Some ultra noob Q's re: gear

Mittens · 31 Dec 2017 at 19:10

Hi everyone.

I have just bought my first camera - a Sony A6000. I bought it to hopefully do justice to the gorgeous peak district, as i go walking there whenever I can.

my question is, what type of case would I need to "safely" use outside? at the moment I literally have a shoulder strap and the kit lense and no other equipment and feel worried about taking it outside in case I knock it against a tree or rock.

Im guessing i might need a bag with padded compartments too, to protect the camera if it starts to rain, and to keep it safe in the car while driving to and fro? Would it be safe to use in the rain?

I really don't have a clue, what do you guys do, especially if clambering up hills etc ?

EDIT - not sure if relevant but I am usually carrying a small (20L approx) berghaus backpack which I use for flask, water bottle, kagoul, etc etc.

i know nothing · 1 Jan 2018 at 06:56

Buy a padded camera bag that fits it and slip it into your backpack, Ebay has lots of them. My tip would be to measure your camera and lens and compare it to the internal dimensions of the bag you're considering to make sure yours will fit. Use a plastic carrier bag and a rubber band to waterproof it if it doesn't come waterproofed. Lowepro and Manfrotto do some very nice (but pricier) options.

craptakular · 1 Jan 2018 at 08:40

Maybe invest in a tripod

Mittens · 1 Jan 2018 at 10:06

thanks guys

EsaT · 1 Jan 2018 at 12:35

As UK is supposed to have rather humid/rainy climate having something to keep it out of rain is certainly big priority.
Though can't either claim Finland having good climate nowadays...

Mittens said:
Would it be safe to use in the rain?

Wouldn't let much of droplets to fall to standard cameras.
You could make lens front sized hole to some plastic bag so that front of lens is showing fro mthat hole while you operate camera under cover of bag's protection from normal hole of bag.
And something like silica gel would be good to have in camera bag.

Though for actively moving lots in outside/nature you would ideally want proper weather proofing (not Sony's weather "proofing") to avoid instantly needing to worry every time drops start falling/its humid.
Makes it also easier to "clean" camera...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXCLBJC1kCY

For lower light photography tripod would be good.
But of course that adds quite a bulk and weight to carry and isn't needed if you do daytime trips.