good camera cases?

[msinformation]

My husband and I already broke one digital point-and-shoot camera and need help so we don't do it again! On our last vacation, our camera was in our backpack in the thin fabric case we got when we bought it. It must have gotten slightly compressed in the backpack because the LCD screen broke.

I have been looking for a hard sided camera case, thinking that might prevent it from getting squished. However, I can't seem to find any! Does anyone have any recommendations for camera cases (hard sided or otherwise) you like? We want something a little rugged and/or water resistant to really protect the camera.

TIA!

 

[BostonTink85]

Have you looked into buying the case that goes along with the camera. They're not usually sold together (camera and case) but the company (Nikon, Canon, etc.) usually have cases made specifically for each camera version. I know I had the Nikon CoolPix case and it was just the right size for the camera and wasn't too bulky since the camera was small to begin with. I'm not sure of any hard cases, but you may want to look into this first. Hope that helps!

 

[OKW Lover]

The problem with most camera cases is that they interfere with you actually using the camera. For example, while at WDW you have the camera in its case and the case inside your backpack. Now a photo op presents itself. But wait, I have to get the backpack off, find the camera case, get it out and then take the picture. Ooops , the photo op is gone.

If you must use a case while traveling, find one that is the smallest that will fit the camera. Once actually in the parks, carry the camera on its lanyard out of the case.

 

[msinformation]

The problem with most camera cases is that they interfere with you actually using the camera. For example, while at WDW you have the camera in its case and the case inside your backpack. Now a photo op presents itself. But wait, I have to get the backpack off, find the camera case, get it out and then take the picture. Ooops , the photo op is gone.

If you must use a case while traveling, find one that is the smallest that will fit the camera. Once actually in the parks, carry the camera on its lanyard out of the case.

Thanks, good point. I guess I definitely should keep usability in mind when looking for a case!

But since we wasted $300 on the broken camera (which we had only used once, so frustrating), I want to make sure the new one doesn't break! Actually, we don't really take many spontaneous pics anyway. We have no kids, and I don't particularly like having my pic taken, so we tend to be fairly selective in what we take. I don't really mind a tiny bit of inconvenience, as long as I know the camera is safe.

 

[msinformation]

Have you looked into buying the case that goes along with the camera. They're not usually sold together (camera and case) but the company (Nikon, Canon, etc.) usually have cases made specifically for each camera version. I know I had the Nikon CoolPix case and it was just the right size for the camera and wasn't too bulky since the camera was small to begin with. I'm not sure of any hard cases, but you may want to look into this first. Hope that helps!

Thanks for the tip. I'll check it out!

 

[richard_andmel]

I honestly think these are the best made bags in the world for holding cameras and laptops. They aren't cheap, but you'll never have to replace it. Crumpler They are pretty funny too in a completely mad sort of way.

Mel

 

[Mickey&Donald]

When DH bought our digi cam (Fujifilm A350, which I LOVE -- we took wonderful videos of the Christmas fireworks show at Disneyland last year), he got a Lowepro case to go with it. It's made of water-resistant fabric and padded on both sides, so well that I could probably drop the thing on pavement with no problem. It has a velcro pocket in front for extra batteries, as well as a small zippered compartment for extra memory sticks. We got ours at Best Buy, but if you follow the link I provided, there's a distributor locator link.

Hope this helps!

 

[littleladykaty]

I got a friend a camera bag called the "Podzilla"...I got it on ebags.com for around $45. It's great! It has tons of compartments which keeps things very organized. The little compartments have elastics for keeping things like batteries and picture discs in place so you don't have to search around. It's shaped in such a way to protect the camera and the lenses. It really is a great bag!

good luck!

 

[marathonmommy]

If you must use a case while traveling, find one that is the smallest that will fit the camera. Once actually in the parks, carry the camera on its lanyard out of the case.

Did you find a neck lanyard? Mine only came with a wrist lanyard, but I've been looking all over for a longer neck lanyard to no avail. I was told I would have to order one directly from the manufacturer as this is something that stores do not carry. Or do you attach it to a store bought lanyard somehow?

Also, the OP should really consider buying a camera from a place like Staples or Circuit City and buying the Protection Plan. I just bought one from CC and purchased 2 year accidental protection as well. I have bought similar plans from Staples and they have been life-savers. In addition, it is hassle-free. They usually accomodate customers with very little questioning.

 

[all4fun]

Maybe a small hard-side case like this one at Target.com would work?

We actually bought a small nylon case that dh wears on his belt. We got it at Walmart for $.89. He takes it off if it's danger of getting wet or if we're going a ride where it might fall out but it works for us. I'm sure there are more high-quality products out there that cost a bit more that you could still wear on at your side. That is more comfortable for dh than having a camera (no matter how small) dangling from his neck.