Choosing a Digital Camera Carrying Case/Bag
Remember when you first bought your digital camera? You took photos of virtually everything and your friends and family began to hide from you! Well, sooner or later you’ll need to put your camera away – in a safe place where it can be protected until the next photo op comes up.
Storing your precious camera in a dresser drawer or setting it on a bookshelf won’t completely prevent it from being damaged. You need a carrying case/bag to protect your camera when you’re not using it and when you and your camera are on the go.
PURPOSE-BUILT – Case or Bag?
Depending on the type of camera you have and the amount of shutterbug running through your veins, the choice of style and versatility of your camera case/bag can be very important. Most major camera manufacturers offer cases/bags specifically designed for their brand and/or model line. For example: Sony makes a carrying case, Model No: LCSCST, specifically designed for protecting the Sony Cyber-shot® (see the chart below).
You’ll want the case/bag to be just large enough to hold your camera to keep it stationary inside. For camera bags, the compartment used to store the camera body should be tight enough to hold the camera from moving in any direction during transport but loose enough to allow for quick removal. Even small amounts of being jostled around can damage your camera.
Point-and-Shoot – Look for semi-rigid or hard-shell cases that can withstand being tossed into a purse, glove box, or center console in your car. Strong magnets, zippers, or hook-and-loop closures are required to keep your camera from falling out during storage and transportation.
Advanced – Something constructed from nylon with small storage pockets for flash memory cards and an extra battery will work great for this type of camera. Also look for a case with a built-in belt loop for keeping your camera at arm’s length. This holster-style case will keep you ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.
Professional – Sturdy buckles, snaps, zippers, and other closures are an absolute necessity for the professional dSLR photographer. Look for weather and shape resilient outer shells and an abundance of compartmented, padded, and adjustable storage areas. This type of camera bag will probably have the ability to carry it with a handle on top, an adjustable and padded shoulder strap, and can be converted to a fanny pack or backpack.
PROTECTION
A case/bag for your camera performs three key functions – protection, keeping everything in one place, and providing a vehicle for transporting – with protection being the most important. Here are some examples of the protection a camera case/bag will provide:
Wind – Tiny particles can be carried through the air and penetrate various areas of the lens and body of your camera. Wind can also be powerful enough to rip your camera case/bag out of your hands.
Dust – Your camera body and lens can be scratched when dust settles on it. Dust can also affect the smooth movement of parts such as your lens zooming in and out. And when dust mixes with water it becomes mud – something you definitely don’t want on your camera.
Sand – They don’t call it sandpaper for nothing. Granules of sand can gnaw away at your camera’s finish, moving parts, and lens. After filming at the beach, gently remove the sand and place your camera back in its case. Walking around the pier after you are done filming with your camera exposed will further the possibility of damage.
Precipitation – Whether inadvertently submerged in water or lightly snowed on, unless your camera is certified as waterproof even small amounts of rain or snow can permanently damage your camera. All cases/bag will provide some protection but look for an exterior which is constructed of a weatherproof or treated material such as nylon, plastic, and vinyl.
Impact – Camera bags are usually roomy and padded enough to protect from some impact from outside the bag. They should also protect from additional items and accessories stored inside from rubbing up against each other with padded and adjustable compartments. A case/bag will provide some protection if something is dropped onto your camera but it is best not to place anything on top or leave the bag when it is susceptible to being crushed.
Hot/Cold Weather - Although when Mother Nature acts up is an awesome time to take some video, shooting some video in the hot sun on a scorching summer with bright, overhead sunlight is rarely good. At the other end of the spectrum, exposing your camera to freezing temperatures just might give your camera frost bite – literally.
FINAL THOUGHTSOther uses for your camera bag are to tote all your other accessories and gadgetry. If you can’t seem to keep your finger off the shutter button, extra flash memory cards might be in order along with extra batteries. Look for a camera bag that is large enough for your camera body and all your extras including lenses. Some camera bags have external straps to secure a collapsible tripod to the outside of the bag and enough room to stow a photo vest for your official photo shoots.
Don’t substitute your camera case/bag for a sports duffel bag or any other carrying bag. You will be disappointed in the performance, and you just might end up damaging your camera instead of protecting it. Use the proper case/bag for your camera type and your camera will last for years.
To check out our line of digital camera carrying cases/bags, click here.
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