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10 Best Camera Cases: Which Is Right for You? (2018)

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Camera bags can be great for portability, but sometimes, life demands something stronger. These camera cases (with a few exceptions) have rigid exteriors, cushy interiors, and will keep your gear safe in a variety of conditions, even extreme ones. Many of the cases on this list are Pelican cases, known for their outstanding build quality, durability, water-resistance, and high-quality wheels. The other cases offer affordability, lighter weight, and while they’re not as strong, one might not need the rigidity and outstanding protection of a Pelican. Check out these cases and our favorite camera bags to get a full idea of how you can transport and protect your camera gear.

Here are the top 10 best camera cases from highest to lowest price.

1. Pelican 1660


(Pelican)

Boasting internal dimensions of 28.20 inches x 19.66 inches x 17.63 inches, this Pelican case is enormous. This comes with good and bad. It would be unlikely to overfill this case, but for many users, it will be vastly overkill. This isn’t for anyone but users with multiple cameras, huge professional cameras, or moving something much larger like an editing computer. That said, if any of these things suit your purposes, this case will more than deliver. It boasts high-quality wheels, a wildly customizable interior, rigid plastic, and a pressurized interior that will keep one’s gear safe in a variety of situations.

Price: $299.95

Buy the Pelican 1660 here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

  • Watertight using polymer o-ring includes a pressure valve
  • Soft foam interior to protect gear
  • Legendary brand
  • Stainless steel reinforced padlock reinforcement
  • Foam can be shaped to hold a wide variety of gear

Cons:

  • Overkill in size and protection for some
  • Heavy

Find more Pelican 1660 information and reviews here.

2. Pelican 1610


(Pelican)

Boasting internal dimensions of 21.78 x 16.69 x 10.62, this Pelican case is slightly smaller than the above, namely, it’s not nearly as deep. Still, for many, this case will be vastly overkill and suffers from some of the same pitfalls as the above case: being heavy and overkill for many users. On the plus side, however, this case will protect one’s gear as well as the above, just not as much of it. Pelican cases are built to last, with extremely tough external rigid plastic, and soft customizable interiors. They are the industry standard for a reason.

Price: $199.95

Buy the Pelican 1610 here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

  • Pelican “Pick n’ Pluck” foam makes customization easy
  • Double throw latches
  • Rolling, steel ball-bearing wheels
  • Watertight case, easy to open
  • Very tough and durable

Cons:

  • One user was missing some foam
  • On the heavy side

Find more Pelican 1610 information and reviews here.

3. HPRC 2550 Wheeled Case


(HPRC)

With exterior dimensions of 10 x 14 x 22 inches, this HPRC case is praised as a great, lighter alternative to the Pelican 1510. It offers ample protection at a lower weight than most Pelican cases. That said, note that those are EXTERNAL dimensions; this case isn’t as big as some expected. It is the right size to be used as a carry-on on an airplane, however, so it is ideal for users who need to transport their goods in the air. It’s manufactured in Europe so the quality is great. It’s not quite as rigid or protective as a Pelican, but it makes up for this by being lighter and still offering a huge amount of bang per one’s buck.

Price: $164.30

Buy the HPRC 2550 Wheeled Case here.

(HPRC)

Pros:

  • Watertight
  • Custom cubed foam interior
  • Superb build quality
  • High quality European manufacturing
  • Lighter than Pelican of similar size
  • Biggest case you can take as carry-on

Cons:

  • One user found case to be smaller than expected
  • Heavy
  • Not as good as Pelican quality

Find more HPRC 2550 Wheeled Case information and reviews here.

4. Condition 1 Protective Case


(Condition 1)

These huge case has external dimensions of 13.72 x 19.58 x 24.58 inches and offers a solid alternative to the Pelican dynasty. It’s praised for its comfortable molded handles, excellent value, peel and pluck foam, and lighter weight. One user found it an ideal size to carry the Yuneec Typhoon (a large drone). For the price, this case offers a lot of protection and solidity, but no wheels (unlike Pelican’s offering). For those looking to store a lot of goods or who don’t need great portability, this case offers a solid budget alternative to the above.

Price: $141.07

Buy the Condition 1 Protective Case here.

(Condition 1)

Pros:

  • Praised as great fit for Yuneec Typhoon
  • Comfortable molded handles
  • Airtight and watertight (to 3 feet)
  • Spring-loaded latches
  • Peel and pluck foam makes customization easy
  • Praised as having an affordable price and great features

Cons:

  • One user found the quality of the foam to be poor
  • No wheels

Find more Condition 1 Protective Case information and reviews here.

5. Pelican 1490 Laptop Case


(Pelican)

With internal dimensions of 17.75 x 11.37 x 4.12, this Pelican laptop case offers one the ability to carry slim camera gear along with a small laptop in a tight-fitting, safe package. It can be brought as overhead baggage, so it’s the perfect case for taking one’s gear about the country. Praised as a great way to move a laptop, and many found the added protection to be a great stress reliever.

Price: $118.95 (14 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Pelican 1490 Laptop Case here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

  • Classic Pelican quality
  • Include pressure equalization, watertight, and double locking latches
  • Fits 15.7-inch laptop
  • Great for air travel, praised as “worth every penny”

Cons:

  • Some users had to buy an insert to fit their laptop (16.5″ by 11.3″)
  • One user had an issue with the locks

Find more Pelican 1490 Laptop Case information and reviews here.

6. Pelican 1400 Case


(Pelican)

With interior Dimensions of 11.81 x 8.87 x 5.18, this case offers users with small or medium cameras and lenses to move their gear. USers love it for holding things like small shotgun mics, mirrorless and point n’ shoot cameras, and similar devices with a small profile. It’s great for transporting things safely and boasts all the same features of larger Pelican cases such as pressure equalization and stainless steel reinforced padlocks.

Price: $68.52 (43 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Pelican 1400 Case here.

(Pelican)

Pros:

  • Outstanding quality
  • Stainless steel reinforced padlocks
  • Pick N’ Pluck foam for simple, easy customization of interior
  • Includes automatic pressure equalization valve
  • Single folding front handle with cushion grip
  • Easy roller for durability and smooth rides

Cons:

  • May be too small for some

Find more Pelican 1400 Case information and reviews here.

7. Tough XL Hard Case


(ToughXL)

Having a total usable interior space at 14.0″ x 11.0″ x 4.0″, this tough XL case offers users a very affordable, decent hard case solution. It’s great for decent sized Nikon and Canon cameras, but may be a bit too tight for larger, full-frame DSLRs. Users love its large size and superb value. That said, one user did find the case “flimsy.” Obviously, it’s not quite a Pelican. Still, it’s considerably lighter and for some, especially those with small cameras, this case offers the perfect balance of weight, protection, and price.

Price: $39.99

Buy the Tough XL Hard Case here.

(ToughXL)

Pros:

  • Hard exterior protection
  • Dense interior cushioning
  • 4 padlock rings
  • Praised as great value
  • Lighter than other similar cases

Cons:

  • One user found case flimsy

Find more Tough XL Hard Case information and reviews here.

8. AmazonBasics Small Camera Case


(AmazonBasics)

With a small interior measuring 10.9″ x 7.9″ x 4.7″ this AmazonBasics case offers users a dirt-cheap option for moving their gear. Amazon can hardly keep these on the shelves (the medium model is sold out). While for many this case offers superb protection, value, and cost-effectiveness, a few users point out that it’s better for storage, not protective use. It all depends on your needs; a case this cheap will not be comparable to a Pelican, but users love this case nonetheless. If your gear is small or doesn’t need the utmost in protection, it offers one heck of a bargain.

Price: $32.99

Buy the AmazonBasics Small Camera Case here.

(AmazonBasics)

Pros:

  • Pre-cut foam squares for quick customization
  • Includes 1 year AmazonBasics warranty
  • Praised as cost-effective and durable
  • Praised as good for small camera bodies, not full frame
  • One user said this case is perfect for a firearm

Cons:

  • One user said he wishes he had just bought a Pelican
  • This plastic, non-rigid sides
  • One user said this is only good enough for storage, not protective use

Find more AmazonBasics Small Camera Case information and reviews here.

9. MegaGear Leather Case For Canon Rebel


(MegaGear)

For those with Canon Rebel cameras (t4i, t5i, t6, and similarly shaped models), this camera case provides an elegant, protective solution. It’s made of lightweight, high-quality leather and is smooth. The one thing is, the case does not include a strap, this will have to be purchased additionally. For those who have this model of camera and want it to have additional protection in a bag, this case offers a great looking solution.

Price: $32.39 (10 percent off MSRP)

Buy the MegaGear Leather Case For Canon Rebel here.

(MegaGear)

Pros:

  • High-quality leather
  • Works with Rebel cameras (t4i, t5i, t6, and similarly-sized models)
  • Compact and durable material
  • Chic retro look

Cons:

  • No shoulder strap included
  • One user had an issue with the tripod shoe
  • Camera can still collect dust
  • One user had an issue with a lens larger than 50mm

Find more MegaGear Leather Case For Canon Rebel information and reviews here.

10. AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case


(AmazonBasics)

With tight internal dimensions of 6.5″ x 5.9″ x 7.5″, this camera holster, like the one above, is great for protecting a camera within a larger bag. A few users found wielding this case around their necks to be a bit awkward, but the vast majority found it useful, affordable, and to be a great deal. It does help one’s camera be self-standing and offers a waterproof base. Its form factor should fit most DSLRs, but be sure your camera coheres with its internal dimensions before purchasing.

Price: $16.48 (17 percent off MSRP)

Buy the AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case here.

(AmazonBasics)

Pros:

  • Works with most zoom lens attached up to 110mm
  • Waterproof base protects the camera and lets it stand
  • Fits most DSLR cameras
  • Excellent value and well-built durability

Cons:

  • One user found shape awkward and unfitting
  • Some found the strap to hold case uncomfortably
  • Some had issues with this not keeping camera sufficiently protected

Find more AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case information and reviews here.

Still looking for the right camera case? Browse more top-rated camera cases on Amazon.

Heavy, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon. Our product recommendations are guided solely by our editors. We have no relationship with manufacturers.
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