Camera bags

	This camera bag from Ninghai Dongsheng comes with a 600d polyester body and EPE foam padding. Price is $3.78.

Makers are increasing the marketability of their releases through eye-catching and more-durable designs.

Suppliers of camera, gaming and MP3 player bags and cases in China are focusing on aesthetic and structural upgrades under efforts to cope with current market challenges.

As opposed to traditional designs that come in black, gray or other plain colors, most new releases boast vibrant shades. Some are embellished with textured patterns and others even feature embroidery or crystal trimming. Vivid prints are also used to decorate models.

Apart from enhancing product appearance, suppliers are gearing R&D efforts toward improved structure and durability.

Various materials are adopted to protect gadgets from water, temperature changes and impact. In the camera bags line, for instance, fabric is usually coated with PVC, PU or TPU to repel moisture. Further, high-density foam is employed as lining and padding to reduce shock.

To increase functionality, exterior and interior pockets, and adjustable neck cords or handles are added to the latest releases.

The steady growth of the imaging industry in recent years has driven up demand for camera accessories, especially bags and cases.

Pouches remain best-sellers. New models are made of neoprene or molded EVA that fit snugly. Other popular materials for pocket-sized cameras include synthetic or genuine leather and polyester, canvas or nylon.

Makers are also ramping up production of bigger bags for SLR and DSLR users. Models usually come in waist or shoulder styles and are often fitted with various compartments for lenses, flash lamps, filters, memory cards, cables, batteries and chargers.

Closures such as zippers, hook-and- loop tape and side-release buckles are used in tandem for better security. To improve carriage, adjustable and detachable straps are utilized.

Silk-screening and other printing techniques are employed for greater visual appeal.

Protective cases are the leading nonelectronic accessories for game consoles and MP3 players in China.

Material choices in the line include silicone, polyester, canvas, nylon, EVA, PVC, TPU and neoprene. Metal models are offered by some suppliers as well, while leather versions are limited to high-end releases.

Precision-molded silicone cases that come in an array of colors are among the best-sellers. These are available in various designs that suit popular digital music player brands such as the iPod.

The models can be silk-screened or spray-painted with decorative patterns.

Vivid prints such as bright stripes in contrasting colors, polka dots and floral motifs are adopted, especially in women's designs. Some high-end models even feature embroidery.

Armband pouches are also popular. These are usually made of neoprene and are suitable for joggers, cyclists and other physically active users.

China is home to about 5,000 suppliers of camera, gaming and MP3 player bags and cases. Most offer the products as a secondary line, focusing instead on other types of bags.

Privately owned enterprises represent about 40 percent of the industry. Their releases are usually for the low-end and the midrange markets.

Offering mainly high-end models, makers with investment from Hong Kong or Taiwan also account for approximately 40 percent of the supplier base. State-owned businesses constitute the rest.

The provinces of Guangdong, Zhejiang and Fujian are the major production centers in mainland China.

Guangdong is the top export manufacturing base. Suppliers are capitalizing on the hub's flourishing electronics industry to develop bags and cases for cameras, gaming consoles and portable media players.

Moreover, as an established sourcing center for luggage and other types of bags, Guangdong provides companies with a convenient and steady supply of raw materials and components. Production is concentrated in the cities of Huadu, Dongguan and Shenzhen.

Zhejiang is another important hub, exporting primarily low-end and midrange designs. The province boasts well-established auxiliary industries and a solid infrastructure. Makers are clustered mainly in the city of Pinghu.

As with Guangdong and Zhejiang, Fujian has a strong network of material and service providers. The area also presents ideal logistical support for the export-oriented companies based there.