Camera Bag

[ukcatfan]

Has any loaded Lightroom on an SSD? How much did that improve your performance?

Even if it is installed there, won't the computer still use the primary drive to assist the RAM? I am not an expert, but isn't that called paging? I would think that the SSD drive would speed things up more by having it used for that purpose instead of installing the program there.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I was actually thinking of putting the catalog on there. I'd like to boost the speed of browsing through my pictures. When I page in grid view to another page of pictures, it takes 5 seconds to fully render them. I'm wondering how much of that time is spend on disk seeks.

 

[Bstanley]

Ahh, that's a more better idea If the catalog has enough pictures spread out all over the disk the head seek time might be interesting.

So I just ran a little experiment using Photoshop Elements 6. I stuck a 1GB CF card into my desktop PC, copied a fair number of my pictures from the hard drive over to the card. Opened PSE, imported the pictures and then scrolled through both the ones on the disk and the ones on the card.

In PSE it appears that there is a 'placeholder' image for every picture. Now if you have the grid of images set to a small enough number (fewer/larger pictures) the program re-renders the image to give you a better view - the pictures on the disk definitely took longer to update than the pictures on the card. Not very scientific, but it was noticeable, perhaps 20-40%.

Figure that an SSD would be at least twice as fast as a CF card and I think you may be onto something.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

First of all, I just have to say that I am really enjoying this board. The photography on here is so inspiring, and I have learned so much by lurking.

I am wondering if anyone has any recomendations for camera bags/backpacks to bring to the parks? I have a new Canon Rebel that I got for Christmas. I will also be bringing an extra lens, my p&s, and a small tripod for night shots. We have a video camera too, but my DH usually carries that.

This will be my first time bringing more than my pocket p&s to the parks.

 

[WDWFigment]

LowePro Slingshot 100AW. Might actually be more bag than you need (it'll hold 2 extra lenses), but it's better to get a bigger bag that you can grow into rather than a barely-big enough one, so you're not upgrading bags every 6 months like I have...

 

[HockeyMomNH]

That's a great bag. Thanks for the tip. I was checking them out on Amazon but hopefully I can find someone around here that carries them so I can give it a test drive.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

If you were a guy, I'd suggest that you get your wife to buy a bigger purse and then just carry everything in there. How would your husband feel about a man purse? No matter what type of bag you get, it is always better to have your spouse carry it.

 

[ThurlFan]

Best Buy carries that bag. I checked it out there before I bought mine. It's a great bag for the parks (I have the same camera as you), though maybe not ideal for other situations like basic family gatherings etc.

However, do note that on the side there's a heavy strap that's flush with the side of the bag. I used this to tote my monopod, which was way handy. And we carried our camcorder in the top ("nosecone") compartment. I just had the kit lens and 50mm prime, but there was room in the main compartment for a zoom also. I kept the minitripod and a couple granola bars in that space.

All in all it's a terrific parks/hiking/touring bag, but just an OK bag for everyday use.

 

[ThurlFan]

Also note that several of the gals on here have reported that they found sling-style bags uncomfortable/inconvenient for the female form, so definitely try one on before purchasing if you can.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

If you were a guy, I'd suggest that you get your wife to buy a bigger purse and then just carry everything in there. How would your husband feel about a man purse? No matter what type of bag you get, it is always better to have your spouse carry it.

No dear, it's an Italian shoulder bag, all the guys will be wearing them.

Best Buy carries that bag. I checked it out there before I bought mine. It's a great bag for the parks (I have the same camera as you), though maybe not ideal for other situations like basic family gatherings etc.

However, do note that on the side there's a heavy strap that's flush with the side of the bag. I used this to tote my monopod, which was way handy. And we carried our camcorder in the top ("nosecone") compartment. I just had the kit lens and 50mm prime, but there was room in the main compartment for a zoom also. I kept the minitripod and a couple granola bars in that space.

All in all it's a terrific parks/hiking/touring bag, but just an OK bag for everyday use.

I called our local camera shop, she is a dealer but doesn't have them in stock. My nearest Best Buy is over an hour away. Sounds like a good excuse for a road trip.

Also note that several of the gals on here have reported that they found sling-style bags uncomfortable/inconvenient for the female form, so definitely try one on before purchasing if you can.

I did read that in some of the reviews. Hopefully I will be able to find one to try. I was also looking at the M-Rock sling style packs, but the straps on those look less ergonomic, I think.

 

[bdtracey]

Crumpler $5 Million Home...LOVE IT! I have an XSi, 50mm f1.8, gorillapod SLR. Also lots of room for charger, memory cards, etc. Excellent bag IMHO.

 

[HockeyMomNH]

Crumpler $5 Million Home...LOVE IT! I have an XSi, 50mm f1.8, gorillapod SLR. Also lots of room for charger, memory cards, etc. Excellent bag IMHO.

I love the names of those bags! I think that I would prefer some sort of back pack type bag for the parks though. There's just too many options!

 

[GrillMouster]

If you're going to carry a bag around all day with a lot of gear, I'd recommend a backpack. They're most comfortable because they distribute the weight onto both shoulders, but they don't always make it easy to get to your gear for a quick shot (some models make it easier than others with things like side panels, etc.).

Shoulder bags and slings can give you quick and convenient access to your gear, but if you fill them up and wear them all day they can get uncomfortable, because all the weight is on one shoulder.

Big bags, whether they're roller bags, big shoulder bags (like Crumplers), or really big backpacks (some roller bags double as backpacks) can be useful for transporting a lot of gear to a destination (like from home to a hotel). However, once you get to that location it's nice to have a smaller bag to carry around only as much gear as you really need for the short time you'll be away from the big bag (or your hotel room).

Bags can be expensive, but I think it's a mistake to try to get just one bag that will fit all of your needs. Your shoulders and back will be happier if you can afford a few different bags for specific purposes.

 

[SrisonS]

I bought a Lowepro Pro Runner 200 AW a few weeks ago, and I love it (research prices online though). It will fit your Rebel nicely (I have the t1i myself, and all the other gear you want to bring. It has a special tripod holder, as well as a rain hood (if you know Disney, you know how the weather can be). And it is very a comfortable backpack; even has a nice little lower back cushion. Best Buy carries them, so you can check it out there... Just buy online. Happy hunting!!!!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

If you don't mind looking odd, I like belt systems like this.

 

[ThurlFan]

If you don't mind looking odd, I like belt systems like this.

As has been said before - if you DO mind looking odd, then perhaps photography's not the hobby for you anyway

 

[MICKEY88]

following up on MArk's comment, I prefer a photographers vest, extra lenses, memory ,batteries etc. all handy and easily accessible in the pockets

the downside is constantly beng mistaken for a photo pass photographer and being asked to take photos for people

 

[TestTrackBoy]

I use the Tenba messenger bag around the parks. I like a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag. Plus it has room for other items while traveling.

http://www.tenba.com/products/Messenger-Large-Photo-Laptop-Bag.aspx

 

[polkadotminnie]

If you're going to carry a bag around all day with a lot of gear, I'd recommend a backpack. They're most comfortable because they distribute the weight onto both shoulders.

I had to get a backpack for this reason. I can use my sling bag for short trips but my shoulder hurts after a while.

 

[boBQuincy]

One thing that usually is mentioned (but has not been yet in this thread) is that the camera does not go in the bag once we get to our destination (or maybe ever). Cameras in bags take poor photos and take up space, keep the camera out and use the bag for other things.

Fwiw I carry a Crumpler $4M for lenses and things (but not the camera).