anti-theft SLR camera bag?

Thanks :) I was referring to more of a sling/backpack style but I understand what you mean. To us that camera is pretty high-end at $800 (LOL) but it's not professional level or anything. However, a thief really wouldn't know how expensive our camera is or isn't before attempting to steal it from our bag. I've heard so many stories about theft that I might be getting too paranoid.

I've heard so many stories about theft that I might be getting too paranoid. Yup. Not just paranoid, but too paranoid. Yup. Millions of people take cameras to Europe every year and virtually all return with them. Yes, take reasonable precautions. Back up the card every night, alternate cards. Don't leave it around, don't sling it over your chair (handbag either), don't leave it loose or visible in storage over your head or under your seat. Don't take pictures in stupid places (red light districts, government areas, airfields in Greece, etc.). Compose the picture in your mind before setting up. I always take a video camera (I know, old hat), a P&S, and 4/3 on each trip and carry them in either their own bags around my neck or in my backpack. Never lost one yet. Yes, the extra cards are in my moneybelt, the netbook is at the hotel. Relax and enjoy the trip. You have a household policy, right, in case the worst would happen?

A backpack would be the worst option. You can't see your back, and it's hard to feel if someone's touching it. Personally I like using cross body bags for both purse and camera (I get something big enough to use as both so I only have to carry one bag - i usually travel alone). It lets me keep a hand on the bag at all times. Crumpler's "million dollar home" series comes in numerous sizes based on your gear and number of lenses and it is very secure. It is not specifically made for anti-theft, but I honestly think that's unnecessary. something to keep in mind is comfort, too. Cameras and lenses are heavy and if the bag isn't quite right when you're walking around it can cause back/shoulder/whatever pain. When I travel, I worry much more about cash, credit/atm cards, and my passport than my camera (and mine's around that same price). But now, three trips to Europe to the good, I have learned that common sense prevails and I truly believe the idea that if you even just make it 10% harder to be pickpocketed, they'll leave you alone and go to the next unprotected person. You don't need to travel around like an armored car, you just have to look smart and alert. on the other hand, I think it's good to do your worrying beforehand, so that you feel confident and prepared when you are actually on your trip, and then you feel free to just have fun without worry.

Check out the Pac Safe Camera bags. I agree with Nigel, you might be getting a bit to paranoid. It's only news when something bad happens. Millions of travelers take cameras while traveling and nothing happens but that doesn't make a a good story. Simply be aware of your surroundings, back up your photos, take more than one disc and don't leave the camera bag slung across the back if a chair when you sit down. Common sense prevails each and every time. You created a lovely itinerary, ENJOY it.

I really appreciate all the helpful replies. I feel much better now. It's our first big trip overseas, so there are a lot of unknowns for us. If you do too much online research, it starts to make your head spin after a while! Our homeowners' policy would cover it, but we'd still have to pay $500 for the deductible. As for the backpack, I told my husband that would be the worst option in terms of security, unless it was an anti-theft one like CamSafe. We decided to go with the CamSafe after all. It seems like a nice bag and gives a little added peace-of-mind for worriers like myself ;) Thanks for all the well wishes. We're really excited.

Alicia, You will of course need some type of Camera bag to transport your Camera gear from one location to another, but are you planning to also use it while you're out day touring? Also, are you packing along extra gear such as Lenses, Flash units, etc.? If so, I've found that method isn't too practical as it takes time to get the Camera out of the bag each time one wants to take a photo, and lots of good photos are missed. The method I normally use is to travel with my Camera & associated kit in a bag similar to This, but when I'm out touring, I carry the Camera in the open. Although you've now decided on the CamSafe bags, you might also have a look at products from This Manufacturer. These are designed BY photographers FOR photographers, and cover a wide variety of uses, including travel. I'd highly recommend packing along at least one spare Battery, Memory Cards and Lens Cleaning kit (all of my Memory Cards are 4GB or larger). The Charger supplied with your Camera should be designed for "world operation" from 100-240 VAC, but it would be a good idea to check that. You will of course need two different styles of Plug Adapters (the U.K. uses a different style than mainland Europe). You can have a look at Plug Adapters at This Website. Happy travels!

Does anyone know of a camera bag that is on wheels? My husband's camera bag is getting so heavy.

I always travel with expensive camera equipment and I have never had anything stolen. I use a simple camera backpack style bag for transporting camera/equipment but I carry my camera with me day and night without the bag. (leave bag at hotel)
Nobody is going to mess with you and your camera.

When not in use, my DSLR camera and lens are safely tucked into a properly sized padded camera bag stored in a top loading day bag (not a camera brand) along with necessary items for the day such as maps, sweater, etc. The camera bag fully protects against bumps and the day bag offers, in my opinion and experience, more than adequate security from pickpockets. I also tuck in a kitchen plastic sack to cover my gear when a deluge of rain happens.

I'd like to recommend the Passport Sling bag by Lowepro - comfortable to wear across the body (messenger-bag style) or over your shoulder, with a padded box inside and extra space for a wallet, maps, extra filters or digital media cards, etc. I bought that for my trip to Spain (DSLR with an extra lens) and it was really comfortable and practical.

I am also taking a trip to Europe and have had a similar concern so was glad to see your post and read all the responses. I think I am going to use the camera(large SLR) and backpack I always use. I am used to it and it is comfortable. I think I will take 1 lens that covers 18-280mm, batteries, charger, flash. It has a waist belt and sternum buckle. Photography is a hobby and I'm sure I'll take 300 + photos/day. I won't travel with a computer so won't really have a way to back up my photos. I'm planning on traveling with many 4g and 2 g cards and keeping the full ones in my money belt. I will likely take a rain poncho to put over me and my camera backpack if it is raining. I also actually have a camera raincoat to use while photographing in the rain but it might not have space in my carry on luggage only for this trip. I like B and H photography for shopping for camera and gear. They have excellent phone customer service to help you pick things out over the phone.