Guide to Buying Digital Camera Bags
Buying a digital camera bag offers you a great way to carry your camera, lenses, and accessories without having to worry about them becoming damaged along the way. There are a number of different styles of camera bags including compact and backpack. Each offers its own range of features, making it much easier to find one that fits your exact needs.
When choosing a camera bag, there are a number of things you need to take into consideration. Among these are the size of your camera or cameras, how many lenses you plan to carry, what accessories you take along for the ride, and what type of environment you will be out in during your photo shoot.
The Different Types of Digital Camera Bags
It is important that you keep in mind that while there are several different styles of camera bag to choose from, each one has its own specific uses. Think about how and where you plan to use it and the type of camera or cameras you plan to carry as these will have a definite impact on your final choice.
The Backpack Camera Bag: These bags are perfect for the photographer who prefers to lead an active lifestyle. Typically these bags have interior pockets and elastic bands designed to hold everything safely in place while you are wearing the backpack. Many of these bags are waterproof to keep everything dry when the weather outside is less than pleasant.
The Shoulder Bag: Worn much like a purse, these bags are great at keeping your hands free. Typically they have a single shoulder strap and a carrying handle. The strap may be adjustable and removable for your convenience. Inside you are likely to find more pockets and elastic bands to hold your camera and gear in place.
The Compact Bag: These bags are usually only big enough to hold no more than a single camera. Most do not have room for any other accessories. Some may have a shoulder or carrying strap that is often fixed instead of removable.
The Hard Bag or Case: For those who tend to use expensive cameras in what can only be described in rough conditions, a hard case on the outside keeps your camera from being smashed, while the heavily padded interior keeps everything safe and sound on the inside. Most are made for specific cameras so be sure you get the right one for yours.
The Weatherproof Bag: If you plan to do most of your shooting outside, a weatherproof bag makes a good choice. These bags come in all styles but add in the extra water resistant features. Some come with a waterproof outer bag for added protection.
The Waist or Fanny Pack Bag: These are a great choice for those who carry point and shoot cameras. Worn like a belt with a zipper closure, they typically have just enough room for the camera and very little else.
The Mini Case: When you don’t have enough room for a large case or bag, these make an excellent alternative. They are made for point and shoot cameras and have belt clips or are designed to protect your camera when it is in your purse.
Handy Digital Camera Bag Features
- Interior padding to protect your camera and accessories.
- Interior pockets where you can store things like lenses, often padded, sometimes zippered.
- A memory card slot that fits a wide range of memory cards and keep them safe.
- Exterior pockets for extra storage, some are open while others are zippered.
- Bag lock to keep your camera and accessories safe from would be thieves.
- Organizer trays that help you keep things like filters, batteries, and other small items organized.
Here are Five Popular Digital Camera Bags worth Considering
| Bag Comparison Chart | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmazonBasics Large DSLR Gadget Bag | AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories | Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras | Case Logic SLRC-202 Medium SLR Camera Bag | USA Gear FlexARMOR X dSLR Camera Case Holster Sleeve | |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Dimensions | 13 x 7 x 9 inches | 11 x 6.1 x 14.5 inches | 15 x 12.2 x 7 inches | 12 x 9.5 x 5 inches | 6.2 x 3.2 x 7 inches |
| Interior Padding | |||||
| Interior Pockets | |||||
| Exterior Pockets | |||||
| Compartments | |||||
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | |
