YouTube Studio in a PeliCase

DSLR Video Shooter's Caleb Pike is back – after building a very handy custom Blackmagic Atem mini case (I built one myself according to his instructions) he's now on a mission to create a full YouTube studio setup in one instant Ready to use PeliCase in hand luggage size.

The idea is to have a complete setup for filming talking head video by simply opening a protective case, turning everything on, and hitting the shot. In theory, this should work remotely even if there is no experienced professional behind the camera. The case contains everything from a camera with lenses, monitor, wireless audio and light, everything you need, to a small YouTube studio.

The case

Everything revolves around a Pelican Case 1510, which has the exact dimensions for hand luggage. This is also a wheeled suitcase that can quickly exceed the weight limit for your normal carry-on luggage, but is extremely practical. The gear wheel is mounted by screwing three rails into the lid of the PeliCase.

Mounting brackets in the lid. Source: DSLR video shooter

The rest of the case is lined with padded dividers to carry spare equipment and keep all equipment safe.

Padded dividers in the lower half of the case. Source: DSLR video shooter

Equipment

Inside the housing is the Canon M50 Mark II, which is mounted on an edelkrone FlexTILT head. You can connect an optional monitor for better monitoring.

Camera and monitor assembly. Source: DSLR video shooter

Caleb used a Rode Wireless GO II audio set, which he conveniently attached to one of the mounting rails for easy storage and quick deployment.

Rode Wireless GO II assembly. Source: DSLR video shooter

A small Viltrox L132T light on the camera will help if you need some fill light.

Viltrox on-camera light. Source: DSLR video shooter

Inside the housing there is space for additional lenses. All components can be operated or charged with a normal USB power bank with the help of a few DC couplers or normal USB cables.

Useful in many situations

As Caleb mentions in his video himself, this PeliCase is great for quickly setting up a situation where you are either sitting at a desk, on the floor, or have some other type of platform nearby. Having the camera on a flexTILT head offers quite a bit of flexibility, but you are somewhat limited in terms of adjustability. Sometimes it's just quicker to use a tripod. It's a great build that can get you started recording quickly in many situations, depending on the type of content you're producing. For many, it's the perfect YouTube studio on wheels.

creative positioning. Source: DSLR video shooter

If at any point you want to use the case for something else, the entire installation is reversible as all of the assembly is done using pre-fabricated mounting points that do not penetrate the case's waterproof shell. This means that you can remove everything from the case and simply return it to its original state.

Who is the YouTube Studio in a Pelicase for?

That leaves the question open: Who can we see when we use this boxing studio in practice? The pandemic has proven that remote control is quickly becoming a normal way of working, and events such as the remotely produced Golden Globes have proven that these pre-built solutions have a market, as do the pre-built, rentable “Crew in a Box” production cases.

So there is definitely a certain demand for such solutions. We're not entirely sure how well they work for someone unfamiliar with movies as each of the pieces in the box still requires some knowledge to set them up. It's not exactly a laptop camera … what do you think? Let us know below.

Do you want to build one yourself? Bottom left

Here are product links to some of the components Caleb uses under the article in case you want to create one yourself. For a full list of its uses, see the description under his YouTube video.

I'm very happy with the last case that I made using Caleb's instructions. Have you built custom cases for your gear or are you planning to create one yourself? Share your projects and let us know your experience in the comments!

Source: DSLR Video Shooter on Youtube