How to Choose a Camera Bag

If your digital camera is too big to fit into your pocket or purse or if you will need to carry extra batteries or accessories with you, you'll need a camera bag. A camera bag is a good place to store all your camera's accessories, such as batteries, memory cards, lenses and cleaning cloths. Then, when you need to travel with your accessories, they are ready to go.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get the right size of bag. Select one which can carry all the camera equipment you currently have and a little more. You never know when you might want to add a new accessory or even store something unrelated to your camera, such as a wallet in your camera bag.

2. Look for a versatile bag. If you have more equipment than you'll want to take on the average trip, look for a bag with lots of compartments of different sizes. The most versatile bags will have adjustable compartments, allowing you to change their size.

3. Ensure the camera bag has a sturdy strap. Your camera bag will go through a lot with you so look for a bag with a strap that is stitched on. The greater the surface area where the strap meets the bag, the more secure the strap is.

4. Choose a bag made of strong material. A bag should not only hold up to every-day wear and tear, but also to potential sharp hazards. A sturdy nylon or canvas is safe and leather can be as well as long as it's thick.

5. Find a camera bag with convenient and secure closings. You should have easy access to the inside of the bag through a hook and loop method, but the bag should also feature a more secure closing method such as a zipper for when you aren't actively using your camera.

6. Check that it is waterproof. Look the bag over for any openings to the inside of the bag where water could leak in. In addition to openings, make sure none of the material on the outside of the bag will let water seep through.