As I’ve mentioned in a previous post – I’m a bag person. Today I stopped by the folks at Petrol and got a glimpse of some of their newer products. Lucky for me my checkbook was elsewhere.

Prior to leaving for NAB, I was looking for a back that I could walk the floor, quickly pull out my video camera, microphone, etc and start shooting. But I also needed my Nikon D300 in case I needed to get a few great shots. Oh yeah, and I almost forgot, I need my computer to post during the show if necessary. Petrol has such animals, and more. While the bags got my attention, a slick rain coat for my camera kept my attention.

Rain slickers tend to be very good form fitting products you buy for specific camera models. What if you want to add a Matte Box? You’re out of luck likely. Similarly if you’d like to share slickers across different cameras, you’ll find they don’t fit. Petrol’s newest is pretty slick indeed. While not form fitting, it attaches to the hot shoe to stabilize it, but it’s got velcro to wrap where necessary. Clever idea really.

Full press release after the jump:

New Petrol Raincover for Sony PMW-EX1 & HVR-Z7

Petrol, a Vitec Group brand, introduces the PRC-EX1 transparent Raincover, the ultimate weather protection for the Sony PMW-EX1 and HVR-Z7.

Petrol’s ingenious one-piece design makes the Raincover extremely easy to install while shooting. Constructed largely of clear polyurethane (PTU) for maximum visibility, the PRC-EX1 offers quick and easy access to all camera features and even enables work with the flip out LCD screen fully open. A hot shoe connector in the cover’s rigid front hood section anchors and stabilizes it on camera. At the rear, durable waterproof rubber fabric surrounds and protects the viewfinder.

The PRC-EX1 Raincover is the latest Petrol accessory for popular cameras like the Sony EX1. Other compatible products include the Dr. Petrol bag (PDRB-3), Camlap Trolley Backpack (PCTB-3) and the PMH-3 Mini Hood for the camcorder’s fold-out monitor.

For further information on the PRC-EX1 Transparent Raincover and other Petrol products, please go to www.petrolbags.com or contact: Petrol, 709 Executive Blvd., Valley College, NY 10989, Phone: 845-268-0100, Fax: 845-268-0113, Email: [email protected]