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Beyond the Camera - Camera Bags
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If you own a compact, you will only require a small camera case as it probably only needs to hold the camera, a spare memory card and maybe a spare set of batteries. However, if you have a DSLR, then there is a good chance you'll eventually have a few of lenses, an external flashgun, some filters, a mini tripod, cleaning cloths and some Kendal Mint Cake (or maybe that's just me!)
You will therefore need a good bag with plenty of space for all your essentials and which is preferably waterproof. Decent bags range from about £25 ($US 50) with room for a camera and one extra lens) through to around 10 times that amount - with room for everything including a really big bar of mint cake.
Good names to look out for include Lowepro and Crumpler. |
picture above (courtesy of Lowepro) is a Lowepro Magnum AW with room for two cameras with lenses, 4-5 additional lenses, external flash and accessories. |
Types of Bag
The two main types of bag to consider are shoulder bags and backpacks. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages and the type you chose will depend on your own preferences, many people have several camera bags for different purposes.
Shoulder Bags
The Lowepro Magnum AW shown above is an example of a shoulder bag. This type of bag is ideal if you need quick and easy access to your camera and lenses and is often used by photo journalists for this reason. The main disadvantage to shoulder bags is comfort, all the weight is placed on one shoulder and they tend to swing around the body a little when walking briskly.
Backpacks
Backpack type camera bags are popular with people who walk long distances with their cameras. Backpacks are often capable of holding large amounts of equipment and as their weight is distributed across two shoulders they are comfortable to carry for long periods of time.
The main disadvantage with backpacks is that it usually takes more time to get you equipment out of them as you have to take them off first.
Slingshots and slingbags
OK - we said that there are two main types of bag, however slingshots and slingbags are fairly recent developments and have been developed to try and get the best of both worlds from shoulder and backpack type bags.
These types of bag resemble backpacks but can be swung around to the front of the wearer in order to provide quick access to camera and accessories while on the move. They have an zip on the side which is used to access the interior of the bag while it is slung around to the front of the wearer.
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Photographs
This is a site about photography so I'm sure you are expecting to see plenty of pictures.
For now, why not take a peek at the flickr galleries belonging to the two authors of this site.
Colin's Flickr Page
Phil's Flickr Page
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