Digital SLR Camera Bags

Digital SLR camera bags come in many shapes and sizes and it can be difficult to decide which one is best. So I've put together this concise guide to help you make a decision. Keep the following in mind if you are thinking of buying one.

Firstly, bear in mind that a good camera bag is a necessity, not a luxury, and worth the price every time in order to keep your precious camera safe. Some of the benefits of a camera bag are:

• Carrying a bag is more comfortable than having your camera hanging around your neck
• A bag protects your camera when you're not using it, for example, from drink, food, and any number of day-to-day mishaps which may not damage you but can do severe injury to your camera
• A bag gives you greater versatility since you'll have that extra lens or memory card just when you need it
• Photographers' vests tend to be clumsy and you can over-heat very readily when wearing one whereas a good camera bag should have everything you need to hand as it lets you be well-organised

Which Type is Right for me?

The first thing to think about when buying a digital SLR camera bag is which type is best for you, and that depends on the use to which it will be put. There are basically five different types:

1. Shoulder Bags: allow convenient access to your camera equipement but unevenly distibuted
2. Backpacks: evenly distribute weight on your back and shoulders so you can carry more but less easy access
3. Sling bags: easy access to your gear by sliding the bag around your body without removing it
4. Cases: good for travelling abroad as they are usually very tough but can be heavy - some have wheels
5. Holster: ok for a camera plus one or two lenses - easy access

Which Material should I Choose?

• Leather: expensive but looks good and lasts
• Nylon ripstop: less expensive than leather, strong, more variety of colours
• Canvas: shapes itself to your body but it can rub and is not so durable as either leather or nylon

What Features Should I look for?

Your digital SLR camera bag should be:

• flexible: it should have enough compartments for you to include all the lenses and equipment you need for your shoot;
• durable: how much of a battering is it likely to take? Do you want one that will last for a long time to come?
• stylish: it should reflect your taste

As well as a variety of compartments to hold your lenses, memory cards etc, digital SLR camera bags often have additional features which you might want to think about before you buy, such as:

• built-in lens cleaning cloth
• rain coat for the bag
• key clip
• ID card holder
• coin holder

Billingham, Crumpler and LowePro all make really great camera bags. Which one you choose depends mostly on your own personal style. Visit my camera bag store to find the latest deals on camera bags by these manufacturers.