Camera Bags - Which Bag is Best For Your Camera?

There are literally thousands of camera bags on the market, far more different models and styles than there are cameras! Whether you’re an occasional photographer who likes to take their snaps on a fixed lens digital compact or a professional who carries thousands of pounds worth of kit wherever you go, choosing the right camera bag is essential.

Holsters

The simplest type of camera bag available, worn over your shoulder and swings lose around your body. Holds a single fixed lens or DSLR camera and small number of accessories, such as a spare battery or extra memory card.

The trouble with holsters and in fact many types of camera bags is that it’s difficult to hide the fact you’re carrying a camera! If you’re traveling in locations where pickpockets operate, it may be worth buying a clip to attach your holster to your belt to prevent thieves from snatching your camera.

holsters are great for tourists, because they are lightweight, have some padding to give protection and often made from semi-waterproof material. However, they tend to swing around whilst you walk or move, so are not the best if you’re cycling, horse-riding or trekking.

Belt Packs

Belt packs are a slightly larger bag which clips onto your belt, allowing for more kit, such as a spare lens or additional flash. Typically they open outwards to allow easy access to your camera. The clear advantage to belt packs is the added security of keeping them attached to your body as well as extra space for your accessories. They also allow for more mobility, not swinging around as you move. However they can make it difficult to crouch or sit down.

Shoulder Bag

If you want to disguise the fact you’re carrying a camera then shoulder bags can be the perfect option. They come in a wide variety of fabrics and bright designs which can be thrown over your shoulder and look like any typical tote bag. They provide more space, with a variety of padded compartments which can easily be accessed by swinging the bag around your body.

The problems with shoulder bags are they’re not great if you require a lot of mobility, they can be heavy for one shoulder and could easily snatched from your body.

Backpack

Popular with professionals, backpacks provide a vast amount of padded space for all your kit and enable you to keep your hands free, which is perfect for taking photos on the move, whether on a mountain bike, snowboard or trekking. Straps are usually padded for comfort, an all-weather cover is usually included as well as additional straps for tripods and pockets for laptops, ID cards and pens.

Sling backpacks are also available, which only go over one shoulder and can be swung round to the front to access your kit, preventing you from having to remove the pack every time.

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