Let us begin by discussing why a camera carrying case is so important. Many of us like to carry our cameras with us everywhere to capture our favorite moments. Unfortunately, our cameras are far from bullet-proof. Cameras are easily damaged by things like wind, dust, sand, precipitation, and extreme weather conditions. It is therefore extremely important to protect our cameras from even the smallest of things. As already established, a camera carrying case will do just that.
When choosing a digital camera carrying case, the main thing to consider is the size that you will need. You will want to select a case that is large enough to hold your camera, yet small enough to keep it from moving around inside of the case.
On top of size, you will also need to consider which type of camera bag you want to purchase. There are two basic types of camera bags; compact cases and SLR cases. This main difference between the two types is that compact cases are much simpler than SLR cases.
Compact camera cases are usually meant for smaller cameras but range in size from very small to very large. Some compact cases are meant for carrying only the camera, whereas some come with additional compartments to carry accessories as well. Compact cases have three subtypes that are each based on their material. These sub types include; closed cell foam cases, thermo-molded nylon cases, and leather cases.
SLR camera cases are much larger in size than compact camera cases and can be used for cameras of all shapes and sizes. Like compact cases, SLR cases have 4 subtypes; rectangular bags, triangular bags, fanny packs, and backpacks. Rectangular and triangular bags are very similar in that they are both large enough to carry a camera as well as several other camera accessories. The main difference between these two bag types is that triangular bags generally have more options for carrying. For example, the rectangular bag has a shoulder strap, but the triangular bag has a shoulder strap, a belt loop, and a top handle to offer more carrying options.
If you are hiking or carrying a lot of equipment, you will want to buy a fanny pack or a backpack. Fanny packs are quite smaller than backpacks but do offer several compartments to hold additional camera accessories. Backpacks, much larger than fanny packs, are the largest of all carrying cases and can carry up to two cameras as well as many other camera accessories. Of all bags offered, backpacks offer the best protection for your camera and offer the most space for transporting camera equipment.