Camera bag

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 8th, 18:15

I need a new camera bag to accomodate a new slew of toys, and I'm currently lost by the range that's out there! I can't even fathom what size I need as the pictures shown on various manufacturers websites aren't all that helpful.

So far I have this setup that needs housing;
Canon HV20 + Raynox 6600
Rode Videomic
Tapes
Spare batteries

It would be convenient to also be able to fit in my Nikon D200 + 1 lens + batteries but that isn't desperate.

If someone could recommend some bags that would be great. Even a recommendation of the rough size would be a great help. Perhaps a suggest of a certain bag or one of similar size???

Many Thanks.

pb.

**Dr. Benway** · 2009 January 8th, 18:56

The question that has plagued photographers since 1839...

What do you like/what do you find to be both ergonomic and functional; sling bags, shoulder or backpacks?

I use three bags, all Lowepro, all tough, all reasonably dust proof(ish) and with raincovers.

Lowepro Orion AW

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Orion-AW,1987,7.htm

Lowepro Topload Zoom AW

http://products.lowepro.com/product/...-AW,2053,8.htm

Lowepro Fastpack 350

http://products.lowepro.com/product/...50,2087,14.htm

and a slew of Lowepro lens cases for extra gear...

http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Lens-Cases,11.htm

Some yuppies living a romantic photographer past like Domke, such as the F-3x, which is a fine looking bag when the canvas ages, but it is shoddy and not sealed so it admits dust. That's fine if you are walking urban streets but when you travel throughout the world dust and moisture will start to mess with your gear.

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 8th, 19:09

So far I've had lowepro and crumpler shoulder bags. I spend most of my time outdoors in forests, mountains, and the general wilderness, so having something sealed is a big advantage. I'm not averse to a rucksack type bag, but I also need to bear in mind I often have another bag with me. Up until now I've been able to fit my shoulder bag into another rucksack (approx 40l) so that I could get away with carrying only one bag. If my bag is very full then I've carried them separately, but this isn't ideal when I'm out walking for hours and hours.

I'm also trying to account for the fact that I may buy a larger camera this year, but I think this should probably remain external to my current search!

Thanks for the help.

1 · 2009 January 8th, 19:29

Yeah, cam bags are a REAL tricky thing.

I was recently traveling with a fellow hv20.com member, and we used re-usable plastic grocery bags.

Pink ones.

At least no one thought to steal them from us, as no one would of guessed we had a fancy Nikon & Canon DSLR in them!

I don't think there's ONE bag to suit all needs.

I have about 4 or five different ways to travel with cam equipment; all depending on where, why, and what I travel with.

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 9th, 05:17

And therein lies the problem. I can't really afford to splurge on several bags right now which is why I'm trying to find some sort of super bag that can do it all. Whilst perhaps this is a little idealistic, I'm hoping my search will lead me to something that is close to what I want and certainly a useable day to day camera bag!

**Dodgy Nick** · 2009 January 9th, 06:34

PB,

If you'd like a one-size-fits-all bag, I can recommend the LowePro Compact AW http://products.lowepro.com/product/...DV,2078,22.htm

I used to have my HV20+Rode Videomic+Raynox6600+Canon EOS350D+3 lenses in there, along with batteries, filters, etc.
I then ripped out all the compartments and fixed an XHA1 to my Raynox and now I carry everything except my DSLR equipment.

I see you're in Derby, I got mine from ASK in London. Prices have gone up slightly, you can pick them up for £120 now.

**scotthampton** · 2009 January 9th, 06:57

I use a Lowepro Fastpack 200. It's great, has remarkable balance and padding, but it's quickly getting too small.

I need a bigger bag, but something that is designed with us in mind. An ideal bag would include space for:

Twin HV20s
Wide angle lens adapter
Telephoto lens adapter
DOF adapter
Several prime and/or zoom lenses
Rode Video Mic
Studio headphones
Power supplies
Batteries
Tapes
Markers, pads, pens, etc.
Handheld sound recorder
Related gadgets
Small on-camera light
Room for a small notebook computer

Heck, with the DIY community here, maybe someone could make one? LOL

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 9th, 07:23

Thanks for the recommendations . I've looked into the compact AW and it looks good for what I need. I've found one for £78 which isn't too bad, as long as it does what I want it to do! It's good to know it will take an XH-A1 too as I'm hoping to upgrade in the next 3 months.

ps. Although it says Derby I'm actually over in France for 3 months!

**scotthampton** · 2009 January 9th, 14:47

Originally Posted by scotthampton

I use a Lowepro Fastpack 200. It's great, has remarkable balance and padding, but it's quickly getting too small.

I need a bigger bag, but something that is designed with us in mind. An ideal bag would include space for:

Twin HV20s
Wide angle lens adapter
Telephoto lens adapter
DOF adapter
Several prime and/or zoom lenses
Rode Video Mic
Studio headphones
Power supplies
Batteries
Tapes
Markers, pads, pens, etc.
Handheld sound recorder
Related gadgets
Small on-camera light
Room for a small notebook computer

Heck, with the DIY community here, maybe someone could make one? LOL

Well, well, what do you know? I found the bag that I was looking for!

I don't use an on-camera video light or bring a notebook with me, so the bag I found seems to be the one. It's a Lowepro Nova 5 (older, used bag). The newer one, I believe, is the Nova 200 AW. I'll probably pick up the Nova 5 on Sunday

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 9th, 16:34

I've found somewhere in the UK with a Nova 5 in stock for £38 so I might jump on that. The Nova 200 AW is still around £80 for not a whole lot more.

Thanks for the advice!

**scotthampton** · 2009 January 9th, 16:46

Sure thing!

Listen, the Nova 5 is an older bag, but it's marginally bigger than the 200. The 200 has a different closure and slightly different material, but I think it's fine. I tested the bag today and it feels like...well, it's a Lowepro, so it's a great bag

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 9th, 17:11

measured in £ per unit of utility the nova 5 offers better value. However, I have just found the Nova 200 AW for £58.

**michaelbak** · 2009 January 13th, 01:24

I have a HPRC case and i enjoy it a lot. If you do buy one get one with wheels their like $25 more but since the case with just the foam weighs about 13 pounds its good to get those. I have the 2600W model. My model is more than enough for all of your equipment.

**scotthampton** · 2009 January 13th, 06:05

Originally Posted by scotthampton

Sure thing!

Listen, the Nova 5 is an older bag, but it's marginally bigger than the 200. The 200 has a different closure and slightly different material, but I think it's fine. I tested the bag today and it feels like...well, it's a Lowepro, so it's a great bag

OK, I did pick up the Nova 5. It's perfect for me right now. (Of course, if I upgrade to an XH-A1 I'm in trouble!)

I took it with me on a shoot Sunday night. It can fit two HVs, a TwoNeil with TwoNeil HD attached, Sony studio headphones (7506), my Cavision rail system and Rode Video Mic (both laid across the top of everything before I close and zip the bag), probably 10 miniDV tapes, Rode extension cable, Raynox 6600, lens hood, 2 remote controls, two prime lenses, and I'm sure a few more things. There are ample pockets to store paperwork, like releases and instructions.

Wonderful padding, good, beefy strap, and it eels good when carried.

Scott

**Dodgy Nick** · 2009 January 13th, 06:56

PascalBrown, don't hold back on us, where are you finding these bags at these prices? I'm in the market for another.

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 13th, 07:26

The links are on my laptop and I'm currently on my PC, but I'll post them up ASAP. I'm not trying to hide anything! I want to share the deals!

**jogodahobo** · 2009 January 13th, 21:07

hey scott, i was checking out the lowepro 200 at costco the other day but i wasnt sure if it would what i would have, since i am going to actually receive the rest of my accessories this week.

What i would have is the hv30, rode videomic, raynox 6600 perhaps with the xha1 hood, and im thinking about getting a canon vl10 light. of course along with tapes and all those small accessories.

Since you have a lowerpro 200, what can you say about the fit with these specific items. should i consider the nova 5 with this gear just in case i might get more accessories?

**scotthampton** · 2009 January 13th, 21:14

Originally Posted by jogodahobo

hey scott, i was checking out the lowepro 200 at costco the other day but i wasnt sure if it would what i would have, since i am going to actually receive the rest of my accessories this week.

What i would have is the hv30, rode videomic, raynox 6600 perhaps with the xha1 hood, and im thinking about getting a canon vl10 light. of course along with tapes and all those small accessories.

Since you have a lowerpro 200, what can you say about the fit with these specific items. should i consider the nova 5 with this gear just in case i might get more accessories?

Hey bro.

I have the Nova 5, not the 200. The size difference, if I remember, was like .1 or .2 here and there...

Look a few posts back at what I packed in the Nova 5. I think the bag is great for what you have, what I have, and even some more. As a matter of fact, I even have a clapper board in the back pocket (granted, the clapper top sticks out, but it fits!).

Everything fits in there nice, and it's easy to carry by the handle or the strap

**jogodahobo** · 2009 January 13th, 22:12

Thanks alot!! I'll go and order soon =)

Joel

**zephyrnoid** · 2009 January 13th, 22:20

The right camera bag is like the right pair of hiking boots for a trek:
You want the right size, build and functionality.
Mine is a Petrol- I'll never look back.

**scotthampton** · 2009 January 13th, 23:05

Originally Posted by zephyrnoid

The right camera bag is like the right pair of hiking boots for a trek:
You want the right size, build and functionality.
Mine is a Petrol- I'll never look back.

Show us.

**scotthampton** · 2009 January 13th, 23:06

Originally Posted by jogodahobo

Thanks alot!! I'll go and order soon =)

Joel

You're welcome!

**Erik Bien** · 2009 January 13th, 23:21

I have a now-discontinued Kata (model CCC-103) that I really like; the broken-down camera and all necessary aks fit easily, or I can just fit it fully-built with 58mm wide angle lens and RODE shotgun and still close it up. As far as I know all Kata camera bags incorporate protective hard plastic walls inside their soft panels (so I no longer wince when the airport shuttle driver piles a bunch more cases on top of it), as well as thermal protection (so even if your bag is cooking in the sun, your camera isn't).

The dual-zipper easy-open top and high-visibility yellow interior with velcro-adjustable padded dividers are nice, too.

**pascalbrown** · 2009 January 14th, 04:58

For UK users;
Nova 5 - £39.99
Nova 200 AW - £58.99

If you keep your eyes on ebay you can pick the Nova 5 up for £30ish.

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