Pulling the front case off, requires applying enough strength in the right areas.

The front case snaps into place in three places:

At the top and bottom of the battery side (opposite of side pictured) of the case.

Right in the middle of the DC-in side (side pictured) of the case.

Top of the camera, to the left of the power button.

Once those places are disconnected, the front case will pop right off.

The camera in the first two pictures is upside down. This is the best position to place your thumbs to remove the case.