How Many Members Carry a Laptop in Their Camera Bag?

I have a backpack (Jansport Odyssey) that has a section inside for a laptop, which I have in all of the time in case I need it at work. I don't like being conspicuous with a camera bag. ;) I have a 14" laptop at the moment, but I used to do the same with a 15.6" laptop.

When I go on trip abroad I have the cameras and lenses in the same bag when travelling to where I am staying, but leave the laptop in the accommodation when I go out each day. I take the laptop on trips to back up the images each night, but also for entertainment, internet and videos.
 
Yeahbutnobut...

I carry a laptop in my camera bag when I'm using the bag as carry on luggage when travelling but not when I'm using it as a camera bag.
 
Cockney said:
Every 6 months win10 has a new version. If you're not on the latest issue win 10 will keep looking and downloading updates.
You're missing out on both functionality and speed.
Google win 10 media creation tool. Download and run it. Choose the option to upgrade to latest version. It will take a while to do but will skip all the interim junk.
It's practically a clean install but saves all your data and progs.
Click to expand...

Appreciated Brian. I did as suggested last night, and it's taken over 15 hours :giggle: just got back on line...I'll see how it runs today!
 
ancient_mariner said:
This is the bag I use most of the time (there are others) which seems like it might do what you want:

View attachment 276041

https://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/advanced-camera-messenger-befree-black-top-opening-mb-ma-m-a/

Cost me £30 with an offer - the £99 on the website is ridiculous. It can comfortably take a camera with zoom attached either horizontally or vertically (as shown) as well as plenty of lenses, tripod etc. And it has that external zipped pocket for a laptop that doesn't impinge at all on internal space.

I also use one like this quite a lot, but I bought a larger insert to make full use of the bag interior, since the original insert was a loose fit & wasted space.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/CADeN-Messenger-Waterproof-Photography-Crossbody/dp/B06XG11LZD/ref=sr_1_1?
Click to expand...


Just had a look at that Toni, and they do look like nice range of bags, the Pixie Messenger is one to bear in mind...
 
KIPAX said:
I take a laptop and the devide is a godsend :) But then again I usually have to send pictures to the paper or clients during a job ..so as said.. needs must :)
Click to expand...

riddell said:
As others have said it all entails what you need for that particular job. I usually have 2 bags of camera kit, plus several lighting bags, so obviously I have a separate tablet / laptop bag as well. Generally I always take 2 tablets / laptops as you need a backup.

On some lightweight jobs, I actually stuff some camera equipment in the laptop bag, so I'm doing it the other way around ;-)
Click to expand...
steveb said:
I have a backpack and 2 shoulder bags with laptop sleeves. My standard bag contains 2 D750 bodies with 24-70 and 70-300 lenses fitted, and usually a 2014 11" i7 MacBook Air. The MBA is light, has good battery life and it great for quick edits and uploading 10-20 images, although I wouldn't want to use it all day. If I'm traveling really light and not shooting in challenging circumstances, I'm trialling a Sony RX100 Mk7 and phone combination.
Click to expand...


I never realised just how many Pro Photographers there are on this site...I remember one Editor telling me that snappers would be replaced by reporters with video cameras.
I replied most of his reporters were still trying to work out of to use a Bic! Good to see how wrong he was...
 
Last edited:
I do not own a Laptop but take an iPad occasionally to control my camera remotely using Helicon remote but only if I am capturing focus stacking sets.

Dave
 
Haldir said:
I replied most of his reports were still trying to work out of to use a Bic!
Click to expand...
My last job in newspapers was as editor of a local. I assure you that all of my reporters knew how to use a pen; knew how to use our text entry system; knew how to use our basic layout system and even knew how to use a camera! That was in 1992 and I reckon things have gone on since then.

:tumbleweed:
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
My last job in newspapers was as editor of a local. I assure you that all of my reporters knew how to use a pen; knew how to use our text entry system; knew how to use our basic layout system and even knew how to use a camera! That was in 1992 and I reckon things have gone on since then.

:tumbleweed:
Click to expand...

Yes, well, I wasn't talking about you Andrew:giggle: and I hope things have moved on...Hopefully you never referred to your photographers as "Monkeys", which was one of the polite terms
I use to hear on a regular basis.
 
Haldir said:
Looking at camera bags lately, even the budget ones, the manufacturers seem obsessed with putting laptop divides in. For me, they take space away from what a camera bag should be,
a camera bag. This bag in the link from Amazon Basics looks really good value for money, especially for someone with basic kit, who no doubt it'll be aimed at. But why the laptop divide!
Get rid, increase the height of the main divides and put cut outs in to support camera and lens...So is it me being a fuddy-duddy, or does everyone carry a laptop as well nowadays?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AmazonBasi...ies-interior/dp/B00CF5OHZ2?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3
Click to expand...

When it comes to looking at camera bags, maybe you're still thinking of the old days of using film instead of memory cards? Maybe you still see camera bags and your mind still thinks of old fashion film cameras?

I mean, because nowadays, cameras have gone digital, and most photographers would tend to transfer their photos from camera to laptop (or tablet) instead of the old days, when they would have to take the film to a darkroom. So a laptop/tablet have became the norm as part of a photographic kit, therefore camera bags would change to suit the sort of equipment photographers use nowadays.

Maybe back in the older days, like 1950s, when SLRs were becoming more widely used, bags changed to suit the kid of equipment. But later, once photographers started to use motor drives, there was a problem of storing them in the bags, until some bags started to change style to make it possible for cameras with motor drives.

So nowadays bags have gone on another changes, to include spaces for laptops and tablets.
 
Haldir said:
.Hopefully you never referred to your photographers as "Monkeys", which was one of the polite terms.
Click to expand...
In that job we didn't have "photographers". The paper was entirely "new technology" so the expectation was that everyone was multi-skilled. That was the second paper of the type I worked on, as by the 1990s it was becoming relatively common. It was pre-digital photography, so we still had darkroom work. We had an arrangement for day-to-day processing with a local camera shop while I shared the specialist enlarging with our very skilled process man. I haven't been in a newspaper office for 25 years but I imagine that this is how the majority of local and regional papers now work.
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
My last job in newspapers was as editor of a local. I assure you that all of my reporters knew how to use a pen; knew how to use our text entry system; knew how to use our basic layout system and even knew how to use a camera! That was in 1992 and I reckon things have gone on since then.

:tumbleweed:
Click to expand...


Was that down here, Andrew?
 
Major Eazy said:
When it comes to looking at camera bags, maybe you're still thinking of the old days of using film instead of memory cards? Maybe you still see camera bags and your mind still thinks of old fashion film cameras?

I mean, because nowadays, cameras have gone digital, and most photographers would tend to transfer their photos from camera to laptop (or tablet) instead of the old days, when they would have to take the film to a darkroom. So a laptop/tablet have became the norm as part of a photographic kit, therefore camera bags would change to suit the sort of equipment photographers use nowadays.

Maybe back in the older days, like 1950s, when SLRs were becoming more widely used, bags changed to suit the kid of equipment. But later, once photographers started to use motor drives, there was a problem of storing them in the bags, until some bags started to change style to make it possible for cameras with motor drives.

So nowadays bags have gone on another changes, to include spaces for laptops and tablets.
Click to expand...

Cameras haven't changed, it's a box with a lens and for me, a camera bag should be designed for that sole purpose. I don't have a problem with space for a laptop or tablet being included,
just not inside the main compartment. My way of thinking is, even with modern camera gear, the average amateur photographer doesn't need a camera bag with a laptop/tablet divide.
You could argue, even for holidays or travel, as the laptop etc will be left in the accommodation. It seems to me that nearly all camera bags have now been designed to carry equipment from A to B and not for a day out taking piccies...
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
In that job we didn't have "photographers". The paper was entirely "new technology" so the expectation was that everyone was multi-skilled. That was the second paper of the type I worked on, as by the 1990s it was becoming relatively common. It was pre-digital photography, so we still had darkroom work. We had an arrangement for day-to-day processing with a local camera shop while I shared the specialist enlarging with our very skilled process man. I haven't been in a newspaper office for 25 years but I imagine that this is how the majority of local and regional papers now work.
Click to expand...

I can't think of a newspaper as a freelancer or staff photographer that didn't have some form of photographic department in the Manchester/North West area at that time. I remember the first
time walking through the Express building in M/C, that might have been around 93', can't remember exactly, but it was around the time they had laid off the lads in the Cutting Room, that was
quite eerie...The M.E.N still had a huge photographic department around 95'-96', and an army of freelancers, they did make the staff lads redundant eventually, and a few came back as freelancers. The darkroom still had four lads I think that were full time...I got out in 97', none of the snappers I knew were on digital at that point. The M.E.N had not long since bought one,
can't remember the model/make, someone said it cost around £25,000 and £3,000 for software...
 
Nod said:
Was that down here, Andrew?
Click to expand...
Not too far from where a certain flying boat was built or if you prefer "enlarger country". ;)
 
Last edited:
Haldir said:
The M.E.N still had a huge photographic department around 95'-96',
Click to expand...
The bigger the paper, the longer the unions hung in so the later they reskilled. I left the business because, by then, I'd been moving back and forth between journalism and I.T. for more than a dozen years. I.T. was obviously far more lucrative so I made the decision and have never regretted it. We're certainly far more secure than we would have been had I hung on in the newspaper business.
 
AndrewFlannigan said:
Not too far from where a certain flying boat was built or if you prefer "enlarger country". ;)
Click to expand...


I was just wondering because the local "paper" here is (or was!) known by many of the staff as the Excessive Error rather than the Express and Echo!
 
I only take my laptop if I need to send images from the location or if I'm not able to return home the same day. I also think a laptop is safer in a Press room if in a bag rather than sitting on the desk. I have a Lowepro 600AW that can take a fair amount of kit plus a laptop. On holiday I have a Berghaus backpack that has a separate laptop section inside which suits me.
I also have a couple of other non laptop camera bags that I use depending on what gear I need to take with me.

If I had to buy just one camera bag it would need to have laptop storage.
 
Nod said:
I was just wondering because the local "paper" here is (or was!) known by many of the staff as the Excessive Error rather than the Express and Echo!
Click to expand...
Errrr.... I also worked for them when I was very young. :coat:
 
admirable said:
I only take my laptop if I need to send images from the location or if I'm not able to return home the same day. I also think a laptop is safer in a Press room if in a bag rather than sitting on the desk. I have a Lowepro 600AW that can take a fair amount of kit plus a laptop. On holiday I have a Berghaus backpack that has a separate laptop section inside which suits me.
I also have a couple of other non laptop camera bags that I use depending on what gear I need to take with me.

If I had to buy just one camera bag it would need to have laptop storage.
Click to expand...

The 600AW is fair old size Jim, is that the right one on the below image?...It got me thinking about the weight and my sea fishing box, and whilst this might seem a little daft,
if you can't walk too far without stopping (I can't) this box will hold a lot of gear, comes with side trays for keeping stuff out of the mud, and with the padded seat and back cushion,
you can sit down in comfort whilst having a brew...


1587579073318.png

1587577713251.png
 
With no requirement to send images to anyone within seconds of clicking the shutter I don't carry a laptop with me when shooting. If I'm on holiday then I take my iPad as a place to back up the day's photos, but it stays in the hotel.
 
With an Eyefi enabled card in the camera and a mobile phone I'm set for sending SOOC shots... So, no laptop in my bag(s) although all have the space.

I have been known to put my DSLR in my laptop bag though...

LowePro Flipside 500 AW (or a Flipside 400 AW for longer treks without the proverbial kitchen sink)
 
Last edited:
hunnymonster said:
With an Eyefi enabled card
Click to expand...

You star, I came across this just before going to bed this morning and forgot to Google it today...So having two card slots in my D7000, I put one these
Eyefi cards in the second slot and transfer the images to my phone, that's it?
 
Yep - can highly recommend the Toshiba/Kioxia W04 series - if that's the one you go for, make sure you update the firmware on the card if it arrives with lower than 4.0004 (it should end in a 4 at least)

These badgers: https://www.toshiba-memory.com/products/toshiba-wireless-sd-cards-flashair-w-04/

Been burned with the no name Chinese EyeFi-a-likes - "proper" ones just work. The phone app can be temperamental - usually closing it and re-opening resolves any connection issue though. Helps if your camera is EyeFi-aware so it doesn't go to sleep and depower the card... obviously the extra power demand means your batteries last a bit less.

It also has a webserver built in - so depending on exactly how you have it setup - you can browse it like any other page... as you can see - it doesn't handle RAW in the webserver (or the app) - so I shoot RAW+JPG

1587588475398.png

Don't be tempted by a W-03 (the software isn't as polished) and obviously buy from somewhere reputable (for me that's MyMemory.co.uk or Amazon (direct from Amazon, not a random reseller) - should be no more than £35 for the 64GB (although Corona might have changed that for the worse)
 
Last edited:
hunnymonster said:
Yep - can highly recommend the Toshiba/Kioxia W04 series - if that's the one you go for, make sure you update the firmware on the card if it arrives with lower than 4.0004 (it should end in a 4 at least)

These badgers: https://www.toshiba-memory.com/products/toshiba-wireless-sd-cards-flashair-w-04/

Been burned with the no name Chinese EyeFi-a-likes - "proper" ones just work. The phone app can be temperamental - usually closing it and re-opening resolves any connection issue though. Helps if your camera is EyeFi-aware so it doesn't go to sleep and depower the card... obviously the extra power demand means your batteries last a bit less.

It also has a webserver built in - so depending on exactly how you have it setup - you can browse it like any other page... as you can see - it doesn't handle RAW in the webserver (or the app) - so I shoot RAW+JPG

View attachment 276159

Don't be tempted by a W-03 (the software isn't as polished) and obviously buy from somewhere reputable (for me that's MyMemory.co.uk or Amazon (direct from Amazon, not a random reseller) - should be no more than £35 for the 64GB (although Corona might have changed that for the worse)
Click to expand...


Much appreciated Jason, that's very handy to know and now added to wish list.
 
Haldir said:
The 600AW is fair old size Jim, is that the right one on the below image?...It got me thinking about the weight and my sea fishing box, and whilst this might seem a little daft,
if you can't walk too far without stopping (I can't) this box will hold a lot of gear, comes with side trays for keeping stuff out of the mud, and with the padded seat and back cushion,
you can sit down in comfort whilst having a brew...
Click to expand...

Sorry I'm talking mince, just checked, I have a Lowepro Vertex 300AW.

Old age and all that!
 
One of the reasons for getting my F-stop backpack was because it had space for things like a laptop, spare clothes etc. I work overseas quite a lot (although not so much so far this year!) and need to be able to carry my laptop along with all my camera gear onto the plane... that's the only time I ever carry one with me though.
 
justinminns said:
One of the reasons for getting my F-stop backpack was because it had space for things like a laptop, spare clothes etc. I work overseas quite a lot (although not so much so far this year!) and need to be able to carry my laptop along with all my camera gear onto the plane... that's the only time I ever carry one with me though.
Click to expand...


That makes sense Justin...After a few weeks of looking I've eventually ordered a Sling type with side entry. Hopefully we'll get on together:giggle:
 
i will occasionally carry a laptop with my camera gear. but i don't use a traditional camera bag. i wrap all of my gear in lens wraps and throw them into a regular backpack.
 
Hanley said:
My current, and old and battered, camera bag doesn't have room for a laptop.
I've been looking at getting a new one, they can get quite expensive and part of me thinks while my current bag still does what I need I don't really need to get another one.
Click to expand...

I opted for a Sling eventually Paul. I liked the idea of having the weight more across my back whilst be able to slid it round and access it like a shoulder bag. I wasn't expecting
too much for the price and can't say how long it'll last, however, my days of charging round like a nutter have long gone so with care, it should be OK. For less than £28.00 it's
really hard to find fault. The waist strap could have been a little longer for me to get round the cake sanctuary. With it's fastened you can't pull the bag round to the front,
but it feels very secure on your back. The padded partitions are nice and thick and the Velcro has a very firm grip. I've got a Nikon D7000 with battery grip, and a 18-55 with
lens hood attached. A 55-200 with lens hood attached, a 50 mm and a set three extension tubes. I've put the flash remote in one compartment and push the camera strap in
to another, but that's five lens compartments if you have that many lenses. I put one of the dividers in the left corner, hopefully this gives the camera some support from that
side whilst storing a few wipes, a brush and lens caps. There are a couple of pockets under the main flap, I have a IR remote in one but I'm keeping these free really so the
don't rub against the camera...The top zipped compartment would easily hold a couple of flash guns, I have one with a Rocket Blower in there at the moment. With a little
organising it would probably take a camera body with long lens attached, as the main padded partition between the top and bottom compartments is removable...
On the outside, the shoulder and top grab handle have thick padding, there's a zipped pocket on the front where I've stowed the rain cover, and there's a pocket with strap
for a monopod or light tripod on the side. Plus, the base has two good plastic blocks to help protect from wear tear....

And, for me anyway, they haven't wasted any space with a tablet compartment :giggle:


CBS 1.jpg

CBS 4.jpg

CBS 2.jpg

CBS 3.jpg
 
iPad with the camera for backup and viewing images at the end of the day when travelling. Also about to start using a Ravpower Filestore to directly back up my SD card to a SSD. A backup of a backup....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top