3 Things You Must Know About Digital SLR Camera Bags

Photographers often spend thousands of dollars on professional equipment, but most don't understand the importance of using digital SLR camera bags. Since SLR cameras are highly susceptible to scratching or damage from transporting, and have many delicate components that need to be protected, you must take steps to maintain your digital camera and help make your digital camera last longer to avoid expensive repairs. And not only does a camera bag protect your gear, but it also makes you more efficient.

Accessories

Digital camera's today come with so many accessories that it becomes easy to lose an item during photo shoots. Carrying the right case helps you organize things like memory cards, lens caps, body caps and more. Since SLR cameras have so many moving and removable parts, it only makes sense to have a bag that can accommodate all the parts you'll need to carry around.

But more importantly, having a camera bag protects your gear from the environment, keeps all your gear together and organized, and keeps all your equipment together. M-Rock, one camera case manufacturer, has been around for more than ten years, and has developed a camera case that is rigid yet cushioned to protect your gear from water, the weather and outside pressure. M-Rock uses closed cell foam along with plastic panels that makes their cases highly efficient at protecting your gear.

Efficiency

Quality camera cases allow photographers to be more efficient in the fact that they can carry all the necessary gear at all times. Look for cases that have at least two pockets on the outside for easy access along with plenty of interior room to house extra lenses, film or batteries.

Also, keep an eye out for modular camera cases, which are famous for being able to attach onto other camera cases or a modular belt. Cases that have belt loops on the back allow for easy mounting, and any professional photographer will tell you how useful it is to have the right gear right there by your side when the moment strikes where you need it. Modular bags allow you to customize your gear for a more personal and more efficient photography experience.

Each bag will also have different sized compartments for storing all those loose accessories, and allows you to organize your equipment by shape, size or availability.

Quality

There are all different types of camera cases out there, and obviously the first step is choosing one that's big enough for the average gear you'll be carrying on you. Be sure to look for a bag whose exterior is made with durable, weather resistant material, while having ultra soft felt and scratch resistant materials on the inside.

Photographers are constantly on the move and most will be traveling all over the world. Investing in a digital camera bag isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. It makes sense to buy quality and not have to replace your bags for a while.

Finding an excellent bag at an excellent price isn't hard if you shop around. But remember, that quality is the most important when dealing with an investment like a bag. The next time you're backpacking in the jungles of Brazil taking shots, you'll be glad your equipment is protected and not being exposed to the harsh elements.

If you enjoyed reading about digital SLR camera bags, you'll love the brand new e-course I've created to help you start taking amazing pictures. It's yours for free and is delivered straight to your email. You can download it for free here: http://www.digitalphotographyadvantage.com/

The 5 Essential Tricks to Maximizing Your Success with Digital Photography Lenses

With all the digital photography lenses out there, it's hard to believe there's a use for each one. But, indeed, there are times when having the right lens determines how great of a shot you capture. If you're too far away from an object, it becomes difficult to hold absolutely still, but that's where zoom lenses become useful. However, telephoto lenses proven especially useful for up close and personal shots.This article will focus on taking longer range shots, in which tele-lens and zoom lenses become effective, if you use the simple tactics for using these special lenses.

1. First, in order to minimize shaking while you're taking long range shots, place your camera on a tripod. By having your camera on a tripod, you're able to use a slower shutter speed and use lower ISO higher resolution films. You can further stabilize a shaky tripod by adding a three pound weight to the center column to add weight. If your tele-lens is physically long, you should be using a tripod mounting collar to attach the lens at the proper fulcrum. Also, you can choose to use a secondary support for the camera if you wish.

2. The next best thing you can do if you're not going to utilize a tripod is to use a monopod. It's easier to transport than a tripod, but the downside is that you won't be able to set your shutter speeds as slowly as you could if you were using a tripod, but you'll still be able to shoot three times slower than if you were shooting by hand. What I like about monopods is the ability to quickly raise it to eye level and take shots very quickly. For even more maneuverability, you can add a swivel head to capture vertical shots.

3. Remember that shaky ground will transmit any vibrations to the lens and camera no matter how sturdy your tripod or monopod is. To counter this, hold your camera and set your shutter speed accordingly and stand at the proper distance to let your body absorb the vibrations. In order to minimize the effects of shaking in most lighting conditions, start with a fast exposure film like ISO 400 or higher.

4. When you're holding your camera, you'll be able to use higher shutter speeds over 1 / 1000 seconds. When you're using a support, it enables you to use slower shutter speeds. Shooting at slower speeds also allows you to shoot in lower light. A 1 / 30 second exposure using a 500mm lens will be possible. The slowest safe shutter speed rule of thumb for hold a handheld camera and using a tele or zoom lens is 1 over the lens focal length. For example, if you were shooting with a 500mm f / 4 lens, assuming you were properly braced and standing on sturdy ground, the highest shutter speed would be 1 / 500 second at the appropriate aperture to ensure a good exposure.

5. Ideally, try to find something you can use to stabilize yourself by finding objects to use. Fence posts, a parked car, even a jacket rolled up and wrapped around your arms can help you stabilize your camera. Balance your camera and the lens with your left hand and arm, making sure to keep your arms close to your body and touching your side, allowing your chest and abdomen to support your elbows. Aim slightly above your subject, take a deep breath and exhale allowing your sights to dip down to the proper position and take your shot of your subject.

There are also external elements that are out of your control when using your tele or zoom lens. Those being heat waves and atmospheric haze. And although they can't always be eliminated, using a haze or polarizing filter can help cut through the haze and at the same time it increases contrast and color saturation. A suggestion is to use your lens hood or try to shade your lens to reduce the possibility of a flare. Successfully using a tele and zoom lens often requires great focus and skill. These tips should help you maximize using your lens, but remember that practice is the best teacher.

If you enjoyed reading about digital photography lenses, you'll love the brand new e-course I've created to help you start taking amazing pictures using your new len knowledge. It's yours for free and is delivered straight to your email. You can download it for free here: http://www.digitalphotographyadvantage.com/