Part 2: In Search of the Perfect Camera Case for the Canon G10

As promised, here's the second installment in my search for the perfect Canon G10 camera case. If you haven't read Part 1, you will find it here. 

Case No. 2: Canon PSC-5000

The PSC-5000 is a case designed for the G7 and G9. Although Canon doesn't seem to recommend it as an option for the G10, I think it is worth looking at. It is a funky design with a few shortcomings, but you will fall in love with the quality and workmanship of this case.

Ok, lets talk about the shortcomings first. The camera fits into the case pocket very nicely, but it is about 2 or 3 mm too tall. This makes lid flap sit just a bit too high and, if you look closely at the picture of the camera closed in the case, you'll notice the top flap is sticking up just a bit. I'm just guessing here, but I think the case would form to the camera over time and this issue would go away -- assuming it is an issue for you.

Shortcoming number 2 is related to its design. It is, well, different in an odd sort of way. Once you put the camera into the case, you flip up a lower flap, and fasten a top flap to the lower flap. I don't think all this flap action is really necessary, but it is different. One person's different is another persons funky, so it might not be a problem for you. I would have just preferred a single flap over the top that fastened on the side of the case. As a side note, the flaps use those little magnetic snaps that don't really snap.

Shortcoming number 3 was the deal breaker for me, and it all hinges on the fact that I prefer to use a wrist strap instead of a neck strap. Because the case is rigid and the fit is snug, you can't get the camera out of the case by lifting only one side at a time. Short of standing on my head and enlisting the aid of gravity, it wasn't easy to get the camera out when it was on my belt. If you'll be using a neck strap, you can tug on both sides to pull it out easily. If you do use a neck strap and want to wear this case on your belt, you might give some thought to where you'll be putting the neck strap, there isn't room in the case. 

Ok, now the positives. This is a first rate case. The workmanship is top notch and the leather is very nice. They even provide a cute little pouch for your battery and extra memory card. A very nice touch. As mentioned prior, it is a rigid case, so protection from sharp objects should be very good.

All in all, the PSC-5000 would be a classy way to carry the camera around, but it isn't all that functional. It would look good sitting in a coach purse or hanging around your neck when you toss the Ferrari's keys to the valet. For me, back to the store it goes.

Ranking: A+ for quality and workmanship, A for funky appeal, C+ for camera fit, and a C+/B for protection. Like the PSC-85, the rigid case will help with sharp object intrusion into the case (B), but should the case get dropped, there isn't much padding (C+).

Camera Case No. 3: You can find the third and final posting here.

Update:

This case is commonly available at places like bhphotovideo.com, at least for now. Since it was designed for the G7 & G9, it probably won't be available for that much longer.