This is a hands-on review of a bag that solves the age old problem of never having your camera with you. Many photographers bought a camera with great intentions, a camera that’s now gathering dust for one reason – it won’t fit in your pocket. So, it gathers dust and you shoot with your iPhone instead.

This bag is the CosySpeed Streetomatic and it’s currently available as a crowd funding project that needs your support. It’s $65/55, comes in blue, black or Khaki and the link is here.

Is it a bag? is it a plain?…

Well, it’s neither. This is a German engineered concept for wearing your camera safely on your hip and having rapid access to it. It’s kind of a bag / gun holster hybrid.

Is it a new concept?

I first saw the original CosySpeed Camslinger (UK) bag (reviewed here) at Photokina last year. This Paris Grey one is still a current version and was originally marketed at the mirrorless camera market.

Who’s this bag for?

This new bag is aimed squarely at street photographers, but I’d say it works for anyone who needs a camera with them who may need rapid access to it.

People like me – I own a training center and a for-hire studio in the UK, and shoot BTS [behind the scenes] with a FujiFilm XT-1. When I’m not working there I shoot both weddings and indulge my passion for street photography and it works in these scenarios too.

The Streetomatic:

This bag is based on the same gunslinger concept of wearing your camera on your hip, it’s very light, highly adjustable (75cm to 125cm), and can be worn as a shoulder bag too. The bag provides a safe, dry, dust free haven for your camera gear whilst achieving super rapid access as and when you need it. It’s constructed in three layers: Outer Nylon 600 fabric, a robust PE mid layer and a soft inner fabric.

The bag is shipped with a fingerstrap, which I initially laughed at being a wrist strap kind of guy. However, I’m a total convert and even have a finger strap on my iPhone now! Essentially you slide your finger into the strap as you pull out the camera and remove your finger as you holster your camera. It makes your camera drop proof.

 

The other great enhancements are an even quicker buckle and integrated side pockets. The left pocket is ideal for batteries, etc. and has a neat elasticated sub pocket which makes more use of the space. The right pocket is ideal for my iPhone 6.

 

The inside of the bag is well padded and very flexible to allow for various setups with the supplied dividers. Internally it measures 175mm x 155mm x 85mm and can carry a camera with lens attached and a second lens or speedlight. Unlike the CosySpeed Camslinger 160 which is still a current model, you cannot extend the depth of the bag which is fixed at 85mm.

 

I found creating a sub space under the lens which holds a couple of batteries or holds the supplied rain cover helped the camera sit even more securely.

You can add additional pockets to the belt system, but I personally found the bag had space to spare.

It’s also shipped with a neat little rain cover which works amazingly well when you get caught out. .

Ergonomics?

The bag is light and comfortable to wear on your hip and if you do suffer from back issues (like myself) you’ll find it good solution when compared to a shoulder bag. You can sit or drive whilst wearing it too..

Conclusion and Pro’s and Con’s:

This is not a solution for larger DSLR’s or gear junkies, but for anyone who wants to carry their camera more and have quick access to it – it’s a good solution. I’d highly recommend it for a Fujifilm xt-1 or xt-10.

Pro’s:

• Ideal for street photographers, travel photography, BTS, etc.
• Quick as a sling strap with all the protection of a bag.
• Nice design enhancements on the original bag

Con’s:

• Not suitable for larger cameras
• Doesn’t work quite as well as a shoulder bag

About the Author

Simon Ellingworth is a multi award winning photographer, Editor of photography blog; Inmybag and owns Amersham Studios – the UK’s premiere photography training centre