How do you carry your DSLR?

[Martinjmpr]

For my Alaska trip, I purchased a very nice, fairly inexpensive DSLR. It's a [ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035JD0DW/ref=oss_product"]Fuji Finepix S1800[/ame]. First SLR I've owned since my Yashica FX3 35mm that I bought in 1980 and which 'disappeared' from my household goods shipment when I left Germany in 1989.

Question to the group: How do you carry your SLRs? I don't have a case for mine, and that concerns me. I'd like some kind of form fitting case to protect the display screen on the back, but I don't want anything too bulky. Any recommendations?

My previous digital cameras were easy: A small case and/or a pocket and they were fine. But I deliberately chose them for their compact size. This time I decided I wanted something I could use to take nice photos, preferably something with a decent viewfinder (biggest PITA with digital cameras is trying to frame a picture on an LCD screen on a brightly lit day.)

Thanks in advance!

[cnynrat]

I really like products from Kinesis. When travelling my camera lives in one of their small holster cases in the car. I can grab the camera by itself if just stopping for a few quick photos, or sling the case over my shoulder if we're going to be further away. If I'm hiking with a daypack I'll often put the holster case in the pack and carry the camera over my shoulder.

Their cases are very well constructed, well padded, and water resistant. I also have a couple lens pouches that can be attached to the holster case as needed.

[Wander]

I've got a screen cover that came with my Nikon, you might be able to find something to fit the Fuji. If not you can always get a piece of 3M clear film and cut it to fit the screen. When I don't have the camera on me I keep mine in an older Domke bag but I'm thinking a fitted backpack might be nice.

[Tucson T4R]

I use a Tamrac backpack to carry my DSLR and lenses. Lowpro makes a ton of good quality carry cases and backpacks to choose from.

To me you need to decide if you just want protective case to throw in the truck or do you sometimes want to pack it in on foot.

[paulj]

I use an Op/tech neoprene cover.

I have also added a loop of cord and toggle to the shoulder strap of my day pack. I use this to secure the camera strap to the backpack strap, giving me a secure means of carrying the camera while wearing the backpack, and still have it accessible for use. It also takes some of the weight of the camera off my shoulder (the day pack has a good weight bearing hip belt).

[evldave]

I use a tamron case for body + lenses most of the time, but if I'm taking pictures hunting or other rugged/banging areas, I pack the camera in a drybox that I've lined w/3"foam trimmed to fit. Keeps things protected from both banging and water (kinda important when it's 4am and raining and you're cold and tired). Was $15 for the drybox and like $5 for the foam. More bulky than the tamron, but more durable too.

[AYIAPhoto]

For my Alaska trip, I purchased a very nice, fairly inexpensive DSLR. It's a Fuji Finepix S1800.

Not to nit-pick, but the s1800 isn't a dslr but rather a super zoom bridge camera. Not that there is anything wrong with bridge cameras as I use a Panasonic FZ35 as my grab and go "fun" camera. That said...

How do you carry your SLRs? I don't have a case for mine, and that concerns me. I'd like some kind of form fitting case to protect the display screen on the back, but I don't want anything too bulky. Any recommendations?

Lowepro makes a nice case for a camera the size of ours, the "EX 120". It is well padded and has plenty of extra storage for a camera of this size(unless you plan on schlepping around a tele-converter and other add-on lenses). I can fit my camera with lens hood attached in the main compartment(used one of the provided dividers as a shim of sorts to keep it extra tight, but the s1800 is wider so it may not be necessary). I have neutral density and polarizing filters, 4 SDHC cards, an extra battery and charger in the front compartment. Small pockets will hold lens clothes, some small velcro tabs and a cut up silver on one side gold on the other "survival blanket"(not having a hot shoe makes being able to rig up a reflector a god send).
The case isn't water proof but I was caught in a sudden down pour at a fair some months back and it kept the camera dry. Also almost any RadioShack will have screen protectors for iPhones and touches that can be cut to fit the LCD for less than a camera shop will sell you one made for cameras.

[Photog]

X2 on Kinesis or LowePro bags.

For my Canon G11 with lens adapter, I use the Kinesis Reporter. It holds the camera, charger, spare batteries, memory cards, card reader, manual, tripod mount, flash, and journal. It does need this padding kit, to be used with camera gear.

This bag tucks in nicely at the front of the driver's seat.

A waist belt, or shoulder straps can be attached. Extra pouches can be attached.

And it does not look like a camera bag.!

To put your camera in a backpack, there are a number of different camera or lens sleeves from many manufacturers, that will provide light protection for your camera.

[targa88]

Another vote for Loewpro Backpack

[8850]

I've heavily invested in the Lowepro gear... Lowepro Slingshot when moving (hiking, skiing etc) with the camera, Lowepro CompuTrekker when traveling by airplane and Lowepro Vertex for storage or moving all the gear in the Sportsmobile.