Digital Photography Basics - Camera Bags and What's Inside

Many people think that a camera bag is an accessory only professional photographers would invest in. That may be true during the film camera era but with digital cameras having taken over, a camera bag has also become a necessity.

A camera bag need not be big, in fact big might even equate to bulky. However it must be functional. A camera bag is only useful if it has enough compartments for the most important and often-used of accessories.

Back in the days of the film camera, a bag is used to store additional rolls of film, the external flash bulb, batteries, filters, zoom lenses, among others. You will find that a digital camera bag is not so different from the traditional camera bags.

1. Memory Holder

This is one of the things that you did not have to carry around in the film camera days but is absolutely necessary with a digital camera. Without a memory card, there is no where to store your shots. Consider the memory card the equivalent of traditional films.

Some people will have extra memory cards, especially the hobbyists and/or professionals who take hundreds of shots a day. Aside from the memory card, some will carry a memory reader so that the card can be read from any personal computer anytime. And because the memory card and the reader are small articles and can be easily misplaced, a place to hold them inside your bag is quite important.

2. Battery and Recharger

Without a battery, your digital camera has no life, it is that simple. Some cameras require only regular rechargeable AA-size batteries, but there are those that use proprietary types of batteries.

These kinds of proprietary batteries sometimes need special handling such as dry storage when not in use, etc. So if you need to carry a spare battery of the proprietary type, you will need a secure spot to store them in your bag.

As for those you click away hundreds of times a day, having a spare battery may not be enough. A recharger will have to be packed in the bag as well. This will save you the headache and embarrassment of running out of battery life while in the middle of an important shoot.

3. Tripod

Another accessory that's important for the serious photographer. Most tripods will fit into medium to large size camera bags.

Having a tripod ensures steady picture taking. Some use the tripod whenever they plan to set the self-timer on their cameras.

Other items commonly found inside camera bags include:

• Filters
• Zoom lens
• Remote control clickers

There are some digital cameras that come with a CD burner, and if you can afford this pricey item it's very likely that the price tag also includes a specially-designed bag to hold the CD burner.

Camera bags come in all shapes, designs, sizes and price tags to suit your needs. In fact, the size of your camera bag is a direct function of what the digital camera is being used for. So it ultimately boils down to how you plan to use your camera.



Enter your search terms Submit search form