Even if a cargo case is big enough to carry just about anything you have, there are cases out there designed to carry and protect exactly one thing (whatever that thing may be). Tripod cases are quite common and come in both hard plastic and padded versions. They resemble golf bag airline cases, but they are usually a little smaller. There are special bags with heat-resistant linings to contain video production lights, stands and electrical cables, designed for maximum protection and ease of carry.

There are cases for microphones, audio cables and other specialized gear. Before you get one of these special cases, be sure you really need it, because you'll be carrying it around everywhere; look into finding a combination case that would serve just as well as several individual ones.

Some think that cases must be nylon or canvas. Many of the more expensive cases are actually high-impact, heavy-duty plastic and can resemble airline luggage. These have a special foam lining that allows a custom-shaped hole to tightly fit your expensive widget. You may purchase replacement foam for a new start when you need it. These very strong cases come in sizes ranging from cell-phone size to over six feet long.

Consider carefully the specific task you want the case to perform and seek out the ideal solution to your needs. With careful shopping, a little forethought and some hands-on testing, you'll find a good balance between price and performance to protect your investment for years to come.

Randy Hansen is a television chief photographer who uses nearly a dozen cases a day in his work.

With gear often priced in the tens of thousands, professional video crews often use bags and cases to protect their investment.

There are cases that wrap around cameras like a cocoon and cases that carry and protect the cameras while transporting in vehicles. There are cases designed especially for directors who carry scripts and storyboards and bags for news crews that transport the equipment they need, like over-the-shoulder bags that carry a spare mic, a couple of tapes and a water bottle. Specialization in bag design keeps many companies in business, supplying the video industry with the bags they need. Entire catalogs are filled with special bags designed for certain makes and models of cameras, audio mixers and, yes, even cargo bags designed to last through years of hard service.

These pros spend a great deal of money on their gear, and they're willing to spend a little more to protect it. After all, by protecting the gear, they're protecting the things that help them make a living.

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