Good idea or not for taking shots while I’m out. I just do General xc, no jumps etc but sometimes a rocky descents. Will be in camelbak.

Or should I not bother.

I don’t bother.

I’m going to buy something like a Fuji X20 for general day to day carrying & riding.

I used to carry a body & basic lens, but just want something smaller & lighter now.

I wouldn’t bother unless you’re going out to do a photo shoot type of thing. I bought a Fuji XF1 that comes out with me now – very happy with it.

I took my 5D once and never bothered again.

I haven’t ever bothered, too scared!

I’d contemplate taking a compact out, but never actually have.

Depends what you are taking photos of. I have found at times that non SLRs are just too slow for good action shots.

I almost always take mine but I’m a photographer so can’t abide not having instant, accurate AF. Don’t notice the slight extra weight.

You can get pretty damn good AF on decent compacts and Compact System Cameras these days.

I normally prefocus for action shots anyway.

Done it loads. In fact I never venture out without a camera. Have ridden sportives with a dSLR. It’s a lot of weight to hulk about though, so it depends how important it is to you. These days I use a Lumix LX5 when on the bike. Much easier.

I do, but that’s because I bought my Dslr mainly to take biking. I’ve dropped it once and broke a lens, but ironically that was carrying it in from the car, not out biking.

I just want to take some nice scenic pics when im out. As my phones crap quality.

i do, i use a lowepro slingshot bag, which only has one shoulder strap, and space for camera and lens, spare lens, phone, puncture outfit multitool etc.
its slightly bigger than a camelbak.
its barely noticable when on, and gives quick easy access to the camera.

Is there any back packs for cameras or is it ok in camelbak. Not too fussed about easy access, will mainly be when I stop for a good rest.

Grum, yes you can but still not close to dslr speed and accuracy, most especially in low light – a dslr with a fast lens will stiIl wee all over the latest Fujis / compact Canons in a shady wood.

That new Sony A7 thing might be a game changer though…

Edit. OP, I just have mine in a large, simple LowePro toploading bag inside my backpack. Keep the inner padded bag unzipped so i can whip it out swiftly. Oo-err.

I carry mine quite often. Carried it all day, every day on a 3 week South American trip with one of these..

Slings are comfortable and this one has a waist strap too, but I find on rough
ground they roll around your body to the front.

I now have a Lowepro Photo Hatchback 16L
Good for riding and casual, though they do a sports version which is more like a regular riding pack.

If the weather is wet though, I’ll rarely risk my posh camera despite the excellent rain cover on the Lowepro .