I used to have Zero Halliburton camera cases (all the pros did in the early eighties), and it used to break my heart when one got a ding or scratch. And I'm afraid that they did telegraph the word expensive.

Rimowa is very nice from the looks of it, but Brookstone has a knock off for as little as $99. I assumed that it was polycarbonate but don't know for sure.

I have a Samsonite Black Label 20 inch polycarbonate case. It's my favorite piece of luggage. Alas, I don't think it's available any more. Polycarbonate is great because it's so light!