Ask Maggie: DSLR Case for Your Bag

design

Stephanie had a question about my gadget case roundup. She says:

Do you have something to hold your DSLR camera that you slip into a normal purse? I’m looking for something to protect my Canon xsi with the lens attached that I can use when I don’t want to lug an extra bag around with me. But it’s tough to find! Thanks for your recommendations!

Good question, Stephanie, I can’t believe I didn’t think to include one. Here are a few options:

Cloak Bag, $49

The Cloak Bag is a compact “shoot-through” camera bag that I think would work well to offer a little extra protection in a larger bag, but you can also use it as a stand alone when you’re traveling. The bag strap is actually your camera strap, so you just unzip the bottom and shoot, which means you can go from case to shooting much faster. I don’t own this, but I want it. (via Swiss Miss)

Zing 501-104 SG1 Standard SLR Cover, $19

Here’s a more standard neoprene case, and you can find all sorts of styles online by searching for“dslr neoprene case.” It also comes in black, grey, and plum, and they have a larger one if you want to use a big lens. (FYI, reviews seem to indicate that the color on the bag isn’t photographing well, and it’s a deeper green than it appears.) They also offer an ZING Large Universal that doesn’t look as cool, but might be more functional.

Ephiphanie Bags, $170

My final suggestion is to just use a camera bag as your day bag, which is finally, finally possible. A while ago, I was complaining that there were no attractive camera bags for women. Maile contacted me to say that she’d had the same problem, so she decided to make some. She sent me a one, and it’s fantastic. It’s excellent quality, allows for quick access, and there’s plenty of room in there for your camera, cell, a little clutch with essentials, and even a flash or extra lens. Best of all, you don’t have to wrap a towel around your camera and shove it it your bag when you want to go out to dinner.

Published

12 thoughts on “Ask Maggie: DSLR Case for Your Bag”

  1. That Zing case looks like a codpiece to me! (I imagine a skinny man in speedo carrying it, for some reason.) The lovely red bag, however, looks like my very own purse, sitting right here by my foot.

    Like

    Reply

  2. These are great suggestions, thanks Maggie! I usually wrap my camera in a scarf and stuff it in my purse, which is entertaining to pull out and unwrap at dinner, or while driving… 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  6. I love the Cloak bag – I’ve been wanting to get a DSLR, but was worried about travelling with it. This is the perfect solution; protects, unobtrusive. Now I have to get it. And a DSLR. This blog is not a cheap read!

    Like

    Reply

  8. I’ve been using my no-longer-needed-for-diapers diaper bag to carry my dSLR, while shopping for an affordable alternative. Thank you for these tips options, Maggie.

    Like

    Reply

  10. For another in-bag option, try this Lowepro Cirrus Holster. I love mine. It’s very well-padded and sturdy, and just big enough to hold my Nikon D90 with a fairly large lens, as well as a lens cleaner and extra card. It just felt more substantial than the neoprene covers, which I was nervous about. They didn’t seem to offer quite enough protection.

    I carry a midsize to large leather bag with a long strap, and this fits inside very well.

    Like

    Reply

  11. I’m leaving next week on a quick trip and didn’t want to lug around my big old Crumpler, so this post is so perfect. I bought the Zing, despite feeling a little dirty about it. I can’t wait to see how it works! THANKS, MAGGIE!

    Like

    Reply

  12. Thank you for showing me the Cloak Bag! My better-half’s birthday is coming up in two weeks and I’ve been fretting what to get him. We’re four months to moving across the country so I can go to grad school. I’ve been wracking my brain for something he really needs, that we can afford right now, and won’t be a hassle to move. You’ve been a huge help!

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment