Domke Camera bags have quite a legacy in the world of photojournalism. Well built, designed for the working pro, with easy access to gear, while protecting the goods.
They’ve now have been updated and re-introduced to a new audience.The line is called Next Generation

Problem>>>>>>Solution

While going to events to shoot video coverage or an interview on the fly, my needs were for a bag to hold a pre-built video camera that was ready to come out quick, and get into action .
What I mean by pre-built is a camera that has a shotgun mic holder attached, or a wireless receiver / transmitter, w/lav mic, ready, batteries charged and in the camera, on board light in the hot shoe, just needing to plug in mic and earbuds, and go.
That’s the first priority.
And of course back-up cables, batteries for the camera/lights, spare power for the phone, folding leather job folder and an iPad, still camera for extra coverage. And maybe strap on a monopod with a ballhead. Or not.

I had to have a bag that was stiff for protection, but not a hard case, for lighter weight.
Incoming – the Journalist Series, and the J-Chron model fit the bill. With expandable zippered side pockets,padded sleeves for the iPad, front pockets, back pockets, solid webbing straps for holding a monopod, and has the room to serve the purpose.

Needed to pack gear like this:

And this:

And it all packs in the bag like this:
attach the LED light to the cold shoe, with the ball joint mount folded down-

Tiny tool gets clipped into back pocket, along with the leather job folder:

Cables are all in one place in a front packet and the iPad goes in a padded sleeve behind it. I like the STM tablet case for sheer protection no matter what case the tablets is in.

After filling one side pocket with all batteries, I use the other side for a compact camera, in this case the Fuji 100T.

Here is the bag loaded before the flap is put over. All of that gear may not be light but it’s what I use and is all compartmentalized pockets for easy access.

and there is still room.

Speaking of easy access, if you want to get to the gear and don’t want to deal with undoing the strong clasps

You can pack your bag for access through the top flap with a zipper, Good for on the go , if you are using a smaller rig than I am or just a still camera. Easy in, easy out.

With this set-up, all I have to do is pop the shotgun in the clamp with a thumbscrew, and plug it OR clip the wireless lav on the subject adjust the light, and I’m in business. To keep to the minimal space effect, I’ll add some Audio-Technica ear buds to monitor the recording. Those will already be plugged in to the headphone jack.

The only thing that I wasn’t thrilled with was the big honking Domke logo (see photo at top of post), on a pocket flap. Sure, folks may know it’s a camera bag but I’d prefer not to shout. But you can fold that flap away and continue with discretion.

And there you have it.
Ready to roll in one, protected, right sized case.
This is a bag I can recommend without question.
Your needs and size may vary, so you may want to head to a brick and mortar reseller with your gear, and see what size works for you.

Or do the research based on your needs, and pick one up right here.

The gear in my bag:
Canon XF100, AT-4073 shotgun mic (no longer made), Sennheiser rec/transmitter, TRAM lav, ThinkTank Media card holder, PNY iPhone battery, iPad, GoldFold AD Wallet, Fuji 100T, Litepanel MicroPro LED, AA Batteries, Leatherman Mini, SanDisk iXpand ext drive for tablets & mobile

NEXT GENERATION brings evolutionary and revolutionary features to the trusted name of Domke. The Chronicle (the grandchild of the F-2) is the brainchild born of extensive review by professional photographers(who field-tested the prototype bags)With functionality as the core design inspiration, integrates patent pending systems for personalizing, protecting and accessing your valuable gear.

MainFeatures:

Top access with double zipper
Rear slide pocket
Expandable zippered side pocket
Key-ring strap
Secure luggage strap
Numbered identity plate
Side rain hoods
Padded zippered tablet sleeve fits up to 11×8″
“Quiet” system hook and loop silencer
Expandable front pockets
Detachable Gripper shoulder & Grab strap
Domke flap tucks in for anonymity
All zippers YKK®
Comes with 3 dividers – additional divider inserts (Insert D1 and Insert D5) available in Gear Protex Accessories

Exterior Size 15.75 in Long
Weight 3.4 lbs
Exterior Dimensions 15.75″L x 7″W x 10″H
Interior Main Dimensions 12.25″L x 6.5″W x 9.25″H
Internal Laptop Area 11″ x 8″