Take your camera everywhere... How?

[luvpugs]

I wanted a "girlie" bag that didn't scream camera bag. I looked all over and they were quite expensive. I found this lady on Etsy and I just had her make me a customized bag. I haven't gotten it yet but all the reviews from past buyers have wonderful things to say about her. I can't wait to get mine!!

MountainGypsyHandbags dba GypsyRoseHandbags by gypsyrosehandbags

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by ragdoll

Yeah, it's a great backpack from many points of view. But it's quite expensive.

Prepare to be amazed: camera bags aren't cheap!

I always have a camera, be it film or digital, with a 50mm lens on it in my bag, and as a full-time student, I always have my bag with me. I use a Lowepro CompuDayPack, though it'll be a bit big for the 13" laptop.

[ragdoll]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Prepare to be amazed: camera bags aren't cheap!

Yes, I was suspecting it ...

I always have a camera, be it film or digital, with a 50mm lens on it in my bag, and as a full-time student, I always have my bag with me. I use a Lowepro CompuDayPack, though it'll be a bit big for the 13" laptop.

Yeah I saw this backpack. In Italy it sells for half the price of the Classified Sling 180 AW. Do you find the access to the bottom section comfortable. The side pockets of Slingshot bags seem far more easily accessible.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by ragdoll

So this post is mainly concerned about which bag or backpack is the best to commute taking my dSLR with me. Not necessarily carrying also the laptop.
Suggestions?

Good question. Usually we're concerned about what bag is best for shoots, where we're intentionally going to take photos. I'm looking for good sling bags for those purposes. But what to use for everyday commuting?

I bought a messenger bag for my commute and it works well as a camera bag. I don't want to have a backpack strapped to me all the time, and yeah, I admit, I'm a little vain so I wanted something stylish. Empty, I can easily fit a camera with lens and two extra lenses, plus extra memory cards, batteries, wallet, phone, etc etc. It works really well, and when I do pull out the camera it looks a little less tourist/GWC than a typical backpack.

Now, being a dude and all, my needs are different than yours. But I don't see why you can't get away with some kind of shoulder bag if you're smart about which lens(es) you pack.

I do know a few people who are looking at micro 4/3 cameras precisely for traveling light.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by ragdoll

Yeah I saw this backpack. In Italy it sells for half the price of the Classified Sling 180 AW. Do you find the access to the bottom section comfortable. The side pockets of Slingshot bags seem far more easily accessible.

The camera section is in the bottom as a clamshell style, and so the bag really does need to come off to get the camera out. It's ideal for me because the camera isnt something im accessing often, but it could be a burden if you need to get to things quickly/often