For photographers trekking through harsh urban settings or roughing it in the wild wilderness, a hard camera case is the best way to keep gear safe. These weather-resistant, waterproof cases are designed to take a beating while keeping everything inside secure. The best camera case should also be easy to carry, easy to organize, and easy to store in a studio or on a flight. Even if you only use your camera for casual photography, a hard case is a handy way to keep equipment safe from bumps and falls. Your gear is a precious and delicate instrument and must be treated as such. Even minor knocks can disrupt the sensitive photography mechanism of today’s lenses and bodies. Defend your photography gear against the forces of nature—and the forces of gravity—with the best camera case.
Should you use a camera case or a camera bag?
The big difference between a camera case and a camera bag is durability. Camera slings, shoulder bags, and camera backpacks are great for carrying photography gear and will offer some protection against bumps. However, hard camera cases are larger, tougher, airtight vaults offering the highest caliber of protection.
What to consider when shopping for the best camera case
How should you store and transport your camera and camera accessories? Picking the right camera case depends on a few things: the size of the equipment, the material of the case, the ergonomics of the handles, and the price. The best camera case will suit your needs and make a photo session or trip as painless and damage-free as possible.
Hard camera cases provide optimal storage solutions for your photography equipment. They are waterproof and crush-proof beasts that laugh in the face of even the rudest airport baggage handler. They stand up against torrential rain, and most will even keep camera equipment dry if the case is accidentally dunked in a river or lake.
What size case do you need?
The best camera cases come in a variety of sizes. For traveling, an exterior size of approximately 20 x 12 x 8 inches is the perfect dimension for most carry-on luggage but always check with the airline first.
If you only use a point-and-shoot camera or small camera bodies and pancake lenses, a big, robust case is overkill. But if your current camera bag is bursting with photography equipment, it’s time to upgrade to a roomy and secure case.
Bigger cases can give you a few extra inches of space. These are great for photographers with a lot of camera gear to pack but can cost more. And if you don’t have enough stuff to fill the case or you don’t have large enough foam inserts, it may be more difficult to keep everything inside secure. Think of a shoebox filled with shoes vs. a shoebox filled with a few marbles.
Material matters: It’s what’s on the inside and the outside—that counts
Is the outer shell up to the challenge? Polypropylene blends are good for rugged protection without the weight of heavier plastic and metal materials. For travel, the case must be crushproof. A sturdy camera case should also be watertight and airtight. If the case is airtight, it should have an automatic pressure equalization valve for any significant changes in air pressure (e.g. air travel). The airtight seal should be rated at IP 67 or above, meaning dust and water can’t get inside.
The interior of the case should also be customizable. Pick and pull foam padding allows you to layout the case however you’d like, but once you pull out a piece of foam, you’ll be stuck with that layout. Soft removable panels can be used to compartmentalize the camera case and are easy to adjust and switch. How much should you spend?
Beware of hard camera cases that lean too far in the budget category, even for small cases. If protection is important, this is not the time to try and save a few dollars by opting for an inferior product. A standard 50 x 30 x 20cm case should run between $100 and $300. Higher-end products may have stronger materials, which can be worth the money. However, unless you’re a photographer sent on assignment into a war zone, the added strength may not be needed.
Trusted brands like Nanuk and Pelican hold up better than generic cases, and all the moving parts (lids, wheels, etc.) operate smoothly. They may cost more, but you know you’re getting a high-quality product made with proven materials. Do you need a portable case?
Hard camera backpacks are a great tool for photographers in need of on-the-go durability. Any wearable case must be comfortable, as some hard cases will dig into your shoulders at an uncomfortable angle. Try on a hard backpack case before you buy. Make the proper size adjustment to avoid injury and annoyance. And know that some so-called hard shell backpacks are only reinforced on the outside panel. The entire pack is not crush-proof.
Rolling camera cases are pure magic when lugging equipment through airports and train stations. Also, consider the need for laptop space or additional storage. Some cases can easily hold a laptop in a designated pouch or compartment, while others are strictly camera equipment-only, and shoving a laptop on top of the equipment could cause damage or scratches. The best camera cases:
The first step to picking the best camera case is to determine what size you need, then look at durability and storage features. Finally, have a budget in mind to avoid over-spending on something you may not need. Look for trusted brands in a crowded market to make sure the case can live up to any marketing hype.
The best camera case for day trippers: Pelican 1500 Case With Foam
Black camera case with foam
Solid Construction
This is a perfect, secure case for carrying the necessary gear. Pelican The Pelican 1500 case has an interior size measuring 16.75 x 11.18 x 6.2 inches, great for a camera body and lenses. It’s not too big for easy transport. The pick and pull foam keeps your lenses and camera body snug. If you have more photography gear, you’ll need a larger case, but for quick trips when you only need to pack your go-to equipment, the Pelican case is a strong, waterproof protector. It’s also available in other colors: orange, silver, yellow, and tan. Pelican makes some of the best cases on the market, and the 1500 case is no exception.
The best camera case for world travelers: Nanuk 935 Waterproof Carry-On Hard Case with Lid Organizer
Black, carry-on hard camera case with lid organizer and padded divider with wheels
Versatile Secure Interior
Bring everything you need and then some with the Nanuk 935 camera case. Nanuk If you’re going on a long trip or about to embark on a hectic week of shooting, the Nanuk 935 becomes your own rugged travel studio. The Nanuk case with an interior of 20.5 x 11.3 x 7.5 inches comes with a lid organizer for tablets, laptops, and power supplies. The strong latches give you peace of mind even if the case is in the checked baggage compartment. Wheels and a retractable handle work smoothly and make racing through the airport less frantic. The IP67-rated seal keeps dust and water out, and the case can be safely submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Plus, the pick and pull foam is easy to optimize for your tools. For traveling far and wide, this is a tough waterproof camera case designed for mobility.
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- In the year 2021, the best camera case for your photographic equipment will be revealed.
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