What features make the best digital camera bag? First, it needs to be comfortable, especially if you are lugging cameras and multiple fine digital camera accessories over longer distances. This means choosing the right type of bag and, in the case of backpacks and shoulder bags, ensuring that they have padded straps and a cushioned frame.
Bags with wheels are especially convenient if you have a lot of heavy equipment that you regularly carry around on location. It also needs to be durable. Hard cases are the sturdiest on the market, with some even proving dustproof and shockproof. These are expensive, though, and might be more than you need.
Keep reading our guide to the best digital camera bags for more information on what to look for when shopping for your next purchase.
Top Digital Camera Bags
#1 Amazon Basics Point and Shoot Digital Camera Bag
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: The zippered memory card pocket keeps all of your photo storage safe. This option is made out of a durable nylon material that ensures longevity. The interior padding keeps the contents safe and sound even during travel.
- Zippered memory card pocket
- Durable nylon material
- Interior padding for camera
- Not enough space
This highly portable bag measures 4.9” x 3.2” x 1.6”. That makes it an excellent option for those constantly on the go with their camera. A zippered pocket can also hold an SD card and small accessories, like a charging cord. However, if you’re looking for an option with tons of storage, this won’t be a great match. It’s great for travel, but it won’t hold more than the camera and your SD card of choice.
Its exterior is made with nylon and plastic, making it both a durable and lightweight option. The interior has great padding to protect the contents, like your photo storage accessories or the camera itself. That said, you can also opt to use a great photo box to display all your shots. The internal size measures 4.3” x 2.5” x 0.9”, so it can easily fit most point-and-shoot camera models. It’s most compatible with models like the Canon 530HS, Sony RX-1OO, or Canon SX620.
#2 Case Logic DCB-302 Digital Camera Bag
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Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This extremely portable option will go wherever you need it to. It even has a detachable lanyard as well as a convenient belt loop. It has a compartment for small accessories, like SD cards.
- Extremely portable option
- Small accessory compartment
- Detachable lanyard
- Might be too small
High-quality polyester materials are used in the production of this case. It is lightweight and a highly portable option for those who like to travel. The logical organizational options make it easy to bring all your small accessories with you, like SD cards or a USB charging cord. If you have a ton of small accessories, this won’t be a great option. It won’t fit as much as you might need, especially if your point-and-shoot camera is on the larger side.
The zippered compartment is both easy to access and highly secure. This will keep all the contents safe. The entire bag measures 4.9” x 2.8” x 3.1”, and it will fit a point-and-shoot model up to 2.4” x 1” x 4”. An internal loop for an SD card increases your options for the storage of accessories. There is a convenient lanyard that is detachable, but you could also use the belt loop attachment provided.
#3 MOSISO Digital Camera Bag
Award: BEST FOR ACCESSORY STORAGE
WHY WE LIKE IT: There are secure attachments on this model that can hold any accessories for stabilization that you have. No matter the type of camera brand you prefer, this option will most likely be compatible.
- Great accessory storage attachments
- Widely compatible
- Highly portable option
- For the left shoulder
This camera bag offers modular storage. That means you can use inserts to build the perfect compartments to fit your DSLR camera, lenses, and any other accessories you bring along. There is a separate tripod holder and a convenient carrying strap. However, some consumers report that this digital camera bag is only suitable for the left shoulder. If this will make it uncomfortable for you, it’s probably not the right option.
It is compatible with multiple brands, like Nikon, Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, and more. This bag measures 15.7” x 9.06” x 4.8”, so it’s spacious enough to fit most cameras comfortably. There is a layer of soft foam in the interior to ensure your camera is safe and has proper shock protection. There is a larger storage area in the bottom portion of the bag and a smaller section for you to carry all of your belongings and smaller accessories.
#4 AbergBest Digital Camera Bag
Award: BEST FOR PORTABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This highly portable model has great interior padding. The material used keeps all of the contents as safe as possible. This material is also shockproof so that small bumps or falls don’t spell disaster for your equipment.
- Has interior padding
- Uses shockproof material
- Large storage compartment
- Won’t fit a full-size DSLR
A protective choice for carrying cases, this option has a padded interior to ensure the safety of its contents. It is incredibly compact and friendly for those who travel often. This simplistic storage option measures in at 4.9” x 3.5” x 2.2”, so you can take it with you anywhere just by throwing it in a bag. Unfortunately, this is a case that will only fit a point-and-shoot camera. It won’t be the right choice for those with a DSLR or other larger models.
It is also highly lightweight due to the soft PU leather and hard EVA that it’s made of. The outer casing is hard and skid-proof, so you can rest assured that your camera is safe and sound. It is also scratch-resistant and anti-stain, so you don’t have to worry about longevity or appearance. The soft interior fabric has two layers of anti-shock bubble padding. This keeps it safe from the upper area with a netted bag to carry small accessories, like an SD card or charging cable.
#5 FOSOTO Digital Camera Bag
Award: BEST FOR PROTECTION OF CONTENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you need extra security, this shock-resistant option is a great choice. It also protects against damage from any liquid due to the material it’s made with. No matter the model you have, this will probably fit it.
- Resistant to shock from falls
- Protects against liquid damage
- Wide model compatability
- Not entirely proofed against liquid
This option has a specially designed zipper that seals things up securely. The zipper also has a protective overlap closure to make it more water-proofed. You’ll receive a whole host of accessories with this case, including a camera case, a carrying strap, and a rain cover. While it does come with this rain cover, it is not entirely waterproof. Because of this, you’ll need to be careful in the rain or other wet weather conditions.
You’ll also receive detachable dividers for the interior, which measures 7” x 5.1” x 3.9”. The external measurements are 7.8” x 5.9” x 4.3”, which makes it a portable option. You can carry it easily using the adjustable shoulder strap or the handle attached to the top of the bag. This option is large enough to fit DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, or similar models.
#6 Altura Digital Camera Bag
Award: BEST FOR LARGE MODELS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This option has a spacious interior so that you can carry around as much as you possibly need. It has a convenient carrying attachment, so the larger size doesn’t make it too bulky for travel.
- Has a spacious interior
- Convenient carrying attachment
- Universally compatible
- Might be too bulky
This incredible option for storage measures 9.5” x 5.5” x 6.5” for exterior size. It’s a fantastic choice for those who require a little extra storage for lenses, charging cords, cleaning solution, or any other accessories you might need while traveling with your camera. If you need a more portable option, this bag might be a little on the bulky side. Unfortunately, it’s less of a travel-friendly option and might be too bulky for some consumers.
The interior measures 7.5” x 4.5” x 5.5”, which is plenty of room for your camera and favorite lens. You can fit a wide range of models in this camera bag, such as the Canon 70D, Canon T3i, Sony Alpha A7, or Sony A6300. There are multiple carrying options available, including the padded carry handle and removable shoulder strap. The strap is also adjustable to carry it however is most convenient and comfortable for you.
Beginners Guide to Digital Camera Bags
What are Digital Camera Bags?
Although its primary purpose is to transport a camera, a digital camera bag also protects the contents, such as memory cards.
At a minimum, the interior usually has plenty of space for the main compartment and a central pocket for the camera body and other key devices such as a digital camera docking station. Cushioned adjustable dividers protect the camera from coming into contact with other items, with many models featuring numerous internal dividers. Extra straps, such as chest straps, and buckles secure everything in place.
Pockets for accessories allow for the transport and storage of add-ons. These not only allow you to keep your gear together in one place but also provide better protection than what you’d get from a side pocket or when storing multiple items in the same section of the bag.
Digital Camera Bags VS Point-and-Shoot Camera Cases
How Digital Camera Bags Work
A digital camera bag generally holds a digital camera and a few additional accessories, such as flashguns and a couple of lenses, memory cards, and a spare battery. More advanced bags have straps and fastenings to keep everything secure and expandable pockets for even more gear, enough for 3-4 lenses, lens caps, and even some room for laptop storage.
Aside from keeping your gear secure, they also make transporting a piece of gear easier. Compact bags are typically worn over the shoulder or on the back, like a backpack. Large, rolling bags are similar to rolling suitcases. The wheels not only make the bag easier to carry but minimize the risk of banging and knocking the contents around too frequently.
Do You Really Need A Digital Camera Bag?
Although it’s easy to get carried away at the thought of buying a new toy for your camera, it’s not always necessary. It is possible to carry an individual camera around your neck or in your hand, and you may even be able to fit a memory card and spare lens in a pocket.
However, there are some serious benefits to buying a dedicated bag for your digital camera. Here are some.
Is a Digital Camera Bag Worth Buying?
- Protects Your Investment: Most cameras, such as the best Canon digital cameras can cost $1,000 or more. Left to rattle around in the trunk of the car, they can become badly damaged and in need of replacement. Good camera bags have padded dividers and they have straps, a zipper pocket, and other fastenings to ensure your equipment is adequately protected. Waterproof bags are made from weather-resistant materials and protect expensive camera gear against rain, while hard cases offer extra protection from virtually any type of damage.
- Lightens the Load: A compact camera doesn’t weigh much and should be easy to carry. However, mirrorless cameras, especially DSLR units, can be challenging to carry around all day, especially if you have other equipment. Most bags include padded shoulder straps for extra comfort.
- Different Styles of Bag for Different Needs: There is a wide choice of camera bag styles, including leather camera bags, travel camera bags, comfortable backpacks with a stylish design, and more. Hard and soft cases, shoulder bags, and backpacks serve specific purposes. A hard case is suitable if you transport your camera in a van or you stow it as cargo on a flight because the hard shell protects the contents from physical damage. A shoulder bag is portable, features a removable shoulder strap, and is suitable for carrying. Versatile camera backpacks spread the load right across your shoulders and upper body.
Why a Digital Camera Bag May Not Be For You
- You May Not Need One: If you have a compact camera and limited accessories, it might be more convenient to carry it by hand. You will also find that some camera sets include digital camera bags and cases, so you don’t have to purchase one at all.
- Different Loadouts Need Different Bags: Bags offer the best protection when they match the contents. If the bag is too big, your camera will be free to roll around, increasing the damage. If it is too small, you may need additional pockets. Unless you have a single loadout that you take whenever you use your camera, you may have to invest in multiple bags and carriers or buy one with extra pockets.
- Your Budget Is Limited: Camera bags vary in price, but a good one has a high price tag that may be out of reach for some travel photographers. If you’re an amateur or even a budding photographer, this may be an extra cost too far, especially when a modified backpack or shoulder bag may suffice.
How Long Will A Digital Camera Bag Last?
It depends on the photographer. If you’re just a hobbyist with no need for a lot of gear and don’t foresee ever getting more than one or two lenses, you can get many years of use out of a single bag. But, if you’re delving into professional photography, the amount of gear you use might eventually outgrow the bag you buy. There will also be wear-and-tear to consider.
How to Choose a Digital Camera Bag
When looking for the best digital camera bag, the first thing to consider is whether to buy a shoulder bag, backpack, sling bag, rolling case, or hard case. Choose a bag capable of carrying the weight of your equipment and ensure that it has suitable compartments and sections.
If you choose a shoulder bag or sling bag, it needs to be well cushioned where you will carry it, while hard cases and rolling cases need comfortable hands to facilitate long-term use. Read on for some of the most important features when choosing a camera bag.
1. What type of bag is best for you?
Choose from the following types of bags:
- Shoulder bag – Messenger bags are designed for carrying over the shoulder. It can be uncomfortable when heavy but it is quick and easy to use with minimal equipment. Shoulder bags offer quick access to your gear but the limited space means you may be able to put your cell phone in the side accessory pocket but there is no storage space for laptops and additional accessories. Most budget camera bags are shoulder bags.
- Sling bag – The sling bag design has a single adjustable shoulder strap that goes across the body. It is more comfortable than a shoulder bag when heavily laden but doesn’t spread the weight as evenly as a backpack.
- Backpack – The backpack has two shoulder straps that spread the weight of your gear right across the shoulders and upper body. A dedicated camera backpack holds more weight, has extra space, and if you need to protect your camera from the elements, you can add a rain cover. Some backpacks offer waist straps that offer even greater load distribution.
- Hard case – The hard case is made from resin and can be waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and vibration-proof. However, it is also heavy, so if you need to move it far from your transport, get one with wheels. They’re also rather large, so they may not be suitable as hand luggage or as a carry-on. Most often, they’re used to transport a DSLR or bridge, rather than a compact, when neoprene protection is important.
- Rolling case – Hard cases can weigh 5kg (11lbs) or more when empty. Once filled with stuff, it will prove difficult to carry over any long distance. A rolling case offers most of the same benefits but also has wheels and a handle. Not only suitable for professional travel photographers, but these cases also benefit any traveling photographer.
2. How much weight will it carry?
If you’re only transporting a camera, it is doubtful that you will reach the weight limit of your bag. However, attach a tripod and insert a handful of additional lenses, and the weight soon adds up. Once you add ballast for your tripod, a spare tripod, extra battery packs, a microphone, and a laptop, you need to weigh your kit and ensure that it does not exceed the bag’s capacity. As well as the weight it will carry, check the internal dimensions to ensure it will fit your camera and other accessories.
3. Will you be traveling with your camera?
Soft packs help carry equipment over your shoulder and when walking because they’re convenient and lightweight. But they do very little to protect your kit when placed in the trunk of a car or the cargo hold of a plane. Go with a larger bag that features plenty of padding if the camera will be out of your hands for a while. This will protect your finest digital camera while traveling.
4. Do you need to protect any other equipment?
A camera bag is used to carry your camera, but even amateur photographers generally have more than that. Professional photographers might carry light rings, extra lenses, the best digital camera tripods, and even a laptop or tablet. A well-equipped bag has dedicated compartments for these, as well as external and internal pockets for extra accessories you need to lug around. Consider how much equipment you have and whether you need a laptop compartment or a secure pocket for a mobile phone, then ensure that your bag is designed to carry everything.
