Hardy bags for your dSLR

With the prices of entry-level dSLRs plummeting in recent months, you probably bought one at a great price and still have some moolah to spare. Why not invest in a hardy bag for your new purchase? After all, the all-rounded padding will cushion any bumps and knocks, while the weather-resistant material will keep your shooter dry. A piece of advice would be to get a bigger bag--it's good to prepare for future purchases like lenses or flash units. Here are five bags your dSLR will feel right at home in.

(Note: Most of the bags mentioned here can easily accommodate one dSLR body, two lenses, an external flash unit and some accessories. They are available in stores across Asia)

	1.	Domke F-3XB   Trusted and used by photojournalists, the name Domke conjures up an image of reliability and functionality. The F3-XB is available in either cotton canvas or ballistic nylon, both of which are water-resistant. The padded inserts can be removed and customized to fit different gears. Domke's proprietary The Gripper Strap has high-friction rubber woven into the strap so it won't slip off your shoulder. Price: S$277 (US$176.23)
	2.	Lowepro Stealth Reporter D100AW   Lowepro bags are known to be durable and the Stealth Reporter D100AW is no exception. Constructed from ballistic nylon, it is lightweight and water-resistant. It comes with a removable pouch and memory card wallet to organize the accessories you might bring out for a day's shoot. In case of extreme weather, just pull out and slip the built-in All Weather Cover over the bag for additional peace of mind. Price: S$190 (US$120.88)
	3.	Crumpler 4 Million Dollar Home   For the young at heart, Crumpler's stylish 4 Million Dollar Home comes with a thick padding to protect your precious camera. Using a combination of tough, water-resisting 1000D Nylon shell and 420D Ripstop Nylon lining, it's going to take quite a bit of work to wear down this bag. Built into the flap is a zippered compartment for accessories if the front slot is full. The configurable divider lets you decide how the gear should be packed. Price: S$102 (US$64.89)
	4.	Tamrac Explorer 1   With 20 years of experience in making bags for photographers, Tamrac definitely knows what shutterbugs are looking for. The patented Dual Foam Technology dampens any hard knocks, while the Memory and Battery Management System identifies fresh and used batteries and flash media with a red flag. A zippered top lid provides speedy access to equipment for capturing that special moment. Price: S$40 (US$25.45)
	5.	National Geographic Earth Explorer Shoulder Bag-Small   If Indiana Jones had a camera bag, it would probably be the Earth Explorer Shoulder Bag. Designed for the photographers at National Geographic, this bag can probably hold its own in the Amazon or North Pole. The internal padded compartments can be adjusted for different equipment, while the numerous pockets and pouches hold your other necessities to survive in the great outdoors. Price: S$117 (US$74.44)