Regarding what #1 said about "> Im so scared of scratching the glass..." - honestly safety is everything. I would suggest the Smatree Hard Carrying Case for Sony ZV-1 because it is rigid and crush-proof. If you want something slimmer, the MegaGear Ultra Light Neoprene Camera Case for Sony ZV-1 is like a wetsuit for your gear. Neoprene is great for scratches, but the hard case is way safer for heavy bags. Just make sure it fits tight...

> Im so scared of scratching the glass part in my messy backpack. Japan is gonna be incredible!! I totally get the anxiety of a messy bag, but honestly you dont need to spend a fortune to keep that thing safe. For a $40 budget, you should definitely look at a hardshell or semi-rigid case because they handle being crushed in a backpack way better than a soft sleeve. It's way more peace of mind when you're stuffing things in a rush. I love the Ulanzi PB08 Compact Camera Bag because its basically built for the ZV series. It has extra space for cables and those tiny batteries you're gonna need. Another fantastic option is the Lowepro Tahoe CS 20 Protective Case which is super tiny but has amazing padding. The soft interior is the key so the screen doesnt get micro-scratches from dust. You're gonna have such a blast taking photos there! If you need help with anything else just let me know!

Re: "> Im so scared of scratching the glass..." - man, I feel that deep in my soul! When I first got my ZV-1, I was totally obsessing over every little spec. Like, that 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 Zeiss lens is so crisp, I just couldnt stand the thought of even a micro-scratch on the glass. I actually ruined a lens on my old RX100 by just tossing it in my pocket once... talk about a heartbreaking $500 mistake! I ended up geeking out on technical dimensions and padding density to find the perfect fit. For a Japan trip, you really want something slim because youll be walking like 20,000 steps a day and dont want a bulky brick on your hip. I spent weeks measuring different pouches to find something that fit the exact 105.5 x 60.0 x 43.5 mm footprint of the ZV-1 without any wasted space.

• Ulanzi PB08 Compact Camera Shoulder Bag with Waterproof Fabric is fantastic because it fits the camera plus two spare batteries perfectly.
• Grab a Expert Shield Glass Screen Protector for Sony ZV-1 immediately. Honestly, it is the best $15 youll spend.
• Look for high-density EVA foam if you want real impact protection. The ZV-1 is such an amazing beast for its size, but that flip screen hinge is definitely the weakest point. I always make sure the screen is flipped inward when I tuck it into my Peak Design Tech Pouch 2L Small which sits perfectly in my main bag. It is basically bulletproof now! Have a blast in Japan, it is gonna be epic.

^ This. Also, focusing on a semi-rigid shell is definitely the move if you want it to actually last through a trip. I've seen too many cheap soft pouches just get holes in them or have the zippers fail after a week of heavy use. Reliability for travel basically comes down to:

• A dense outer shell that wont snag on other junk in your backpack
• Thick internal padding so the camera doesnt rattle around inside
• A sturdy loop or clip to keep it secured inside the bag Honestly, as long as it fits snug and has a decent zipper, you're good. It doesnt need to be fancy to work well.