Basic Camera Bag Features for the Digicam

From personal observation, it appears that ladies generally don't use camera bags at all. Most would just insert the digital camera in a side pocket of their carrying bag (or ladies' bag). Others slip the camera unit inside a thin case first before putting in in the bag. Guys, on the other hand, do use camera bags as they typically don't bring other bags. I noticed this in a couple of reunions I attended here and here.

Anyway, if you are looking for a camera case for that new point-and-shoot digital camera of yours, you might want to consider the following features.

1. Material
   
   Camera bags or pouches are made from a variety of materials and the common ones are leather (synthetic or otherwise), plastic, cloth and nylon. Some cloth cases even use denim fabric. Some camera cases are washable, while others are not. The color of the material is entirely up to you but generally, loud bright colors suggest a sporty look, while the black and earth tone colors project a more formal look.
   
   
2. Body
   
   Will it be a clamshell or "hard cover" type of a camera bag? A clamshell, even that made of plastic, affords better protection for your camera against bumps and drops. The downside is it could be a bit bulkier. When empty, it couldn't be folded and stored away as easily.
   
   
3. Pockets and Sleeves
   
   Do you need additional pockets or enclosures for spare batteries, memory cards and electronic charger? How about space for other electronic accessories like your audio-video and data cables or even a digicam mini-tripod? Certain bags have dividers that prevent the items inside from rubbing and scratching against each other. These spaces come in handy when you need to bring along these camera accessories. Just remember they add to the bulk and size of the camera pouch or bag.
   
   
4. Access to the Camera
   
   How quickly can you get your point-and-shoot digicam from the camera bag when you need it and then put it back? Consider cases that have a big opening. Double zipper camera bags give you this. A single big zipper that goes all the way around is also good. A single zipper that doesn't fully open the bag may unnecessarily scratch your camera body or lcd screen. Others bags, like the leather types use a cover flap that fastens with a velcro or magnetic button. They're easily opened with a slight tug.
   
   
5. Straps and Belt Loops
   
   The camera bag or pouch needs to be worn by your body somehow. Some camera bags come with shoulder straps and others have straps or laces worn around the neck. Still, others are pouches with belt loops so you you can wear it at your side.
   
   
6. Size of the Camera Bag
   
   There's no sense in carrying a mega-sized camera bag for a point-and-shoot digicam. Get the most portable one that will suit your needs. Allow for some room inside the bag for the camera though. You might have difficulty getting and inserting a digicam in a camera pouch that's too tight or snug. You also run the risk of damaging the camera unit if you need to force the unit in and out of the bag.
   

By knowing what you do and don't want beforehand, you can tremendously cut down the time when shopping for your ideal camera bag.