Photographers often outgrow their old digital SLR camera bags, for example, if a photographer decides to upgrade their camera to a new model, or if a photographer gets additional lenses, filters, flash or a camcorder.

In this case, a photographer is faced with a choice – to buy an additional smaller SLR camera bag or to get a larger bag, which would fit all of their accessories into one. The choice is individualized. However, it may be uncomfortable if you have to carry two camera bags, for example, one for your camera and another for your camcorder. It’s generally more comfortable when one bag accommodates all of your digital gear.

Furthermore, if you are traveling, it will be much easier to keep an eye on one bag, rather than two bags.

Also, if you have an older bag, the chances are high that it is made of a heavier material. Two bags might not be a problem, if they are both made of lightweight materials. However, the fact is that older bags used to be made of less ergonomic materials, often either heavy and sturdy or lightweight and flimsy.

So, if one of your bags happens to be old, you may have the added inconvenience of carrying an extra load, with less protection for your camera and the rest of your gear.

Modern digital SLR camera bags generally have a higher quality grade, making them more secure and lightweight at the same time. A good modern SLR camera bag would allow you to carry your new camera, additional lenses, filters, flash, and a camcorder, all in one bag.

Then why do some photographers still carry two camera bags at a time? Usually, it’s not a preference. It might be a habit or a way to save money.

However, if photography is your bread and butter, you should probably consider purchasing a comfortable, durable, lightweight and spacey modern digital SLR camera bag.

The price of a new bag often becomes an obstacle to buying it. However, a new larger camera bag does not have to be expensive. In fact, you can find good quality and high capacity digital SLR camera bags for as little as $30-$60.

If you happen to carry two camera bags, it might be a good idea to consider purchasing a new spacey and lightweight digital SLR camera bag, which most likely will result in your increased comfort and productivity.

The inner layout of your SLR camera bag can generally be adjusted for all your needs. However, just what exactly should you be able to carry in your bag?

1. Consider, whether you are going to carry your camera body with the lens attached, or unattached. An unattached lens will let you carry more in your camera bag. However, if you need to take the camera out and start rapidly shooting, you will not be able to do that with an unattached lens.

2. You will most likely want to carry a flash in your SLR camera bag. Most or all cameras have a built-in flash on them. However, an external SLR flash gives you more flexibility. So, if you do want to use an external flash, your camera bag should accommodate it.

3. Extra lenses. How many extra lenses do you use? Do you take all of them with you at once? Your camera should not just accommodate a 17mm-85mm lens, but also something larger, like a 75mm-300mm lens.

4. Video recorder or a camcorder. Are you planning to also record video? Then your SLR camera bag should also have enough space for a video recorder, and possibly for a power plug to charge your video recorder.

5. Telephoto zoom lens. If you are planning on some special effects, such as making remote objects appear magnified, distorting the perspective, blurring the background (bokeh), etc., you will probably need a telephoto lens. Thus, your camera bag should provide space for this important accessory also.

6. Camera’s manual booklet. SLR cameras nowadays have so many fascinating features, that a photographer can easily get lost in them, or miss some tricks. That’s why you may want to make sure that your SLR camera bag will also accommodate your camera’s instruction manual.

7. Your SLR camera bag should also allow for the placement of various miscellaneous (but also very important) photography accessories, such as cards, cords, lens caps, extra lens caps, memory card, extra memory card, film, extra batteries, filters, chargers, cleaning cloth, etc.

8. You may also check if your camera bag will additionally accommodate your cell phone and iPod, as well as a bottle of water and a light snack.

Thus, a good SLR camera bag should have enough space for your camera (with the lens attached or unattached), flash, extra lenses, video recorder or camcorder, telephoto zoom lens, camera’s manual, miscellaneous accessories and a bottle of water with a light snack.

There are many features that separate a good digital SLR bag from a bad one. Generally, the most important aspects of a good digital SLR camera bag are providing the camera and gear with a sound protection, while providing the owner with the most convenient design.

What kind of bag will better protect your camera and accessories?

1. A bag with a thick padding. Thick padding on all sides of the bag is very important for protecting your equipment from any shocks and accidental falls.

2. A bag with secure handles and straps. The handle and the straps of the bag should be durable and secure. The strap of the bag should additionally not slip, in order for it to stay put, even if you are wearing a slippery rain coat.

3. A bag with a hard bottom. A SLR camera bag will experience one of the worst shocks, if it is accidentally dropped on the floor or ground. A bag with a hard bottom will provide your accessories with even better protection.

What kind of bag will provide you with the most comfort?

1. A bag with adjustable straps. Adjustable straps are a common feature of well-designed digital SLR camera bags. Not only people vary in height, but they also have preferences about the exact positioning of their bags. It is better to avoid buying a bag with a set length of straps.

2. Configurable internal compartments. Not all of the digital SLR camera bags provide you with the ability to arrange the inside (generally, the main compartment) the way you like it. However, configurable internal compartments are one of the most important features of a good SLR camera bag. Every photographer uses a different number of lenses, filter kits, and other accessories. Thus, most photographers prefer to be able to arrange the space of their bag to fit their needs.

3. A bag with plenty of room. It’s a common advice to buy a bag, which is somewhat larger than your current needs. Photographers often upgrade their cameras and accessories, but this should not make a photographer upgrade their digital SLR camera bags every time.

In order to provide your SLR camera with a good level of protection, opt for bags with a thick padding, secure handle and straps, and a hard bottom. In order to provide yourself with the most comfort while using your bag, opt for a bag with adjustable straps, configurable internal compartments, and plenty of room.

A perfect SLR camera bag may not exist, since every photographer has their individual requirements, such as the size of the bag, its construction (backpack, shoulder bag, etc.), its color and its material (hard plastic bag, soft bag, etc.).

However, there are definitely several features of a bad SLR camera bag, which you should look out for:

1. Slipping strap. Life puts a photographer in various shooting situations, such as an indoor shooting, outdoor shooting, shooting in the city or in the countryside. A photographer will be dressed according to a particular situation. For example, if you go on a shooting in nature, and you are wearing a slippery raincoat, a bag with an unsteady slippery strap may just slide off of your shoulder. In the worst case, this may break your expensive accessories or your SLR camera.

2. Eye striking design or color. There are many situations, in which a photographer has to stay discreet, in order to make best shoots. A camera bag with an eye-striking flashy design or vivid colors will make everyone aware that you are a photographer. Generally, the less your bag looks like an SLR camera bag, the better. This may be achieved with subtle or neutral colors of the bag, such as black or gray, or a design that makes your bag look dissimilar to a camera bag.

3. Soft bag, without a plastic frame inside. Some photographers actually prefer soft SLR camera bags for their discreet look. However, soft bags are a bad choice for a vast majority of photographers. Your delicate SLR camera may not survive a fall from 3-5 feet, especially if it falls on concrete.

4. Inability to rearrange the inner layout of the bag. Most bags allow you to rearrange their inner layout to fit your needs. Many sections of a good bag can be merged into one section or divided into a few more sections. Since every photographer has their individual needs and requirements, not one bag can fit all. That’s why a feature of a bad bag is the inability to rearrange its inner layout.

5. Harsh inner material. An SLR camera bag should serve well for carrying any kind of fragile and delicate accessories, such as lenses and many others. The material of the bag should be very soft on the inside, to eliminate any chance of scratching your valuable accessories.

The features of a bad SLR camera bag include: slipping strap, eye striking design or color, no plastic frame, inability to rearrange the inner layout of your bag and a harsh inner material.

An SLR camera bag is very important. Your bag will have to hold everything that you need for all of your photography needs. All of your gear should be at your fingertips, so you can get to anything when you need it. Also, all of your gear should be very well protected.

There are several important things to consider, when choosing among digital SLR camera bags. Below is a list of the most important tips:

1. The strap of the bag should be long enough to look through the bag, while it’s on your shoulder. The strap should preferably swivel for your utmost comfort. Some poorer designed bags have a fixed short strap, which additionally does not swivel.

2. Velcro separators should allow you to configure your bag, how you want it. Cushioned Velcro dividers are good, since they can be moved or removed altogether, when needed.

3. Good digital SLR camera bags should provide enough padding for good protection of your gear.

4. Your accessories should fit in the bag, but they should not move around in your bag.

5. The bag should accommodate your camera body with an attached lens, in order for you not to miss a shot.

6. Smaller bags are probably better for amateur photographers, with not so much equipment. Larger bags better fit professional photographers, with their numerous lenses, filters etc.

7. Your camera should fit in the bag, even when it has a battery grip attached to it.

8. Sound digital SLR camera bags come with a sling for a tripod on the bottom. It’s better if the straps for the tripod can be removed, if you don’t need it.

9. A leather bag, for example, will be much heavier, but not necessarily more protective, in comparison to a modern-material bag.

10. A camera bag does not necessarily have to be made by the same company, as the camera itself. For example, an Olympus camera may fit well in a Canon digital camera bag.

11. When looking at the bags’ dimensions, make sure to find out, whether those are measurements from the outside or the inside of the bag. The inside measurements can be 1-2 inches smaller each (width, height and depth), in comparison to the outside measurements.

12. Bags sold online are generally cheaper. However, before buying a bag online, you may want to first look at your prospective bag in person at an off-line store, in order to get a better feel for it.