Carrying your DSLR in the Parks

walkaboutcelery · Mar 26, 2015

One of the things that I'm looking forward to the most is taking my camera to take pictures on our vacation in just over a week. I'm worried about my camera getting damaged. I'm defintely not going to haul around the camera bag that I have because it's bulky and it also screams, hey someone steal my nice expensive camera! I found a camera backpack on amazon- the front section opens to hold your camera and lenses and the back is pictured with a place for a laptop but I'm thinking that is where we can carry our supplies for the kids- diapers, wipes, snacks, things to keep them occupied while waiting etc. Does anyone else have a better way or does anyone have a camera backpack like this and could share their experiences? Thanks!

DizBee Brian · Mar 26, 2015

Maybe try a regular backpack or shoulder bag [depending on your preference, I prefer shoulder over bkpk] and just buy an insert? These inserts come in variable sizes to fit most needs and will fit nicely into lets say a diaper bag? Obviously you would need to first figure out a compatible insert size for you, then if it will fit into your bag of choice? To some this may be too much work, but I have done this on a few different vacays and it works perfectly!

Another possible option: Buy a camera sling/strap and keep your camera on your person. Then some lens cases for whichever lens you own and they go in your bag of choice. The expensive DSLR never leaves your sight, your lenses are safe and sound in a pouch in a bag and you are still lightweight! I have also done this in the past. IMO, it depends on what I am shooting [what portion of or all of my gear with me?] and where I am going [kids competition, vacation in Diz, casual walk around the park, etc]. Anyone I feel fits a Diz vacay, just depends on how comando you want to go?? LOL

Enjoy!!

B-

dmaxphil · Mar 26, 2015

You need to get a BlackRapid strap. I like the R7 curve. You can thank me later. You will miss many shots, because you've left your camera in the bag.

elmoandzoey · Mar 27, 2015

I wouldn't really say you need a Black rapid Strap. What you need is a comfortable cross-body strap. I personally find Black Rapid straps uncomfortable because of the way the camera is attached. The regular camera strap won't do it for hours of wearing. You'll end up with serious neck pain. Cross body with a comfortable strap is the way to go.

You will want to keep your camera out, that's for sure. There's so much going on on such tight space.

Here's my setup. I own a camera bag and three camera backpacks. Why? Because - as you are just experiencing - not every bag/backpack suits every purpose. For Disney, since I know I will keep the camera out for 99% of the time, I use an Osprey backpack with a small camera insert. I put my lenses in pouches and stand them into the insert so they won't move. The pouches have hooks so if I know I will need to switch fast, I keep the lens hooked to my waist belt for easy access. I also have a neoprene camera pouch/wrap that I wrap the camera in when it needs to go into the backpack. Again, this is a regular Osprey backpack. It's large enough to fit additional stuff like snacks, raincoat, etc.

If you know you will keep your camera out most of the day, just take your most comfortable backpack and do it that way. Remember you will also carry the backpack the whole day so it should be really comfortable.

coastalhh · Mar 27, 2015

Second vote for black rapid. I got the black rapid sport and love it. The regular strap really killed me after all day in the parks last trip. The black rapid also makes it SOOOO much easier to grab the camera for a quick shot and then drop it back down.

TheBigE · Mar 28, 2015

I will add my vote for Black Rapid Strap, or has previous post indicated any cross body strap. I use the Black Rapid R-Cross Shot strap and I really like it. My Camera is always right there when I need it, but out of the way. I have not tried it in large crowds but I think it would work well in the park.

jamez2014 · Mar 28, 2015

I agree a good sling is a nice idea optech do a utility sling, which I ise personally and find it very good, but black rapid or optech are both great choices.

As for bags if you still want a bag have a look at the lowepro hatchbacks I use one as they are not as obviously camera bags, but crucially the opening for the camera compartment is on your back, making it a lot more difficult for theives to enter the bag,it not a big amount of equipment it holds but plenty for Disney I think. hth

fritodenny · Mar 28, 2015

I had considered a sling but didn't like the idea of my camera swinging around hitting things. I bought this cheap case from Ebay for about $13 shipped and it worked great for me. I could sling it across my shoulder and the camera was well protected. I can get it out of the case and be ready to shoot in less than 10 seconds.

dmaxphil · Mar 28, 2015

The Blackrapid has sliding lock things that prevent the camera from swinging freely. You could also consider holsters if you don't mind wearing a belt.

http://spiderholster.com/black-widow/

Tigerlulu · Mar 28, 2015

My vote is for black rapid. I normally wear my camera cross-body and carry a SMALL backpack--like the super small ones Vera Bradley makes, or smaller. I never feel like anyone is eyeing my gear, except for maybe the Photopass people who recognize my model being better than theirs.

I've found that I miss many spontaneous shots if the camera is put away. With my 4 kids you can't predict anything! I love to shoot and don't want to waste a minute. Whenever I get tired and put it away I always regret it! Just my two cents.

Gianna'sPapa · Mar 28, 2015

I have been using Black Rapid straps for about five years. I have three, two RS-4's and a double strap that also converts to single curve. All my support equipment is in a Lowepro Fastpack 200 backpack. My camera is always out and available. This is just my Disney Park outfit. I carry four lenses into the parks 28-70 f2.8 (walkaround), 17-50 f2.8 (walkaround/wide angle), 30mm f1.4 (Dark Rides) and a 70-200 f2.8 for length.

walkaboutcelery · Mar 29, 2015

Thanks for the replies! I had never considered keeping it out all of the time because I have neck problems and I'm super clumsy (I'll walk right into a wall no kidding) but I also don't want to miss anything. I need to decide like tonight since we're leaving in 6 days!

nbaresejr · Mar 29, 2015

This image is not in Disney but this is how i carry the camera ever where I go. My shoulder bag cross body one direction and the camera cross body the other direction. Always having the camera out allows me to capture images I would otherwise miss if i had to take the camera in and out of the bag consistently. In this image my camera is on a BlackRapid RS-4 strap, i have since upgraded that to a Luma Labs Cinch.

MolonLabe · Mar 29, 2015

A cross body strap is extremely comfortable. I have a CarrySpeed Pro that is amazing. Plenty of options on it to keep it from "sliding" around on you and you can "lock" it to your side pretty easy and it be ready to use in an instant, or perhaps 1.5 instants, lol.

Blackrapids are decent straps, I dislike them because they have sued many companies out of business on bogus legal charges the smaller competition simply didn't have the deep pockets enough to handle. The idea they own the rights to the "single point sling" is absurd, they've been used in the firearms community for 25 years for crying out loud, lol.

I digress though.

You can buy Carry Speed straps off Ebay now from China. Top notch straps and decades ahead of black rapids as far as comfort and functionality. My strap is more comfortable than carrying the camera in a Kata bag I also have.

If you go with a bag, make sure you can safely get the camera in and out.

My 3n1 bag - http://smile.amazon.com/Kata-KT-D-3...=1427685327&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=kata+3n1+22

*actually I might have the 3n1-22 don't recall off the top of my head, but other than the dimensions, it's identical looking.

gunderda · Apr 1, 2015

I am so torn on how to carry my camera. I have my DSLR out 24/7 no matter where we are on vacation. I will also have a GoPro so now I'm wondering if I need some type of bag for the "just in case" situations (rain... water rides...)

Carrying your DSLR in the Parks

walkaboutcelery

Earning My Ears

DizBee Brian

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dmaxphil

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elmoandzoey

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coastalhh

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TheBigE

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jamez2014

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fritodenny

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dmaxphil

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Tigerlulu

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Gianna'sPapa

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walkaboutcelery

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nbaresejr

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