Smart Alec Plus?

Still hoping for that Smart Alec Plus (or Buzz Redux) bag that includes a padded pocket (or insert) for a DSLR camera with prime lens attached and one 75mm-300mm lens. Also, looks like the Synapse could be a candidate as well.

I saw earlier threads regarding the market bag or brain bag insert but I think that is too much. If we needed that much more camera equipment then other competitor bags would better suited. Anyone that needs a laptop included in the pack is crazy. Those packs are big and bulky.

A daypack with room for a DLSR (lens attached plus one more lens or flash) would be MORE than enough for any amateur-to-mid-level photographer.

Right now I have a sling bag that is a makeshift DSLR bag. That along with a carrying case for my extra lens has been working ok for me. It would be better if there was a TB bag that is actually made for this setup. I don't think making the modifications to the Smart Alec, Buzz, or Synapse would be too hard. My makeshift sling is fairly simple.

I'll even come over to the shop and sew one up for you all. :)

hi odiigis!

welcome to the forum!

tom has actually been working on an insert to hold camera equipment that could go into the smart alec (and other bags).

i believe they have a design, but are working on getting the right materials to build the insert.

this blog post showed some pictures of a design. i am not sure how much has changed in the design since then.

darcy,

any updates on the camera insert?

thanks!

No updates so far. Continuing to investigating materials!

The insert was talked about last year with recent pics of a mock-up last April(?). There was even mention about modifying the Buzz a few years ago.

I saw the pictures of the insert. Fits in the market bag. Blah. Too monstro. Anything more in size or elaborate than the Synapse or Buzz in consideration of a DSLR probably cannot compete against Case Logic's version or LowePro. The sleekness of the Buzz, Smart Alec, or Synapse could win people over especially when an DSLR insert can be used.

I see two versions. A Smart Alec, Synapse, or Buzz bag Plus (that has built-in features for a DSLR) or a form-fitting insert for a camera body with prime lens attached and side pocket for an extra lens or flash to fit into the aforementioned bags or even the Ego (using the clips).

No need for laptop inserts or the added bulk (because of padded walls, etc.) I have one of those "backpacks" with slots for a laptop and it's heavy. For an African safari, that pack would be fine. A day trip in and around Seattle, definitely not.

hi odiigis,

i think you're on to something! the synapse's pockets are really well suited to hold camera equipment!

the water bottle compartment can hold a dslr body.

each of the two side compartments can hold a lens or flash.

the bottom compartment can hold a larger lens.

the keys and multitool pocket can hold cards and batteries.

and you can still carry a small notebook computer (like the 13" macbook) inside of a cache in the main compartment of the synapse, among other things. you can also leave the cache and macbook behind if you prefer.

if you like to carry your dslr with a lens attached, i think you should be able to place it in the main compartment of the synapse.

i've gotten rid of some of my professional lenses, but i am going to see if i can get some pictures this evening at my friend's house.

Hey odiigis,

I'm a little confused - you mention the Market Bag, which was the working title for what is now the Shop Bag. The camera insert isn't designed to be used with the Shop Bag. The two bags are not related except that we took photographs of their prototypes at the same time and included those pictures together in the same blog post.

The Camera Insert is an insert designed to fit a camera body and a lens or two and small accessories. It will fit inside of bags such as the Smart Alec, Brain Bag, Super Ego, Tri-Star, etc.

None of those bags come with built-in laptop inserts. Those who do want to carry their camera equipment and their laptop can choose to do so by adding a Brain Cell or Cache.

hi odiigis,

have a look at this video demonstrating the use of the synapse backpack for carrying photographic equipment. i'll also post a link in the pictures & video forum.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by maverick

hi odiigis,

i think you're on to something! the synapse's pockets are really well suited to hold camera equipment!

the water bottle compartment can hold a dslr body.

each of the two side compartments can hold a lens or flash.

the bottom compartment can hold a larger lens.

the keys and multitool pocket can hold cards and batteries.

and you can still carry a small notebook computer (like the 13" macbook) inside of a cache in the main compartment of the synapse, among other things. you can also leave the cache and macbook behind if you prefer.

if you like to carry your dslr with a lens attached, i think you should be able to place it in the main compartment of the synapse.

i've gotten rid of some of my professional lenses, but i am going to see if i can get some pictures this evening at my friend's house.

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Hi maverick,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by maverick

hi odiigis,

have a look at this video demonstrating the use of the synapse backpack for carrying photographic equipment. i'll also post a link in the pictures & video forum.

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This was amazing. I don't know how you manage to turn around these requests so fast!

moriond

Quote:

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Originally Posted by moriond

Hi maverick,

This was amazing. I don't know how you manage to turn around these requests so fast!

moriond

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hi moriond,

the quick, off the cuff ones are pretty quick - about an hour is enough to shoot, import, apply quick edits, and publish.

when you plan, shoot, import, reshoot, import, change your approach, reshoot, import, then edit, record voiceovers, and publish, it can take a little longer :). i think the synapse video was about a five hour process.