case. The material and workmanship are both great. All in all, I've no complaints and am very satisfied.

Honest reviews on High Density Neoprene FlexArmor Camera Case for Panasonic, Nikon

I recently purchased this case to hold my Lumix DMC-GF3 with a 42mm lens. I was glad to happen upon this case because there are not many inexpensive cases available for micro four-thirds (mirrorless) cameras like the GF3. The majority of the options that will accommodate the larger lens are quite pricey. This case seems ideal for giving the camera some minor protection, especially if you plan to carry the camera inside of a daypack or purse. For me, it is a real advantage that the case doesn't add much bulk or additional weight. If you take the camera out of its case, the flexible case would easily fold up.

The GF3 with the 42mm lens fits comfortably inside and it's not a super snug fit.

That being said, this case has its limits. For example, compared to other "heavy duty" camera bags, it's possible that dirt or water could seep into the bag. There aren't a lot of built in pouches (which is fine for my purposes), but it would not be the best option if you plan to carry additional memory cards or power cords.

One thing to note is that the case itself does not have a strap. To carry it with a strap, you need to use the neck strap attached to the camera itself. There is a velcro "belt strap" on the case itself, but it feels sort of chinzy and I don't think I'd be comfortable using that.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for High Density Neoprene FlexArmor Camera Case for Panasonic, Nikon

I have GF3 with a 14-45 and a 45-200 lens. It fits well, somewhat loosely, with the 14-45mm lens on it, but does a great job of protecting it with that lens. Where it is really awesome is with the 45-200mm lens though. It is a tight squeeze, but the snaps close securely with the lens and lens cap on and it fits like a glove. That was a pleasent surprise for my wife and I. We had been looking for another Neoprene case to protect with the 200mm lens and this one actually stretches perfectly (not to the point of tearing a seam though) around the camera and lens.

The materials are great quality for the price, and the seams seem well sewn. Doesn't seem to be a cheap piece of junk. The belt loop could be a little stronger though and the snaps could be metal instead of plastic, but for the price it's more than we expected. If you want metal snaps and better belt loop, spend more money. If you want cheap protection for your GF series camera go with this one it fits great.

Buy Fom Amazon Now

No comments:

Post a Comment