Carrying a camera safely on a bike (not while recording)?

[pythonmegapixel]

Often I want to carry my camera on my bike. I'm not aiming to record my bike ride, I just want to be able to get it out and take photos on it reasonably easily on bike journeys.

 

It's a bridge camera (so it's similar to a DSLR in shape but a little smaller) and I don't really just want to put it a pannier because I am worried about it moving around and causing damage to the camera. Ideally I also want fairly quick access to the camera (i.e. not having to dig around, and preferably being able to get it out while straddling the bike)

 

Any ideas for ways I could safely and securely attach my camera to the bike?

 

Edit: quick clarification, I mean a pedal bike, not a motorbike.

[Biomecanoid]

On 9/1/2020 at 11:31 AM, pythonmegapixel said:

Often I want to carry my camera on my bike. I'm not aiming to record my bike ride, I just want to be able to get it out and take photos on it reasonably easily on bike journeys.

 

It's a bridge camera (so it's similar to a DSLR in shape but a little smaller) and I don't really just want to put it a pannier because I am worried about it moving around and causing damage to the camera. Ideally I also want fairly quick access to the camera (i.e. not having to dig around, and preferably being able to get it out while straddling the bike)

 

Any ideas for ways I could safely and securely attach my camera to the bike?

 

Edit: quick clarification, I mean a pedal bike, not a motorbike.

There are special bag for transporting a camera safely but are not meant for easy access. What you probably need is an action cam to record your ride in video of in a series of pics and only get your big camera out when you find something very interesting that you want to capture in high resolution.

 

Action cams are rugged record in 4k and can survive a fall or water

[berberries]

certain camera backpacks/sling packs from brands like lowepro or peak design (prefer lowepro bags imo) will be able to hold cameras securely while also usually having an easy access flap on the top or sides.

[GDRRiley]

I'd put it in a pannier inside a soft case. if you need it quicker than that a front or rear basket with padding. tie one or both of the strap points to the bike so hopefully it can't fall(really only works well with a front basket )

[LaFemmeEnVert]

On 9/1/2020 at 10:31 AM, pythonmegapixel said:

Often I want to carry my camera on my bike. I'm not aiming to record my bike ride, I just want to be able to get it out and take photos on it reasonably easily on bike journeys.

 

It's a bridge camera (so it's similar to a DSLR in shape but a little smaller) and I don't really just want to put it a pannier because I am worried about it moving around and causing damage to the camera. Ideally I also want fairly quick access to the camera (i.e. not having to dig around, and preferably being able to get it out while straddling the bike)

 

Any ideas for ways I could safely and securely attach my camera to the bike?

 

Edit: quick clarification, I mean a pedal bike, not a motorbike.

I mountain bike a lot and take my camera sometimes for photography.  I prefer having a backpack or hip bag (designed for carrying 1 body and 1 lens and some spare batteries).

 

I can suggest a few bags that are padded for carrying items like camera equipment
https://www.evocsports.com/products/backpacks/hip-pack-capture-7l

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/backlight-series/products/backlight-18l

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1360622-REG/manfrotto_mb_ms_s_gr_street_csc_camera_sling_waist.html

 

there are also camera bags with only 1 shpulder strap, sling bags, that can be fast to get your camera out if you swing the bag to your front

https://www.amazon.com/Kenox-Camera-Backpack-Mirrorless-Cameras/dp/B073D16PCB

 

 

sometimes I just take a normal bike backpack, non-padded, and toss in my Z6+24-70lens and roll.

 

something like this padded insert can also be tucked in to some pannier bags and you can use to carry a camera and some lenses but i don't use pannier systems for mtb.  i think you can find padded bag inserts of different size on amazon and other online shops

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/collections/mindshift-gear-accessories/products/professional-padded-insert

 

sometimes when I am riding urban areas and not mtb i carry a shoulder bag with a camera like a thinktank retrospective or mirrorless mover

i also sometimes sling my camera over my shoulder with the strap and ride

 

I never use but there are handble bar bags that are large to fit 1 dslr and lens

 

 

[LaFemmeEnVert]

i dont risk carrying my camera by mounting on my bike.  camera is expensive, i dont want to risk it getting broken if I have a accident and i dont want to risk getting injured by broken pieces of the camera if i have a bike accident.  i only mount gopros on the bike

[YellowJersey]

I rode my bicycle across Canada with my 5D and 24-105mm f4 L lens in my panniers and it was fine. I just had it in a soft holster-style case. So a hard case (pelican?) with snug foam cut outs stored in the panniers would probably be the best option so far as keeping the camera safe. If you want easy access, then you may want to consider a sling bag or a small backpack that allows for easy access. I ride with a camelback and I've often thought of just using a small holster bag and attaching it with a carabineer.

Cameras tend to be a lot more durable than people think.