Cameras are ubiquitous in today’s tech-driven world. Professional camera setups require gear and equipment to produce the best possible images. From the camera itself to items like tripods and assorted lenses, a great camera bag can keep everything at a photographer’s fingertips. Our list of the top seven best camera bags includes brands that experts recommend for their quality and functionality.
Camera technology is nothing short of amazing. The world’s largest digital camera is a 3.2 billion-pixel LSST Camera — able to view a golf ball from 15 miles away! Roughly the size of a small car and weighing in at three tons, the camera features a five-foot wide front lens and a 3,200-megapixel sensor that will be cooled to -100°C to reduce noise. On the other end of the spectrum, microscopic cameras are also ushering in major advancements for microscopic photography.
The world’s smallest camera, the size of a grain of salt, may soon be coming to mobile phones everywhere. Computer scientists from Princeton University and the University of Washington say the small device they created can take crisp, full-color pictures just as well as conventional cameras which are 500,000 times bigger. The new technology may help doctors to diagnose and treat diseases far less invasively than traditional endoscopy can today. It will also make imaging better, as thousands of tiny devices could cover the whole surface of a smartphone to become one giant camera — instead of mobile devices needing three different cameras to take pictures.
For more typical camera setups, you can leave the lab behind and head out to the field. Intrepid photographers could benefit greatly from having an excellent bag on-hand for all of their gear. Our trusted sources helped us consider the best camera bags to fit different needs. Let us know your favorite camera bags in the comments below!
The List: Best Camera Bags, According to Experts
1. Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack was mentioned by nearly all our sources as a quality camera bag. An added benefit is that it works well in the open position during photo shoots. CNET raves, “Thanks in part to its stylish design that doesn’t look anything like your average photography bag, Peak Design’s first-gen Everyday backpack was a hit, with models adorning the shoulders of urban photographers the world over.”
Creative Bloq praises, “Ideally, you want a camera bag that’s easy to sling on and get going. The Peak Design Everyday Backpack range is designed for this ease of use. Available in 20L … and 30L, it’s a hardy, well-engineered camera backpack with impressive capacity and lots of useful extras, such as the 16ins laptop compartment (30L model).”
Amateur Photographer exclaims, “Unlike most backpacks, the primary access to the main compartment of the Peak Design Everyday Backpacks is from the side. Both sides have full length zips, so they work well for left or right-handers. The 20L backpack comes with 3 FlexFold dividers that can be positioned within the bag to create ‘shelves’ for your camera gear to rest on.”
2. WANDRD PRVKE 31
This interesting bag is the product of a successful social funding campaign. The Prvke is one of the most well-received camera bags according to our sources. Expert Photography says, “The Wandrd Prvke camera backpack blends style, durability, and functionality. It builds on Prvke’s reputation for being a reliable option for photographers. It’s a versatile bag that fits the needs of an adventurous traveler-photographer.”
The Broke Backpacker describes, “The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is our choice for best overall camera bag! Thanks to its awesome design, excellent protectiveness, and great customizability, this backpack will appeal to both casual and professional photographers alike.”
Shotkit elaborates, “With the PRVKE, they’ve flipped the regular camera bag template on its head with something that resembles a giant tarpaulin tote bag… that just happens to sit on your back! Available in 2 sizes (21L and 31L) and three great-looking colours (black, green and blue), it’s a hard decision choosing the right one for you – I opted for the 31L in blue, and frequently get compliments, even from non-photographers.”
3. Billingham Hadley Pro
Billingham makes a chic-looking bag. This bag is a bit pricey but makes up for the cost with quality construction and materials. Tech Radar comments, “Billingham is known for its premium, classy camera bags, and the Hadley Pro is a gorgeous example. Though it’s a shoulder bag it can take quite a bit of kit. If you have a mind to, you can squeeze in a full-frame Mirrorless body and a flashgun. You may not want to (think of your shoulder!) but you can.”
Digital Camera World adds, “Of course, if you are carrying a lot of kits, the optional shoulder pad will be worth the investment to ease the weight a little, and there are also additional ‘AVEA’ side pockets available. FYI, that is real leather on the straps, so vegans and animal lovers will want to steer clear of this one.”
Wired details, “Billingham bags have a solid reputation among photographers. They’re renowned for their durability, understated style, and lifetime warranties. As a camera bag, the Hadley Pro is not as fully featured as some of the others on this list, but it’s great for the basics and serves double duty as a solid overnight travel bag. Its weather-resistant finish and timeless style make it one of my favorites.”
4. Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II
Lowepro is a brand that produces several different types of camera bag. The ProTactic is a favorite amongst sources. “For long days shooting in the field, you want a comfortable, ergonomic backpack, and it’s no surprise that a brand with backpacking roots makes our Most Comfortable pick. Colorado-born Lowe Alpine made the first internal frame backpacking pack, and they’ve been making camera-specific bags for over 50 years,” reviews trip savvy.
Shot Kit relates, “If it weren’t for the Lowepro branding on the Lowepro PROTactic 450 AW II, you’d be forgiven for thinking this good-looking bag was made for the military. Both on the inside and out, the Pro Tactic 450 AW II features unique functionality which makes this high-performance professional bag one of Lowepro’s most popular ever.”
Amateur Photographer claims, “This 25L pro-level backpack is very well padded and is highly customizable. It has a semi-rigid lid, a thick base and the usual collection of foam-core re-positionable dividers inside its 30x16x44cm main compartment. It’s suitable for housing a large camera with a lens attached and several other lenses and accessories.”
5. MindShift Gear BackLight
Excessively posh camera bags can make a tempting target for would-be thieves. The BackLight offsets this with its simple and understated design. Shot Kit offers, “The MindShift BackLight is rugged but elegantly designed, looking more like a regular bag that may be concealing thousands of dollars of camera gear. This combination of rugged utility and forward-thinking design makes the MindShift BackLight the best travel videographer bag.”
Expert Photography explains, “Think Tank MindShift BackLight 18L is a powerhouse among camera backpacks. Born from a collaboration of photography enthusiasts and climbers, it carries a mountaineering heritage. It’s not just an adventure-oriented bag. It is professional gear designed for hiking photographers. Its impressive carrying capacity and lightweight design make it a top contender.”
Tech Radar states, “A problem many photo backpacks have is that you need to take them off and lay them down on the ground to access your camera gear. It can be a pain in dirty or wet conditions, as the side you lay on the ground is also the one you wear against your back. This bag solves the problem by having the main flap at the rear, which also boosts security.”
6. Brevite Jumper
The Jumper is a smaller camera bag compared to the others on our list. It could be a solid option for those that want a more compact option. “Out of all the backpacks I’ve tested under $200, I often find myself coming back to The Jumper by Brevite. This 18-liter bag makes me feel good when it’s on my back. That’s probably because it’s available in several bright, eye-catching colors, like Lemon Yellow and Poppy Red. It’s stylish and doesn’t look like a camera bag,” according to Wired.
“Brevite The Jumper Camera Backpack: This stylish, small backpack scored high marks from our tester for being lightweight and easy to carry. It comes in many bright solid colors and could be an excellent choice for someone with a streamlined kit,” asserts trip savvy.
Shot Kit evaluates, “If you’re looking for a customizable camera bag you can take practically anywhere, check out the Brevite Jumper. This small camera backpack may look like your normal bag, but it’s much more than that. Made from lightweight materials to stay compact and yet functional, the Brevite Jumper is available in numerous colors, from poppy red, nimbus grey, and boulder tan to lemon yellow, pine green, and moonlit blue.”
7. Thule Covert 32L Camera Pack
Covert is a larger bag that can handle the outdoors or other tricky environments like industrial kitchens. This bag is said to be equally well-suited for mobile exploration and camerawork on the go. “Thule Covert 32L Camera Pack: This well-designed, high-capacity pack is an excellent option for balancing personal and camera gear storage via a removable camera pod that works as a sling. However, we felt Thule Aspect was a better option for most travelers, thanks to a much lower price point. Pros who want more storage and versatility should consider the Covert,” compliments trip savvy.
“Swedish brand Thule might be better known for its range of car roof-top boxes, but it turns out it knows how to make an excellent photography bag, too. The Covert is a superb all-round backpack for a day out exploring the city, with a rear-access camera compartment that’s big enough for a DSLR and an extra lens, or a smaller mirrorless and maybe two lenses,” writes CNET.
Expert Photography articulates, “The Thule Covert 32L camera backpack is a dream come true for outdoor photographers. It has a rugged build, is made of high-quality materials, and has impressive durability. This makes it ideal for those who often find themselves in challenging environments. Despite being on the heavy side, the weight is justified by its solid construction and superior features.”
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Sources:
- CNET
- Creative Bloq
- Amateur Photographer
- Expert Photography
- The Broke Backpacker
- Shotkit
- Tech Radar
- Digital Camera World
- Wired
- trip savvy
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
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