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Guide to choosing the perfect camera bag
The right camera bag is crucial to the amateur and professional
photographer alike. You’ve just spent time deciding on which digital
camera to buy, now all you need to do is to find the most appropriate camera
bag to protect your camera and equipment.
Next to your Camera, a camera bag could well be the most important
piece of kit you purchase. You certainly want to protect the camera
you just spent your hard earned money on, and it also needs to be a
safe and sturdy carrying case. It’s very important that your bag
allows you to access your equipment easily and helps you organize
your photographic equipment into compartments where possible.
There
are many different bags available, from Crumpler and Sony to Lowepro
and Domke, all in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and
functions. Which bag is most suitable to you largely depends on the
type and intensity of photography you undertake. For example a
Landscape photographer will often find him or herself shooting in
damp or wet environments, so a durable, waterproof bag is
appropriate. However, a weekend photographer shooting family day
outs would simply need a soft, padded bag, normally carried over one
shoulder for ease.
A camera bag should make carrying your camera easier, not more of a
hassle. So make sure that you find a bag that fits your camera well
and preferably has wide, padded straps for comfort. If you are just
starting out, you may only need a simple basic camera bag that will
just hold just your camera.
However, if you’re more experienced, or carry more kit than usual,
such as lenses, filters etc, you will obviously need a larger bag
capable of taking more weight. Ideally, you’re going to want one
that can hold all of the accessories you use most. Normally a camera
body, spare lens, cleaning cloth and memory card holder. Remember
though, if your camera bag is going to be used to carry more than
just a camera, you definitely want dividers in it. These make it
easier to keep your accessories separate. Try to find a bag with an
inner zip pocket which can be ideal for your car keys or money, when
traveling on foot.
A very important factor often overlooked when choosing a camera bag
is the ‘Zip’. Look for Bags with big tooth zips. These type are less
likely to jam or stick if they get damp or dirty. Some of which are
available with rain closures which protect the zipper from rain.
There are also double closure Zips which open and fasten from both
ends, great for shooting pictures on the move. Although the color
isn’t crucial, it is worth thinking about subtle colors, these will
undoubtedly draw less attention from potential thieves and also mid
toned bags will not absorb heat as quickly as other colors in hot
environments, which could cause possible problems with digital
equipment.
About the author: Gary Bunn is the owner of
Your-Digital-Photography.com.
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