Camera Bags and what you expect from them


Marcelchl

New Member
Dec 29, 2012
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Hi guys,

I'm currently looking into designing a line of camera bags for the modern day photographer and I would like to know what are your expectations from a camera bag.

As a photographer myself, I find aesthetics important and I feel most camera bags out in the market now aren't very stylish and those that look good are extremely overpriced.

My goal is to create a line of bags that is both affordable and stylish enough to tote around town without looking like a tourist or feeling inadequate.
That being said, What do you look for in a camera bag and if it isn't much trouble, rank them from the most to the least important. Also what is the most you'd fork out for a camera bag.

Thank you!
 

Hi guys,

I'm currently looking into designing a line of camera bags for the modern day photographer and I would like to know what are your expectations from a camera bag.

As a photographer myself, I find aesthetics important and I feel most camera bags out in the market now aren't very stylish and those that look good are extremely overpriced.

My goal is to create a line of bags that is both affordable and stylish enough to tote around town without looking like a tourist or feeling inadequate.
That being said, What do you look for in a camera bag and if it isn't much trouble, rank them from the most to the least important. Also what is the most you'd fork out for a camera bag.

Thank you!

Hmm bags are a rather personal thing. For me, the most important thing is how much a bag can hold and how comfortable it is. I have bought bags that look seemingly large but can't hold much at all and I replaced those bags really quickly. Depending on size, I think prices up to the range of 200 plus is rather reasonable.
 

Many would want their camera bag to not look like a camera bag :bsmilie:
 

Most important is durability then comfort then practical size then aesthetics. Many bags, however, do well with the first three. So aesthetics matters a great.
 

1 material used..those like from Domke,Billingham type is good..
2 brass or non rust type of metal hooks please..
3 removable inserts?
4 water resistant type? no need worry about rain? without the use of a rain cover?
 

Hi, thank you guys for your feedback!
In terms of aesthetics, how would you guys feel about something along the lines of the Cambridge satchel? Of course it will be tailored to suit the needs of photographers with dividers for lenses, flashes and pockets for all our equipment.
Personally, I couldn't agree more with TWmilkteaTW, as a street photographer I want to remain as inconspicuous as I can.
Another design element I wish to incorporate into the bags are removable padding, that way the bag can function for other things besides just carrying cameras.
Are there things you wished your camera bags have? Or maybe functions your like to see in a camera bag?
Once again thank you for your feedback! :)
 

1 material used..those like from Domke,Billingham type is good..
2 brass or non rust type of metal hooks please..
3 removable inserts?
4 water resistant type? no need worry about rain? without the use of a rain cover?

Hello! These are some great points! These are all things I'd like to see on my camera bag too
 

I have used quite a few camera bags - messenger, backpack, sling...
My favourite is also a utility bag - the old Lowepro Fastpak 250. It does it for me on a few counts:
- Quintessentially black, resistant to dirt, less conspicuous (though with the logo there it is a dead giveaway...)
- Holds more than 1 body... can take on a couple of lenses or flash
- allows a compartment for travel guide / map / snack, serving as a daypack
- allows additional compartment for a laptop
- material is rain-resistant (but I really would prefer if it had a rain-cover for those really heavy downpours)
- zips are good quality wear-resistant easy to handle
- reconfigurable inserts
BUT... if I really must fault it, it sort of fails on the water bottle side-sack and the inability to hold a tripod properly (though I mostly use a Joby Gorillapod which can fit inside anyway)

I don't think it's easy to rank the various qualities... but rather all of these little details make a good bag.
Suppose most people just buy 1 or at most 2 bags - so it's best to have versatility / durability as a huge factor in the design.
One thing about backpacks - the back-arch-air-cooling system should work... the Fastpack is not that good on this count as well.
Hope it helps!
(And can we get a discount on your bags when they are done... lol)
 

What I want in my camera bag,

1) Doesn't look like camera bag.
2) Removable insert (something like Nat Geo bags whereby the insert was contained in a separate 'bag')
3) Have a compartment for at least a 14" notebook, so I can use that bag as my work bag.
4) Must be comfortable (thick shoulder pad, neoprene strap, etc)
5) Waterproof without the need of raincoat.
6) Have enough pockets for my accessories such as batteries, torchlight (small one), 600ml to 1litre water bottle, filter pack, etc
7) 1 DSLR body + grip + lens, 3 extra lenses
8) Strong enough for me to add attachment such as velcro straps, karabina hooks, so I can attached a monopod or traveller tripod to the bag. (so most of my sling bag could do that).
9) Sturdy enough for rough usage (nat geo bag is a good example)
10) quick access to my camera.
 

1) Stylish
2) Comfortable
3) Waterproof
4) Customisable compartment
5) Thick padding to protect your equipments
6) Strong and durable
7) Quick Access to camera
8) Light
9) Different size inserts can be sold separately to fit individual users requirements

I won't ask for cheap but try to be value for money or reasonable, if materials are good don't mind paying extra.
 

I have been using what POTN called a "Stealth" bag. Basically what we do is to find a bag that is a fashion label or 1 that is suitable to put a camera insert inside and use it as a everyday bag with camera compartment inside. For eg. you can buy a LV bag and put insert in and you get the best of both worlds. I use almost exclusively this normal bag brand call "property of" and throw in a insert to complete the look and feel of one.

Nowadays I no longer use a dedicated camera brand bag as it either shouts "photo bag" or everyone has 1. Having said that, camera bag makers still provide the best protection to photo gear and in case there is any failure, I'm sure the camera bag company will do something about it.
 

I love my lowepro fastpak 200/250. It is light weight, comfortable and enough to fit 2 lens (prime & zoom) with dslr body, standard flash and accessories. I don't carry much when I travel. I will not pay for a camera anything above $120.
 

A Freitag camera bag would be the best! Waterproof, tough and unique. Configurable inserts is a must and make sure its got sufficient paddings.
 

1. Don't look awkward
2. Light
3. Softer material
4. No velcro, hate the noise made
5. Padding not too thick, not playing rugby with it
6. Water resistant
 

ONA camera bags are pretty nice and stylish. Paddings are adequate and adjustable, water repellent (waxed canvas). Spacious enough for my usage...
 

1. stylish yet practical; meaning the bag should be mean for the purpose. carry my gear safely, sufficient padding all around interior of bag.
2. comfort in carrying - sufficient padding and back support. + due to humid sg weather, something preferably that does not trap heat ard the back.
3. overall rain resistance - water proof bag bottom, rain cover, zippers are water resistance etc.
4. price is sensitive, the quality of material and design plays the part.. I believe anyone willing to pay thousands for the gear would not mind paying more for a good bag..
5. little details like hooks for camera straps that can take weight off the neck and transfer to shoulder, caribinas, tripods, water bag/bottle
 

Function and practicality over form, for me. My bag is not for me to attract females, it's for me to carry around and protect my gear.
 

Nat Geo's design. Think Tank's space efficiency.

If you can combine both somehow, it's bound to sell lol.