SHAPE SBAG Introduced – A Versatile Camera Assistant Bag

News

by Jeff LochJune 15^th, 2020

The Canadian manufacturer SHAPE has just introduced its first camera bag: the SHAPE SBAG. This versatile 36L bag features a big main compartment, three removable pouches, and a lot of pockets. Let’s take a closer look at it!

SHAPE SBAG Features

SHAPE is mainly known for making camera accessories, but they decided to enter a new market with the SHAPE SBAG. The SBAG is pretty compact, with exterior dimensions of just 12 x 20 x 12 in/30 x 50.8 x 30 cm for a weight of 4.6Kg/8.8lbs. For filmmakers who travel a lot, you should be able to take it with you on a plane as a carry on item. It is made from a “resistant fabric,” according to SHAPE, but there is no more information about it.

Image credit: SHAPE

This top-loading bag is primarily made to store and transport your camera in the large 36l main compartment. However, there are tons of pockets and pouches all over the place to carry extra equipment. Let’s start with the outside.

Image credit: SHAPE

SHAPE SBAG Exterior

On the front of the bag, there is a double accessory pocket as well as a handy bottle pouch. On the left side, there is a pen pouch, while the right-hand carry a tool pouch. The tool pouch can take a can of dust-off, a couple of screwdrivers, chalks, a bottle of pancro lens cleaner, and so on. Both the pen and tool pouches are attached by velcro and are removable.

Image credit: SHAPE

Also, there is velcro on the top & side surfaces of the bag – called a MOLLE system pattern, a system developed by the American army  – to label or relocate your pouches. I prefer to have my tools and pens on the inside of my camera assistant bag to avoid losing them or get some of my tools stolen if I take a crowded subway/bus, for example.

Image credit: SHAPE

On the back of the SHAPE SBAG, there is one big camera slate pocket. Below it, you’ll find another pocket that houses a rain/dust cover to cover your camera or equipment quickly.

Image credit: SHAPE

SHAPE SBAG Interior

To open the inside of the SHAPE SBAG, there are two zippers, as well as some magnets to close and secure the lid even without the zippers. Inside the top cover, there are four zippered lid pockets to store small accessories. In a nice touch, SHAPE includes two LED light zipper pulls to help see the interior of your bag in dark conditions.

Image credit: SHAPE

There is padding on the inside of the bag, and it comes with a little removable cable pouch. Unfortunately, there are no dividers inside. The SBAG is mainly designed to carry/store a fully rigged camera setup. Also, there is no strap or other way to secure your camera to the inside of the bag to prevent it from bouncing everywhere.

To me, the SHAPE SBAG is an excellent camera assistant bag. Of course, you can use it from time to time to transport a camera from one location to the other. However, I wouldn’t use it as a primary camera bag. But, as a camera assistant bag that can take a lot of small “lifesaver” tools, it is a great bag. If you want to learn more about it, you can read this “15 accessories you should never go on set without” article.

Image credit: SHAPE

Pricing and Availability

The SHAPE SBAG is available now for $219/€243. It comes with a tool pouch, a cable pouch, a pen pouch, a padded shoulder strap, the removable rain/dust cover, and a lifetime warranty. In terms of comparison, the design is very similar to the slightly bigger Cinebags CB01 Production Bag, which retails for $249.

What do you think about the SHAPE SBAG? Do you always carry a production bag on set with you? Let us know in the comments below!