I bought this bag specifically for a Panasonic GF-1 camera that I have. It's quite a small bag that just fits my camera with it's 20mm ASPH lens and not much room for anything else except for a filter or two in the side pockets. The bag is lightweight and has quick detach clips. The sliding rail attached to the strap makes for fast shooting. I love this bag and thoroughly recommend it for anyone who has a micro 4/3rds camera. Black Rapid SnapR Point and Shoot Camera Bag and Strap System
If you haven't heard of BlackRapid, it probably won't be long before you start to hear about them more often. To great fanfare, they took the standard camera strap and ingeniously created an innovative camera "sling." Until BlackRapid came along and introduced the R-strap, the only innovation in camera straps were related to padding and comfort. I see many DSLR owners out and about with their original OEM camera straps around their necks. To that, I say "ouch!" With a small but growing product line, BlackRapid decided to introduce a new solution for point & shoot cameras. Their hard work paid off with the new SnapR Bag/Strap. If you're a Canon G-series or Nikon P7000 owner, you should keep reading.
PROS:
- Perfect fit for Canon G cameras (G9-G12) and Nikon P7000
- Quality construction including zippers
- Two side pockets for accessories
- Unique, yet practical method for carrying your camera
- Very easy to bring the camera up to shooting level from hip level
- 3 ways to use the SnapR
CONS:
- Could use a small grab handle
SIZE & CONSTRUCTION
The first thing I noticed about the SnapR was the build quality. The quality materials were well put together and the zippers opened and closed smoothly. I'd dare say that the build quality surpasses that of Lowepro, who you might already know I'm a big fan of. The attention to detail was very refreshing. From the buckle covers to the expandable side pockets and the rubbery bottom, you can tell that someone at BlackRapid was paying very close attention. The SnapR is not a small bag. It's not meant to be. The SnapR is an advanced bag/strap for your advanced point & shoot. So Canon G12 and Nikon P7000 owners, this is the bag you didn't know you wanted, needed or even existed. BlackRapid states that the SnapR fits cameras up to the following dimensions, 5.25" x 3.25" x 2". The Canon G12 is 4.41" x 3.00" x 1.90" while the Nikon P7000 is 4.5" x 3.1" x 1.8".
USAGE
The SnapR in its basic form, is a camera bag with a removable shoulder strap. The strap has a thin but comfortable shoulder pad that is also removable. The strap has a non-slip side that keeps it from venturing off on its own. The opening where you place the camera inside is unique in that it's actually on the small side (not the side with pockets) of the bag, not on the top. This works well in combination with the strap function of the SnapR.
In the strap configuration, you screw a stainless steel fastener to your camera via the tripod socket. The fastener is unique to the SnapR and is referred to as the FastenR-SnapR. Like their other fasteners, it has a loop that you thread a short male buckle strap to, which you then connect to a female buckle end that is attached to the long shoulder strap. In this configuration, you can let the camera hang down on your hip and when you need to take a photo, you can slide the camera up to your shooting level very quickly. The female buckle end on the main shoulder strap glides freely up and down the strap. This also has the advantage of securing your camera in case you drop your camera while handling it; it'll just slide down the strap back down to your hip.
If you decide you just want to carry it in your hands, you can unbuckle your camera from the shoulder strap and attach it to the included wrist strap. When you're done shooting, just unbuckle it again and store it inside the bag. Amazingly clever, don't you think? If you want to put your camera down on a flat surface, give the FastenR-2 a few twists to remove it, otherwise you'll have to lay your camera down on the LCD or lens.
MISC
The price of the SnapR is a very small price to pay to help protect and conveniently use your $400+ camera. The only thing I hope BlackRapid will consider adding in the future is a small grab handle at the top. When setting the bag down, I'm forced to either grab the entire bag by the sides or use the long shoulder strap. Neither of those are as convenient as having a small grab handle. BlackRapid warranties their R-strap for 1 year and I assume it is the same with the SnapR.
CONCLUSION
If you own an advanced point & shoot camera, this is an amazingly functional bag/strap to pair it with. Even users with smaller cameras will likely find it useful. The build quality is top notch and bests even industry stalwarts like Lowepro. The BlackRapid SnapR is one of my favorite camera bags of all-time.
* Review sample courtesy of BlackRapid Inc. - Camera Strap'
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