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Bags & Cases for cameras, camcorders, filters, lenses, tripods & other accessories. Protect your camera gear from shocks, knocks, scratches, and the weather. These are easy to carry around, holds all your stuff in one place, and make it easy to access your camera equipment. Here’s a guide to selecting the best camera bags, and the factors that you need to consider when buying one.
Photography has evolved a lot over the years; photographers now use multiple cameras (of various sizes and configurations), multiple lenses and filters, and various other accessories. Professional camera gear is also expensive and one needs to take good care of it.
As a result, it is important for a photographer to own a suitable camera bag with sufficient storage.
A camera bag is an important accessory to protect your camera equipment and keep them all in one place. There are plenty of options in the market. Besides being functional, you can choose a camera bag that is stylish and comfortable as well. In general, a camera bag should be well-built and have lots of pockets, pouches, and placeholders so that you can easily get your gear in and out quickly of the bag. When you are choosing a bag that is going to carry lots of stuff, it needs to be discreet (if you travel a lot with your camera gear) so that it doesn’t attract unnecessary attention. If you travel with the family, be it going to the park or on a long vacation, you can use a small or sling camera bag to carry your camera gear as well as some of your personal stuff.
- It will help keep all your camera gear and accessories in one place, and also offer fast access to the camera/gear to ensure you don’t miss out on any moment.
- It also offer adequate protection to the gear inside from knocks, scratches and the elements. These professional camera bags have foam padding to protect your expensive equipment better, even from accidental drops.
- Lot of professional photographers also carry their laptop for most shoots, so that they can touch up the pictures and send it to their clients right away. The bigger-sized camera bags nowadays provide space for a laptop as well.
Most of these camera bags for pros are also discreet so that they don’t attract unnecessary attention. This is particularly helpful in crowded places or when you are traveling; you don’t want someone to rob you of your expensive belongings.
Types of Camera Bags
Today, camera bags and cases are available in various designs and sizes; you get small and compact camera bags, sling bags, holster bags, and bigger-sized backpacks (to carry multiple bodies, lenses, lots of accessories, and even a laptop).
The best camera bags are thoughtfully designed to carry a lot of stuff, they also have excellent foam padding to protect your expensive camera equipment.
Since photographers do outdoor shoots, most camera bags are also weather resistant and sturdy to handle accidental drops. Professional camera bags are also water resistant so that the equipment inside the bag is not affected in case it rains or snows when you are shooting outdoors.
Most women have also taken to photography in a big way. So now you just do not have just the dull-looking camera bags. You do get a nice selection of colors, for those who are looking for some variety.
In addition to camera bags, you also get cases for accessories such as lenses, filters, and tripods as well.
Camera bags are available in various sizes and styles. Even in terms of fabric and color, you do have plenty of choices. Women photographers can opt for more colorful and stylish camera bags. As for brands, there are some good ones out there which we have reviewed on our site. Whichever brand of camera bag you pick, just make sure that you get yourself an excellent and practical one.
Here are the more popular types of camera bags:
Backpack Camera Bags
DSLR cameras are bigger in size compared to compact cameras and have detachable lenses. As a result, there are more openings through which dust and water can creep inside an SLR camera, compared to a compact camera. Also, most professionals have multiple lenses of varying sizes.
A backpack camera bag is spacious, can carry multiple lenses and gear, and has more features. It also has ample storage space for a laptop. Camera Backpacks (rucksacks) are perfect when going on long treks and outdoor shoots as it evenly divides the weight across your back and shoulders.
Due to its size, however, it can be difficult to quickly access things in your camera bag.
If you see something interesting, it can take some time for you to get your camera ready for the shot. You have to take the bag off your shoulder to access the lens inside the bag. It is also difficult to maneuver in crowded areas with the bag due to its bulky size. Also, while using the bag with the tripod, the bag moves from side to side
A backpack camera bag is big enough to fit everything (camera, multiple lenses, and accessories like flash, lens hood, tripod, filters for the lenses, battery packs, chargers, cables, etc.), including some personal belongings. These have a lot of compartments, both on the side as well as the outside, and have adequate padding, quality materials, and good external straps. In most bags, you will also find straps on the bottom, to carry the tripod.
A Backpack camera bag looks like a regular backpack and is convenient to carry on your shoulders and is also suited when you go on outdoor shoots, including treks.
Sling Camera Bags
Though backpacks are quite popular and are quite comfortable to carry, many photographers prefer something that is a bit lighter and doesn’t give the impression that you are going on a long trek.
In case you are looking for something different from a backpack, something that lets you access your camera much faster, then a sling-bag will be more appropriate for you.
A sling-bag is somewhat like backpacks but is worn only over one shoulder (can be pulled to your side without removing it), and allows for easier access to your gear. You can use these to carry DSLR, point and shoot cameras, GoPro.
Sling camera bags allow you to go from carrying your gear on your back, to taking your shot without having to take off the camera bag. Quick rotation from back to front allows easy access to your camera, lenses and accessories.
These bags are perfect for locations where you may not get a surface where you can keep the camera bag down and remove your camera gear.
These are convenient, provide quick access to camera kits, and offer adequate protection to the camera gear. These are not too big yet are large enough to fit a DSLR with attached standard zoom lens; 3-4 additional lenses or flash units and accessories (longer lenses or telephoto lenses may not fit however). The one-shoulder design may cause a little discomfort and strain on the shoulder and back; you’ll also need to take the bag off your shoulder, keep it down and open it all the way in case you want to change the lens.
Most women prefer it because it doesn’t really look like a typical camera bag.
These bags have a box inside to house the camera and the accessories. And the best part is that the camera box is removable. So the next time you want to use the bag as a regular bag, just remove the box and use the bag to hold anything you like.
As with most camera bags, internal zippered pockets are provided in these camera bags to give you more storage options; you can expand carrying capacity by adding compatible pouches, cases and bags. These bags offer flexibility and comfort when you are outdoors or sightseeing.
Holster Camera Bags
Ideally, every photographer would like to carry a large bag that can hold all your camera and photo related things, and something that is convenient to carry as well.
But then, some of these bags may not let you access your gear immediately due to their design, which can be a hindrance under certain conditions, such as for those who are into wild life photography or if you are a photo journalist.
A Holster camera bag is a comparatively small bag that can comfortably carry a camera and one/two lenses.
A Holster bag is more convenient to uses these in certain situations, instead of conventional camera bag, backpack or shoulder bag, especially if you’re planning to carry just a single body and lens.
Most photographers also prefer a holster bag because it provides easy access to the camera gear and are quite comfortable for outdoor shoots.
These can be hung from the shoulder as a conventional holster, but also come with a selection of extra straps that enable the bag to be strapped to your waist, or positioned on your chest. As with most bags, you can expect a removable shoulder strap and belt attachment.
Leather Camera Bag
Leather camera bags can look stylish and yet practical. It is perfect for someone who doesn’t want a bag that looks dull and boring, and has an eye for aesthetics. Leather bags are of good quality and usually last longer if you take good care of them.
In terms of color, you have various shades of brown and black. The better camera bags use quality material, have good stitching and layout, and have customizable compartments. You also get water resistance leather bags that are more suited for shooting in harsh conditions.
These come with several pockets to keep your accessories (like batteries and memory cards), as well as personal belongings. A leather camera bag features removable baskets, adjustable dividers, lots of pockets, variety of sizes, and gives you the option to wear the bag messenger style.
These looks stylish and can also be used as fashion messenger bag. These have padded lining inside for protection, has adjustable shoulder strap, you also can take the padded insert out (to use it as a fashion messenger bag). These can also be used as multi-purpose bag, for storing laptops, netbooks, notebooks, and more.
These bags keep your camera protected and your accessories handy, and is especially suitable for digital photojournalists, news, and sports photographers, who need to capture those extraordinary moments that happen in a split second.
Khaki Camera Bags
Khaki shoulder camera Bags have a simple appearance yet they look fashionable and unique, and these can be used by both men and women.
These are well equipped to protect your DSLR cameras and a few accessories, and also offer space for your personal items. The strap is adjustable and you increase its lengthened to wear the bag in a cross-body style.
If you like items with vintage military looks then you will definitely like these Khaki bags as they do look stylish than most other bags.
For Women
Women have taken to photography big time, and it is quite common to see women having the latest camera equipment. Photography, not long back, was seen as the bastion of men, but not anymore. But then, for most women, this is just a hobby and they may have a functional and compact camera.
Nevertheless, when it comes to camera bags, their preference can be much different from men. Women want more options when it comes to color and design, want their bags to look cute & stylish. Fortunately for them, they do have lots of options nowadays. Manufacturers did take note of this fact, and have introduced a range of stylish camera bags for women. Some of these are actually gender-neutral and can be used by men as well, so do check them out.
Compact Camera Cases
A compact camera case is compatible with most compact point-and-shoot cameras. These cases have beefy padding and protection and come with several pouches.
The durable dobby nylon and interior padding protects your camera against daily wear and tear. The Belt loop allows for easy transport. it also has Zippered pocket to store memory cards and other small accessories. The back of the case has a fixed strap for handholding it easily. Some camera cases may even fit your waist so you can use it as a belt strap. These usually also come with a long adjustable strap.
These cases have the main section in the middle, a smaller compartment behind, and a relatively bigger compartment in the front – suitable for extra batteries and other accessories.
Even though these are compact camera cases, there is no reason why you can’t use them for your flip video cameras, or even for your portable mp3 player.
Waterproof Camera Bags
Electronic devices, such as digital cameras, and water don’t mix; this is why it is important to protect your camera from water (rains) when you’re shooting outdoors. You get waterproof bags and bags that are suitable for underwater photography.
Waterproof camera bags have water-resistant coverings that keep out light precipitation or moisture, but a few employ more intense methods of protection, like treated fabrics and secondary waterproof covers. With waterproof camera bags, there’s no need to fear rain when you have a camera (or mobile phone) in your hands.
Waterproof Camera Bags are ideal for places where you have lots of rain, or if you are going out surfing, kayaking, swimming pool, underwater outdoor activities, or any kind of outdoor sports where you may have to get in the water to take pictures.
In addition to being waterproof, these bags are dustproof ward, sand proof, rain and snowproof
Waterproof camera bags are available in different sizes and designs; some are designed to fit all camera equipment and some are designed to fit only a single camera.
Factors to Consider
When looking for a camera bag it is important to factor in the amount of gear that you would like to fit in; it is important to consider the accessories, lenses, and other gear that you would want to carry, whether you will carry only the camera body and probably one lens, or you want something that will fit in multiple lenses, and/or multiple camera bodies. You should also consider the weather conditions in which you are likely to shoot.
In addition to adequate storage space, you need to consider the following before buying a camera bag.
Easy to Carry: When shooting outdoors, on several occasions, you have to do a lot of walking to get to your location. In that case, the bag needs to be extremely comfortable on your back even when carrying over long distances. It’s also important that you have few different ways to carry the bag just in case you are tired you can change positions. You should be able to put it over the shoulder or grab it using the top or the side handle.
Should Be Discreet: If you’re going to do a lot of street photography, it is important that your camera bag is discreet. It should not be easily possible for people to tell that the bag you are carrying is actually a camera bag laden with expensive stuff, and attract unnecessary attention of thieves. When you’re travelling through busy places carrying expensive professional camera equipment, you should avoid attracting attention.
Sufficient storage space: Make sure you buy a camera/camcorder bag with sufficient pockets, pouches or straps so that you can conveniently store stuff (you can find them at one convenient place). The bag should also be easy to carry around.
Most photographers own multiple cameras which they use in different situations, so they are also likely to own multiple bags. For instance, for some shoots, you may carry a compact digital camera (instead of an SLR) that is not a chore to bring along, and for that, you will need a suitable smaller bag.
You can choose from a wide range of camera bags such as form-fitting camera cases, small camera bags & fanny packs, sling bags, and camera backpacks.
- The form fitting DSLR camera bags are for cameras of specific brands and models. These are also provided directly by the manufacturer.
- Fanny packs & small bags can be used to carry a variety of camera types; you can even store more than one lens. These are more of multipurpose bags and can be used outdoors.
- Sling-packs and backpacks are best if you have lots of camera related gear, besides personal stuff, and are more suitable for outdoor shoots and for travel.
A camera bag made of basic nylon fabric or inexpensive leather may be suitable for someone who shoots indoors, in which case the bag provides protection to the camera against dust. For outdoor shoots, however, you need a waterproof bag with thick outer padding, and thick foam-filled internal padding for all those eventualities.
Though all camera bags claim to be waterproof, you may still want to confirm that just to be on the safer side.
Camera Bag Brands
Lowepro Camera Bags and Cases
Greg Lowe (founder of the company) was an avid mountaineer, photographer and filmmaker; he was among the first to develop lightweight and foam-padded nylon cases to protect camera and cinematography equipment from the hazards of climbing. Lowepro makes all kinds of camera bags and cases such as Backpacks, Shoulder Bags, Sling Bags, Rolling Cases, Toploading, Modular, Beltpacks, Optics, Pouches, Accessories. Lowepro bags tend to offer good storage space and protection, and offer easy access to the equipment.
Tamrac Camera Bags
Tamrac is a popular manufacturer of photographic equipment bags and backpacks; they make a great range of camera bags and cases to meet a wide variety of needs, including mountain hiking camera bags, discreet professional camera backpacks, shoulder bags, toploader everyday bags, as well as a range of lens cases to protect individual lenses.
Based in California, Tamrac makes tough camera bags that offers excellent protection to the equipment inside, yet were easy to carry and allowed fast access to camera equipment to capture spontaneous wildlife pictures. Most of their bags have room for multiple cameras and supplies.
Website: More camera bags on tamrac.com
KATA Camera Bags and Cases
The founders of KATA have experience in making complicated military equipment. KATA has evolved as a top-quality company from being once an R&D lab. KATA offers a wide range of camera bags and cases, including shoulder bags, mini-cases, rain covers, pouches, sling bags and several other support cases. These are suited for various weather conditions and will suit every discriminating photographer’s unique tastes and needs.
Case Logic Camera Bags
Case Logic makes all styles of camera bags, such as backpacks, sling, holster, compact cases, and more. They come in various sizes and are designed to fit the most popular cameras and camcorders of various brands. Their DCB line of camera cases, in particular, are quite popular. Known for their innovative design and functionality, the company provides the most complete selection of storage accessories in the industry.
Crumpler Camera Bags
One of the coolest camera bag companies out there, Crumpler, has a wide range of camera bags. All of them are designed with form and function being complimentary. So they work great and look cool.
Crumpler range of bags include professional camera and photography bags, laptop and technology bags, backpacks, casual bags and luggage.
Canon Camera Bags
Leading digital camera manufacturer Canon also makes accessories including bags/cases. Canon camera bags includes a selection of shoulder bags, backpacks, sling bags, holsters, and a variety of cases. Though these can be used with other brands of cameras as well, most of them are design for canon products. So protect your investment with a camera bag from Canon. Canon camera bags are big enough to store your digital camera, your memory cards and other accessories that are needed for you to take great pictures. These have adequate padding and are water resistant, which makes perfect for your camera gear, including accessories and some of your personal belongings.
Nikon Camera Bags & Cases
Nikon, known for its cameras, also makes a range of bags and cases. Nikon camera bags are perfect for those who own digital cameras or camcorders. Their bags have lots of space with numerous pockets and dividers to keep everything neat and organized, and feature padded handles and sturdy wall construction.
Camera Bag: What to Pack for a Shoot
From experience one learns a lot of things, and the same applies to your outdoor shoots as well. I am sure on many occasions you would have said, “I wish I had brought that particular thing along”.
And it is particularly annoying because you only realize that when you are about to shoot something special.
The only way to solve this problem from recurring is to make sure you have a checklist ready and pack your gear bag with all the necessary camera essentials, every time you go out for a shoot.
Included in the list, everything that is necessary for a photographer – be it lenses, filters, chargers and other accessories.
In general, adhere do the following steps:
- Get a nice, sturdy and spacious camera bag, with several zipped pockets
- Always pack spare batteries in your bag. Better is to pack the battery charger as well
- Keep extra camera rolls, or memory cards in your bag. If you use film, put it in an X-ray-proof bag (don’t want to ruin them when passing through security checks at airports)
- For backup, bring ultrafast film in case of flash failure
- Keep a lens cloth or lens wipes to get clearer pictures. A dirty lens will ruin an otherwise good shot.
- Unless yours is a waterproof bag, keep plastic bags and rubber bands handy in your bag, especially recommended in case you are going to place where it rains or has lots of moisture. Take a plastic bag to cover your camera (to shoot in dusty or salty conditions) in case you don’t have a rain cover.
- Store your camera inside a plastic bag with a packet of silica gel (especially for damp environments).
- What about Tripod? A mini tripod is more flexible than a standard tripod and can be packed in a bag. What about Shutter Release or Remote? Would you need that as well?
- Extras such as multitool or Swiss Army Knife, Flashlight, and so on
Stick to these points and almost all the time, you should have all the necessary things at your disposal to carry out great shoots.
Needs to Fit in a Laptop As Well
There are several benefits of carrying your laptop along, when going for professional shoots.
There is no doubt that a laptop is now an essential tool for photography. Most pictures nowadays are edited using software like Photoshop to make them look much better. So a laptop is an essential product in a professional photographer’s list of equipment.
Besides, a laptop also makes it possible for you to send the pictures via email. So you can send the photos to your boss or to your client straightaway without any delay. And they can get the pictures printed or use them however they want.
Considering that the photographs are already in digital format, all you need to do is hook up your digital camera to your laptop computer, transfer the photos to your laptop from your digital camera, edit them to ensure they look much better, and then send it through email.
All this while you are at some distant location!
Professional camera bags nowadays are large enough to accommodate your laptop along with your professional camera equipment, and also your personal stuff.
Camera Rain Covers
A Camera Rain Cover is a must-have accessory for all the serious outdoor photographers, as it offers a shield to your camera from various elements such as rain and sand.
If you are looking for an economical way keep your camera gear safe from unexpected or harsh weather, get a camera rain cover.
Quality rain covers are made from good material and offers protection from rain, sand and even snow. These can be used either hand-held or when the camera is on a tripod. These are small enough to go even in your pocket. You can easily see all the camera and lens controls through the cover
You don’t have to alter these in anyway; it features an eyepiece opening that adapts to most camera viewfinders, and allows you to take shots through the camera’s lens, and not through the plastic of the cover
Quality camera rain covers are necessary accessories for professional photographers, so that they really don’t have to worry about other things, when shooting outdoors.
You can select from a range of protective sleeves and jackets for your photo gear. Just check the length / dimensions of the covers before you buy.
Best Camera Bean Bags
In many situations, photographers use a bean bag to keep the camera still and shoot pictures, just like a tripod. Many feel that the bean bag is more useful and convenient than using a tripod in certain cases. You can pretty much place it anywhere, and it will hold whatever position and angle that you place it in.
It’s sort of a Camera Tripod alternative. Sets up in seconds and you can carry it in any small camera bag.
There are situations when your camera needs a break from a tripod, and the camera bean bag works as a nice tripod alternative in places such as window sill, ground, arm of any vehicle/indoor furniture etc.
Hard Camera Cases
A hard camera case is one of the most secure ways of transporting your photography equipment. These are usually made of metal and can be fully waterproof.
People associated with the entertainment industry, musicians and photographers, use hard cases to transport their expensive equipment.
These are the safest and the toughest option that you could have for your gear, and you don’t have to use these cases just for your camera, you can use it to store any expensive piece of electronics.
These are rock solid so you don’t have to worry about the case getting crushed and crushing the camera.
Camera Bags for Women
Camera bags for women are offered in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. You get bags that look cute, are stylish, and you can also use the more functional ones that can be used by both men as well as women.
Most regular camera bags are big, bulky, and are mostly available in black color; these bags however do not complement the outfits of ladies well.
Camera bags for women offer more options in color and looks. You will find bags in all kinds of colors: red, pink, orange, blue etc.
These are usually lightweight but offer decent space to keep your camera gear and accessories. The more expensive ones provide a stylish and chic look.
Though meant for holding cameras, these bags look cute and stylish, more like the regular ladies bag. The thing that you don’t see is that from the inside it is a regular camera bag.
Besides the varied choices in colors, you will find lot of varieties such as sling, khaki and leather bags, that look different from the most conventional ones.
These bags offer enough space and pockets to keep camera /accessories as well as personal things. The smaller ones can hold a digital slr an extra lens, possibly a flash and all the other bits and pieces that you will need.
All medium sized bags usually will hold a couple of camera bodies, flashes, lenses and miscellaneous items such as memory card holders, batteries, cables, manuals, etc.
Serious female photographer can opt for the sturdier camera bags (these can be used by men as well). The bigger sized bags have lots of space within and will hold variety of equipment such as camera, lenses, additional things like mobile phones, or car keys or your iPad.
Best GoPro Camera Cases / Bags
Choose from a wide range of options for cases for GoPro cameras. These provide protection to your GoPro Camera and also is a great place to keep your GoPro accessories organized. You get all sorts of cases for your GoPro. Here we take a look at the best ones, ranging from simple and inexpensive to practically indestructible. All of these cases are compatible with the recent GoPro cameras.
There are many cameras, including GoPros, that are rugged, especially with its standard housing.
But its always a good idea to add some level of protection to it, especially when you’re traveling or when you want to store your camera.
It makes it easy to carry your GoPro, prevents the lens from getting scratched, minimizes chances of knocks, and its a great way to keep your camera accessories handy, such as spare batteries, remotes, mounts, bolts, cables, and memory cards; it makes it so much easy to find them quickly. Its also a great way to keep the GoPro adapters separate from your other camera gear.
Canvas Camera Bags
A canvas camera bag may look somewhat traditional but the good thing about them is that they’re very discreet; anyone looking at it won’t even know that it’s a camera bag, which is an important factor to prevent camera theft. Besides, canvas bags offer similar protection as other camera bags, & have all those compartments required to store your digital camera and support equipment. Most modern canvas camera bags are made of heavyweight cottons, which actually helps to minimize internal movement of your photo gear. The material used is usually water resistant as well, which means its perfect for outdoor use. You get ergonomically designed canvas camera bags that are quite comfortable to carry as well.
You get bags that are big enough to hold everything you need for your shoot, such as your DSLR, a laptop, few lenses, small accessories, and even your personal items.
The interior comes with several removable / customizable dividers, including a removable divider for your laptop.
National Geographic Camera Bag
National Geographic camera bags are perfect for pro photographers who have a lot of camera gears that needs to be protected under extreme weather conditions.
It is designed to accommodate all kinds of camera accessories such as your memory cards and batteries, and not just the camera bodies and lenses. In fact, they also have space to take care of some of your personal belongings such as wallet, mobile phones and so on.
A Nat-Geo camera bag is a bag meant for the pros, is quite roomy and does an excellent job of holding all your professional photographic equipment. These camera bags are made to provide you with utmost value and convenience when you are shooting outdoors.