This is a case made by an Italian manufacturer PLASTICA PANARO, For a hardcase this size with wheels this is really good and it`s only 200 EUR
They are not sponsoring me and this isn`t really a review of the Max Case even though we`re gonna get into some specs but what I wanna talk about is why it`s important to have a decent travel case for your gear so you can walk on set looking good, feeling good, having your gear protected and inspiring confidence.
Backpacks are cool but when you show up on set with 2-3 cases. An assistant, whatever the case might be you know it`s serious, you mean business.
Obviously you have to know what you`re doing and I`m not suggesting buying gear just to impress people, I`m saying buy the best gear for your money, don`t go into debt buying video gear when you can ¬rent it and don`t buy a more expensive case just because it says Pelican Case or Manfrotto on the side. There are a lot of manufacturers that make good products.
If u can afford it go for it but don’t just spend money on brands thinking that makes you a better film Maker or photographer, content creator
It’s your love for what you do, the amount If work you out in, consistency… there are a few things that go into this.
Gear does matter but it’s not everything
I chose this because I had a Manfrotto case that was a bit smaller than this but is was priced at around 400 EUR so twice what this is worth and the differences are small if any at all so you do pay for the brand, you do pay for the prestige of people knowing you can afford something.
I get that to some extent, we are all guilty of this when it comes to clothes, gear, etc.
But I didn`t want to spend an extra 400 especially when I needed 2 of them because I have bigger cameras than the Sony mirrorless I had years ago, on shoots I use multiple cameras, monitors, cages, lens, matte boxes, v mount batteries so at least 2 cases that`s 800 EUR.
After a few months with this I can honestly say that I don`t regret my decision at all, it is one of the best cases I`ve ever had.
It`s
External dimensions 594 x 473 x 270 mm / 23.39 x 18.62 x 10.63 inch
Internal dimensions 538 x 405 x 245 mm / 21.18 x 15.94 x 9.64 inch
It`s not a light case weighing in 8.2 KG and it has a total capacity of 53 Liters and for any US viewers confused by KG and Liters.. that`s around 18 lbs and around 14 gallons if that is what you guys use to measure the mass of a liquid.
The case is IP67 certified, completely waterproof and dust-proof.
Can be submersed in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
Temperature resistant from -30˚C to +90˚C.
Manufactured from hard-wearing polymer.
Retractable handle and wheels that ensure the case can easily be transported.
Watertight seal.
Automatic pressure release valve.
Easy-open double throw latches.
Ergonomic soft grip handle.
Integrated holes for padlocks.
Padded dividers that create a protective storage space for video equipment and camera accessories.
I remember a few years ago having a Sony a7s and going to clients to shoot different products and I felt like people didn`t really take me seriously back then
But the thing is if you show up with a mirrorless camera even if you`re really good and all you need is a camera and a single lens people look at you like they`re not getting their money`s worth because it`s this guy that just showed up, took a camera out of a bag and starting filming.
You might be really good like lots of people are and that`s all you need: “a camera and a lens” but when people pay you even if it`s a few hundred EUR, it`s nice to show up on set with things that can get the job done but also help the clients and make THEM feel safe, you can store a few extra filters, grips, batteries.
Don`t just run around with a camera and have the client guess what you`re filming, have a monitor mounted to the camera, show them the fotage after each take, have a discussion about it.
Maybe rent a wireless video transmitter if you can`t afford buying one, rent one and just attach it to a tablet like an ipad.
If you`re only shooting in a single direction even get a monitor on a stand and attach an HDMI cable to it because the client needs to see what you`re doing, interact with him, ask them questions, build a relationship.
This is where a case like this come in, it`s not just the fact that your gear is safe, your clients have to feel safe. They feel like they can trust you when you show up prepared.
And most of the times you do have a script, an agency brief of things to shoot but we all know things change on set some of the time and having the ability to have the right gear, having the ability to be flexible with that gear goes a long way.
If you can have your sound gear in there, a mic, a lavaliere, a boom mic, switch from on to another depending on what you and the agency or the client feels it`s best. But you have the tools on you, they fit in the case, you can carry them, you are more prepared and organised.
This is just one of the things that can help you show up on set ready and you basically say to the people that are paying you: look, I am capable, I am flexible, I’m ready, this is what we`re gonna work with!
When it comes to the safety side, when you usually rent an expensive camera if it doesn`t come with a technician that sets it up, then it sure comes with it`s own case but when you rent out a new LENS or a wireless video system like a Teradek or maybe a new camera monitor.. you spend hundreds of EUR on renting gear and you HAVE to know they`re protected.
You don`t want to rent an additional 1-2 Small HD monitors or an Atomos Shinobi and scratch them or break them because you backpack was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I`m not hating on backpacks, they`re great, I have a few of them myself but it`s all about the right tool for the right job, I don`t want to pull this case up a mountain because I wanna shoot a sunrise or whatever, I`ll have a backpack on for that job and I`ve actually owned a few by Manfrotto that were really nice.
But if you do small to medium productions your gear is safe in this travel case, you look good, people trust you more when you show up prepared.
But again: YOU DO HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOU`RE DOING though because when the camera is rolling no amount of gear and fancy looking cases are going to help you if you don`t set the camera right, if the movement isn`t good of the lighting is terrible.
But if you are good at what you do and aspire to be better I think having the right equipment goes a long way to not only improve your production quality but also improve your business side and your relationship with the clients as long as by “right equipment” we understand good gear for good price.
Buy good quality gear that is in your price range, don`t fake it till you make it.
If 100 EUR is all you can afford than it is what it is but surround yourself with things that can get you where you want to go on a professional level, get gear you can trust to be with you in all of your production needs but gear that won`t break the bank.