Securely Packing a Camera in Checked Baggage

[Merrilee]

I have a Canon SX50 HS which I love.  Am doing a river cruise on the Danube in a few months.  Seems likely I will have to pack my camera in my checked baggage.  Using a smartphone camera is just not an option.  I have a small padded camera bag, but it does not fit tightly around the camera.  What is the best way to protect my camera and still be able to take it on this trip?

[ScottyP · Accepted solution]

You could wrap it i a tee shirt then put it in the bag.

For a more aesthetically pleasing solution, look at camera wraps like those made by Domke.  It is a padded square with velcro on the corners.  You wrap the camera in it and close the velcro corners.  I have the big one and it easily wraps my full frame camera with the large 70-200mm xoom attached.  

[ScottyP · Accepted solution]

Like this, only maybe not one this big:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16163-REG/Domke_722_19R_19x19_Color_Coded_Protective.html

[ScottyP · Accepted solution]

You could wrap it i a tee shirt then put it in the bag.

For a more aesthetically pleasing solution, look at camera wraps like those made by Domke.  It is a padded square with velcro on the corners.  You wrap the camera in it and close the velcro corners.  I have the big one and it easily wraps my full frame camera with the large 70-200mm xoom attached.  

[ScottyP · Accepted solution]

Like this, only maybe not one this big:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16163-REG/Domke_722_19R_19x19_Color_Coded_Protective.html

[jrhoffman75 · Accepted solution]

Do you have a camera bag that you carry your SX50 in? If so, just put that bag in your luggage.

If not, as others have said , just wrap it and be sure it isn't touching any of the surfaces of your luggage. If you have hard sided luggage you are doubly protected.

But, why do you think you will have to check your camera? Doesn't it fit in, or your camera case qualify for, a personal carryon?

[Merrilee]

Thanks for your response. 

The reason I think I may have to pack my camera in my checked baggage is because in March Homeland Security announced that no electronics larger than a cell phone could be carried onto an aircraft for all inbound flights to U.S from 10 cities.  In recent weeks they have continually talked about extending this ban to inbound flights to the U.S. from Europe.  Additionally there is now talk about not allow electronics larger than a cell phone on inbound and outbound U.S. flights.  I am just trying to be prepared in case this electronics ban is extended to more flights.  I love my camera and don't want it to get damaged.