AWARDS
GEAR OF THE YEAR
Roller/hard case Peli 1535 Air
ACCESSORIES
makeshift seats or even steps to stand on. Even though the new bags are lighter, they’re still easily up for that job. The Peli Air range is the standard in hardcore, super- protective kitbags. If you’re looking for something a little bit softer, the Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 650 AW II is the winner of the backpack/holdall category. Made by a company with a long history in making backpacks for the great outdoors, Lowepro’s designers haven’t cut any corners with this large, clever bag – they have thought of everything. It’s simply massive, built to accommodate a camera with a huge 800mm lens, an additional camera body and three to four extra lenses. The padded dividers can be rearranged to suit just about any combination of kit you might own. Cinema cameras, drones, mics: it’s a backpack built for long days out and about hauling loads of kit. Potential thieves can’t just unzip
the planet, used in every serious industry from hardcore filmmaking to the military. But the cost of all that toughness is heavier products, which is why Peli has designed the Air version that cuts down weight but not protection. The 1535 Air is easy to customise to your own kit, with a choice of three different interior styles. Some independent companies even exist that will laser-cut foam to fit your precise equipment if you want the ultimate customised bag. Peli cases are durable and made with high-impact resin so they can withstand extreme temperatures. Rounded corners help to protect against impact, dispersing energy through the case to insulate the contents from damage. The latches are secure but not too hard to open, and the padlock hasps are big enough to accept the largest of locks. The beauty of Peli cases is that, on location, they are often pressed into service as
Cameras and lenses are essential, but it’s the accessories that every professional filmmaker needs to produce their best work. These are often the unsung heroes of equipment, yet are vital and need to perform flawlessly every time. Buy the wrong memory card, hard drive, monitors or software and you could be in trouble. Our winners, each chosen by working filmmakers, have proven themselves to be the best bits of kit you can get. Also honoured are the most useful bags and cases to get your precious kit to each shoot safely, without hassle from airlines. One of the best ways to ensure your gear stays safely intact is to use a lightweight carry-on bag that’s tough, yet is of the legal requirement for virtually all international airlines. For this, see the winner of our class for rollers and hard cases, the Peli 1535 Air. Peli produces some of the most rugged hard cases on
IN THE BAG! The Peli 1535 Air (top left) won for rollers/ hard cases and Resolve 19 Studio (top middle) scooped software
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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