Taking a DSLR camera. What kind of bag?

[Justadisneyfan]

My daughter and I are heading to WDW the first week of December. We haven't been since 2007 when she was little and she is now 11. For the first time I will actually have a good camera to take with us for photos as I am really into photography right now and can't wait to take tons of photos.

My question is, what kind of bag do you think would work best for the camera and anything we will be taking with us into the parks?

I am looking for something that would fit everything and be comfortable to wear. I'm sure the camera won't be in the bag much...except when we are on rides of course.

 

[Belle612]

I carry a Nikon d3000 with me in the parks and it fits nicely in the Vera Bradley mini backpack. I also have a neoprene sleeve for the camera for when it's in my bag to protect is a little bit more...I actually did an article in my blog about the kind of bag I like to use in the parks and what I bring with me when I visit: http://jollyholidaywithsuzanne.com/2015/03/10/whats-in-suzannes-park-bag/
And I'm the same way...when we aren't on rides, that camera is around my neck and I'm snapping away =D

 

[Justadisneyfan]

What a great blog!!! The mini backpacks look like the perfect size. I think that is exactly what I am looking for. Not too small or too big. Won't weigh me down since I won't be able to over pack for the parks. I'm sure if I show my daughter your bag, she will need one.

 

[Belle612]

Thank you so much!!

The Disney Veras are pricey, but they are super sturdy and cute and great for park touring...and I have found the mini backpack to be the perfect size to bring into the parks with me because it's small enough that even if its full it won't be super heavy.

Have a great trip!

 

[Momof2girls1920]

My TA actually just told me about this bag that I am buying called the Camera Coat. http://www.cameracoats.com/ It has a waterproof fabric to protect it from rain, etc.

 

[jec6613]

The two women I know who have and use larger camera systems both use one of these when on the go:

http://store.lowepro.com/shoulder-bags/photo-sport-shoulder-12l

It becomes their purse and camera bag in one (there are larger sizes as well), with room for a water bottle and everything. For me, I use the Crumpler Five Million Dollar Home, which can carry a gripped D7100, 16-85, 70-300 and 35 f/1.8 lenses, small speedlight, a jacket, and can still clip a water bottle to the outside.

 

[capshockeygrl]

The two women I know who have and use larger camera systems both use one of these when on the go:

http://store.lowepro.com/shoulder-bags/photo-sport-shoulder-12l

It becomes their purse and camera bag in one (there are larger sizes as well), with room for a water bottle and everything.

I use an older version of this bag for just about everything I do with my camera. I adore it. It's comfortable, carries a lot (for reference, I usually carry a Nikon D90 and a 70-200 sports lens for shooting hockey games, but also keep smaller lenses, and other accessories in there at the same time), and the inside padding is removable if you want to use it as a regular bag. I was able to purchase mine in a retail store for a LOT less than is showing on the Lowepro site. I know a lot of other photogs who have purchased this bag to use since seeing mine. I seriously can't recommend this bag enough. I adore it.

 

[kayemgi]

It sounds like you are looking for something a little nicer but when I brought our DSLR, I just wore it (I did invest in a cushioned camera strap cover to make it more comfortable) and then put it in DH's backpack on certain rides.

 

[Justadisneyfan]

It sounds like you are looking for something a little nicer but when I brought our DSLR, I just wore it (I did invest in a cushioned camera strap cover to make it more comfortable) and then put it in DH's backpack on certain rides.

Actually, I was thinking on the lines of a backpack. That way I can store the camera and anything else I need to take with us into the parks. Like you, I figured I would be wearing the camera most of the time except when on rides.

 

[jec6613]

If you want something nice and padded and good for cameras, LowePro and ThinkTank both offer great options, but I'd lean towards the LowePro for your mixed needs. Many have a lower camera compartment, and an upper, "Everything else," compartment, plus a waterproof cover for the rain, like this one: http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/dslr-video-fastpack-150-aw

 

[Justadisneyfan]

If you want something nice and padded and good for cameras, LowePro and ThinkTank both offer great options, but I'd lean towards the LowePro for your mixed needs. Many have a lower camera compartment, and an upper, "Everything else," compartment, plus a waterproof cover for the rain, like this one: http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/dslr-video-fastpack-150-aw

Thank you! I am definitely going to check this bag out. I like how it has the padded compartment for the camera.

 

[FargoBear]

I have a similar Lowepro and really like it in the parks. I had a shoulder bag on a previous trip and kept having to switch between shoulders because I bring a decent amount of gear into the parks, and it wore on me. But the backpack really helped. I have a cushiony neck strap and wear the camera around most of the time and then tuck it into the bag and put the bag on the ground and my leg through the strap for rides. Seems to work well.

 

[Anesthesia Fine]

That Lowepro bag looks amazing; I have a backpack that I'm using now that is honestly kind of a pain (I'm only bringing my point-and-shoot to Disney, but I use a DSLR at work) so I've been in the market for a new one.

 

[DisneyfanLV]

http://store.lowepro.com/photo-hatchback-16l-aw


I use this. I have a nikon d3100. I usually have it on a rapid type strap most of the day. I only have a 35mm and kit 18-55 with me ( unless I am at AK , then I also have a kit 55-200).
I usually have room for :
2 water bottles 16oz ( bag has holders on both outer sides )
a 3x5 "makeup" bag to carry chapstick, bandaid, travel sunscreen, hairties etc.
brush
lightweight jacket
disney poncho in a sandwich bag
lotion 3oz
sunglasses
battery pack & usb cord http://shop.mycharge.com/collections/amp-series/products/amp-max
camera, 3 lenses, 3 batteries, 2 lenspens, extra sd card
plenty of room for "paper" souveneirs ( napkins, maps, etc.)
plenty of room for small souveneirs (pins, magnets, mickey ears etc.)
In addition, if it's for on the plane, I have room for a netbook, tablet and small snacks! lol

MMV - I pack creatively!

 

[Justadisneyfan]

I am definitely going to be looking into these Lowepro now. They look amazing and I like how I would still have storage for other things.

 

[amomma23]

This is our park bag. It's great! Love that the camera compartment is against my back and the cute little built in "rain poncho" is a must as we generally travel during the stormy season. http://mobile.adorama.com/LPPHB16LGY.html

 

[CLAYINCT]

What are people's opinions on using the Lowepro 16W bag in July with the heat? Do you think my back will be uncontrollably sweaty/that it will make me a lot hotter? I'm considering buying it for my Canon T3i but I've been holding back due to the concern with the heat. Any thoughts?