Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a pro, you need something to ensure your camera equipment is protected, be it a camera case, a pouch, or a padded backpack.
There are many reasons to carry your camera and lenses in protective gear, such as cases. You might want a waterproof camera case to keep your equipment safe from moisture damage, or perhaps you're looking for a case that stores everything together. Maybe you need a malleable case that fits easily in your backpack. Read on to learn more about the different camera cases and the purposes they serve.
Why do I need a camera case?
Your camera is comprised of many fragile parts
Any camera has fragile parts, but this is especially the case with DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
You have your separate lenses and your LCD screen to protect. But there are also the moving parts inside your camera body - including your camera sensor. If any one of these is damaged, you could be looking at reduced functionality for your entire setup, along with costly repairs.
Prevent excessive repairs
We don’t need to remind you how valuable your camera equipment is, especially if you’ve tailored a collection of lenses and accessories to one particular camera model.
These fragile items cost a lot to replace, but they can also cost large sums to repair - often between 30% and 50% of the original price.
An affordable camera case is a simple and effective way to prevent scratches, dust, moisture, or other damage leading to costly repairs.
How to protect your camera
It isn’t difficult to protect your camera, but there are different ways to pack it safely, depending on whether you’re using it regularly or you’re storing it away for the long term.
Protecting your camera when you’re on the go
The key to keeping your camera safe when you’re on the move is to store it with plenty of padding.
Your camera body and the separate lenses (along with any filters you might carry) should ideally be hugged in padding, with no excessive room for them to bounce around. It’s always best to separate the lenses from the camera body.
Don’t forget to include lens wipes and cleaning supplies in your camera kit! Using your sleeve can cause a surprising amount of damage to your lens glass.
Packing away your camera for long term storage
If it’s unlikely your camera will see daylight for awhile, it’s best to remove the battery before you stash the camera, so you can avoid leakage or accidental short-circuiting of the terminals.
Your camera and equipment should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated space. And if you store it in a camera case, slip a desiccant inside to prevent mould or mildew. Replace the desiccant every few months.
What type of camera case should I buy?
Many professional photographers choose a dedicated camera backpack or bag to store their equipment when they’re on the go. But for those who prefer a little more flexibility and versatility, camera cases are a great alternative.
They’re not as restrictive as a camera backpack. You have greater freedom to carry only what is necessary, dropping the appropriate lenses and bodies into your everyday bag, with the comfort of knowing they won’t get scratched.
A hard case for rough journeys
Hard camera cases are typically weather resistant, waterproof, and crushproof. Nylon cases usually include extra padding too. They’re perfect to protect against hard impact in travel or during shipping.
Hard cases come in two formats - large, customisable cases to hold all your gear, or cases moulded to fit a specific model.
Moulded cases tend to be smaller and are typically designed to suit just one camera model or one standard lens size or type. They often come with belt loops so you can carry your equipment on your hip for easy access.
Generic hard cases, on the other hand, can be as large as briefcases but you’ll usually need to buy separate foam inserts or padded dividers and subdividers to customise the case to your gear.
Pelican produces high quality hard cases and dividers ideal for those with more to lug around.
Camera pouches for versatile use
Camera and lens pouches are traditionally softer than hard cases, making them less crushproof but more versatile.
They offer additional padding to protect your equipment from scratches and dust when they’re stored inside your bag.
Pouches aren't just handy for your lenses and camera body. You can also get pouches with expanding pockets to store cords, accessories, batteries, SD cards, and more. Pouches can come in weatherproof nylon canvas shell with inner padding, so they’re still fairly durable.
Choose the camera case that’s right for you
When you’re looking for a camera case, the most important thing to remember isn’t what the best case is - it’s what the best case is for your needs. We have a selection of hard and soft camera cases as well as heavy-duty camera cases that can hold all your equipment, or small cases that will fit just your compact camera.
Browse our selection of camera cases online at Camera House and start taking the best care of your equipment today!
