Camera Bag

[WillowBelle]

I have a backpack bag. I like it when DH is with me. I can tell him what I want and he will get it for me without me having to take it off. That said, when I'm alone it's a pain because I have to take it all the way off to rummage through it. I am thinking of getting a messanger style bag for my upcoming trip. I'm concerned that the weight distribution (or lack of) will hurt my shoulder after carrying it around for hours.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamrac-5273-Expedition-Backpack-Forest/dp/B00004X0ZP

 

[JeffPoth]

Does anyone know where I can get a nice camera bag for my new camera?...
I want to avoid Best Buy at all costs since they never know what they are talking about when it comes to sony cameras....

Its too bad your not close to my best buy. (I work there) my digital imaging section knows there stuff

 

[Rob_Drebel]

If you are unsure, go to Adobe and download a 30 day trial. I have Elements 6 and was doing a 30 day of Photoshop when I started using Lightroom. I now use Lightroom and Elements.
Lightroom simplifies the editing and gives you control that is amazing. There is a feature in HSL (Hue, saturation, light), anyway you can for instance click on a blue sky and then use the scroll wheel on the mouse to increase or decrease the blues for instance. It can analyze the color (which in a blue sky in not only blue but small subsets of other colors too). It know what color to adjust from there.
I like that if I have 10 shots that are all the same, I can apply all the changes based off of one and then just do minor tweaks after that. It has cut down my PP time by at least 60%. If I do need to do any photo manipulation, that is what I use Elements for.
Look on Adobe Lightroom page and watch some of the free tutorial videos.
Another nice option is that when you export you can set up defined exports that you just click and always get the same setting. For example, I keep my RAW files, export my modified version as DNG and then have a JPEG full res (For photo printing service) folder as well as Web (add a copyright, set the size the same as well as the compression rate). It also put the corresponding folder in the correct sub-folder I have to manage my flow.
Best part is that you are NEVER modify the original file (RAW) so you can try different things and not worry about messing up the file.
Can you tell I love this program? I was getting to the point where I was dreading PP, this is so intuitive and fast, I do not mind PP now. Plus my pictures get a great punch to them now that I never was able to achieve before.
Try the demo, watch the tutorials, have fun!
It is set mainly for RAW files though (most benefit) I do not recall what camera / format you are shoot, butrkeep that in mind.

 

[mabas9395]

I found this plugin that looks like it will allow you to export(upload) to SmugMug:
Jeffrey’s “Export to SmugMug” Lightroom Plugin. Haven't tried it myself yet.

This is a fabulous plugin. It makes it so easy to upload your photos to smugmug. I highly recommend it.

 

[JustcallmeHappy]

Its too bad your not close to my best buy. (I work there) my digital imaging section knows there stuff

 

[jann1033]

Thanks for the information.
I had read the online information and FAQs for Lighroom and was hoping I could use it to cut down on my post processing time. I am not a fan of spending a lot of time on post processing. I prefer to try and get it "right" in the camera. (Not succeeding every time but getting better!)

If Lightroom will allow me to fix minor issues such as saturation, sharpening, color correction and such AND allow me to process and store my photos better, that is my primary goal.

Appreciate the input!

i rarely use elements anymore since i got lightroom. i have some plug ins i like in elements or i probably wouldn't use it at all ( and force myself to get better with the light room clone tool ) lightroom is much better for what you are talking about plus gives much more control than elements,ie with white balance you have sliders, presets and a eyedropper to use. much easier to get what you really want. i have processed some photos i had processed with elements and the lightroom photos are much better and not so much of a hassle to do it

 

[OK!]

On a recent trip to WDW, I bought a large Ape Case Pro to use to lug around my stuff and I couldn't be happier with it. For one, LOVE the yellow interior lining--it makes finding stuff that's rattling around loose in it (lens caps, etc.) SO much easier. (Why anybody makes a camera case with a black interior is beyond me, though that's all I'd ever had before this one). It's also heavily padded and has inserts that can be moved around to best configure the layout for whatever you might be carrying that day. Oh, and it's got hard rubber feet on the bottom, which was critical for me. I was thinking of using it primarily at WDW, where it might encounter wet or otherwise "messy" ground, e.g. on rides. Also, when I'm at WDW, I use my camera bag as a purse, so I love the fact that it has so many pockets and the roominess of the interior; organization's quite easy.

Right now, Amazon looks to have really good prices on them (heck of a lot cheaper than what I paid! Grrrr.)

 

[WVDisGeek]

Thanks everyone! This is just what I was looking for!
I have been shooting primarily in JPEG, but have started adding in RAW since my class started. I wanted something that would handle the RAW conversions, as well as the PP in a simple and easy to use manner. This sounds like it would be just what I am looking for. I think I will download the 30 day trial this weekend and play around with it.

Thanks again for the input!

 

[annabelle]

I have 3 bags and they serve 3 different purposes.

I use a Tamrac Adventure 6 backpack for our trips to Mexico. Camera gear goes in the bottom (D90 and a couple of lenses), passports, credit cards, lip gloss etc goes in the top. There are two side pockets for small water bottles and a small front pocket. All this in a small discreet (non-camera bag looking) backpack.

I use the Slingshot 100 for hiking and small day trips with the family. I can swing it around to my chest and access my camera easily. There's a nice top storage area for misc stuff (keys, cell phone and of course, lip gloss!).

And I just recently bought the Crumpler 4 Mill Dollar Home for those times when I just need to bring my camera and one lens (or two). All those times when I'm just going to my kids' school for a special event or a birthday party or to the park and just want a super small bag to bring my dSLR in... the crumpler 4 mill home is perfect. Looks like a purse too.

Here is a good site for cam bag reviews:
http://www.cambags.com/

I also go on flickr.com and search for whichever bag I'm interested in... usually there's a 'group' that's dedicated just to that particular bag. You can flip through their pictures and see if the bag will fit your needs. Good luck!

 

[boBQuincy]

Another vote for Crumpler, their $4M bag has traveled with me to WDW many times. DW carries a $5M bag.

 

[zackiedawg]

I use a Kata backpack for my Sony Alpha and 3 lenses...but it's alot bigger than you'd need (model R102). However, I know Kata makes dozens of models from small bags to slings to backpacks, and they have a great product.

The Israeli company makes protective bullet-proof vests and military-spec gear, as well as professional photojournalist gear...so well-built and tough are understatements. As with the afformentioned Ape bag, Kata uses bright yellow interior lining and movable separators to configure as needed, heavy plastic ribbing and feet, waterproof bag materials, lots of clips, o-rings, and strap-anchors. My backpack had to be big enough to swallow the camera and a massive Tamron 200-500mm lens while mounted to the camera - it does that easily, along with 2 other lenses, filters, cleaning kits, chargers, extra memory, rain cover, microfiber cloth, and enough room for my other compact camera and its charger...and still room to spare. Yet on the outside, it just looks like a nice backpack - no 'I've got a camera in here' advertising.

So I'd say to look at Kata's smaller offerings too, to see if anything looks good to you.

 

[RivaLJ]

Does anyone use a waist pack camera bag?

 

[AKVTiger]

Does anyone know where I can get a nice camera bag for my new camera?...
I want to avoid Best Buy at all costs since they never know what they are talking about when it comes to sony cameras....

I am currently using the LowePro Slingshot. Its light and you don't have to take the bag off to access the camera.

 

[WillowBelle]

On the slingbags, does the strap go across your chest, or is it comfortable to wear just over one shoulder? Curious if it's comfortable for a woman to wear, IYKWIM . Thinking of getting a new bag for my trip in June that is more accessable than my backpack bag.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I have a LowePro Slingshot 100 and a Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home. I like them both for different reasons.

I find the Slingshot more functional for getting stuff out without taking the bag off (and yes, it's comfortable ).

I bought the Crumpler because the Slingshot didn't have a lot of room for "extras" like my large wallet, phone, etc, and I hate taking two bags along.

I'm currently using the Crumpler exclusively but I wasn't overly happy with it on my first trip to WDW because I found it was cumbersome and uncomfortable in that setting (fully loaded). Around home, it's not bad, and at least it will hold all my stuff and the extras.

I'm not a backpack person (though I don't mind the Slingshot), but if I was, that might be the way to go. However, unless you have a helper, LOL, you probably need to take it off to get stuff out, which can be a hassle.

I don't think there is such a thing as a perfect bag, you just have to find one that your stuff fits in and you don't mind carrying

I found this to be true so far, for me anyway.

 

[JustcallmeHappy]

I am currently using the LowePro Slingshot. Its light and you don't have to take the bag off to access the camera.

this one looks really nice thanks

 

[kangareaux]

Do you have any photo shops near you to look at bags? If nothing else that can help you figure out what type you might like, ie-messenger, sling, backpack. You can find lots of bags on Amazon, B&H Photo and Adorama to name a few.

I have a lowepro slingshot 100 that is very nice for carrying a camera and a couple of lenses. Sams Club recently had a generic version of this that was less expensive but seemed to still be good quality.

I have a Tamrac backpack that I use for travel that also carries a laptop and the camera with 3-4 lenses and has another compartment to carry a few other items such as cell phone, wallet etc.

I have the Sam's version and am loving it. I think I have about the same thing in mine as the OP posted. (just a different brand ) Also, it leaves room for a point n shoot or 2, wallet/pocketbook, keys, snack, etc. Has a place on it for water bottle and cell phone. Plus it has a *little raincoat*. (My friend went out and got herself one the day after I got mine. The *little raincoat* was the thing that sold it for her. What can I say...we're women...we like accessories! )

 

[kangareaux]

I have a backpack bag. I like it when DH is with me. I can tell him what I want and he will get it for me without me having to take it off. That said, when I'm alone it's a pain because I have to take it all the way off to rummage through it. I am thinking of getting a messanger style bag for my upcoming trip. I'm concerned that the weight distribution (or lack of) will hurt my shoulder after carrying it around for hours.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamrac-5273-Expedition-Backpack-Forest/dp/B00004X0ZP

That was another selling point for the bag I got from sams. I can *sling* it forward over my shoulder and it sits like a shelf. I can then open the *side opening* camera area to get what I need. Because it's side opening, when you slide it round front it is facing up. Hard to explain. I suppose it would be good for those long waits in line too....you'd have a shelf to lay your head down for a nap!

 

[Pugrpooh]

I have 2 and I just ordered another one today. The one I use the most (really exclusively) is the Olympus bag that I got free when I bought my camera. It's only big enough for my camera with lens attached and another lens or flash, plus extra cards, battery, manual, etc.

I bought the Kata 3-in-1-10 before our trip to WDW in Nov. and only used it on the plane down and back. I thought it was difficult to configure all the partitions correctly to fit my stuff, and then I never could remember which side whatever I was looking for was on. I also wanted more space for my wallet, phone, snacks, etc.

I've been looking online at the Crumpler bags, the 5 million and 6 million dollar homes. Today I was in the camera store picking up my new lens and they had the 6 million dollar bag there. I looked at it and was sold!

I came home and ordered it from Adorama ($74.95 plus free shipping vs. $110 plus tax in the store). I got it in the purple/orange color (it was so cute in the store)! The purple is more of a bright blue though.

I think I'll end up selling the Kata on ebay, although I've never sold anything on it before.

 

[Brad M]

Thanks everyone! This is just what I was looking for!
I have been shooting primarily in JPEG, but have started adding in RAW since my class started. I wanted something that would handle the RAW conversions, as well as the PP in a simple and easy to use manner. This sounds like it would be just what I am looking for. I think I will download the 30 day trial this weekend and play around with it.

Thanks again for the input!

If you're going to shoot RAW and want to cut down on your time at the computer processing RAW files, Lightroom rocks! After trying the 30 day trial I was hooked and had to purchase even though it was more money than I originally wanted to spend. I shoot hundreds of pics per outing and frequently use the LR sync capabilities to make adjustments to many images at once, such as contrast and exposure adjustments. Then moving from image to image to review and make additional adjustments as needed is quick and easy.