avoiding theft of digital SLR camera?

Just be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes peeled. It's good that you are carrying your bag in front. You could try to carefully pack your camera, valuables deep in your bag.

If you're so concerned that it's keeping you up at night then you should leave it at home. Otherwise, you should be safe as long as you are aware of your surroundings. If you're wearing it in plain view all the time you'll have to worry about pickpockets more than camera thieves because the pickpockets will target you the more you look like a tourist.

Keep the strap around your around your neck if possible. Be careful not to put it down on the table when eating. My sister put her camera on her table while eating dinner and when she turned around for a minute it was gone.

I think the trick is to not be overburdened. If your load is light, it's much easier to keep track of your stuff. If you have your hands on the camera all the time, you won't have a problem. It's when you are juggling a daypack, shopping bags and a your camera gear that you become an obvious target.

Personally I deal with it by carrying a very small digital camera. I replace the wrist strap with a neck strap and tuck the camera inside my shirt whenever I'm not taking a picture.

I also use a tiny tripod for night time, fireworks, or getting myself into a picture. The tripod goes in my daypack when not in use.

I use a Pacsafe camera strap on my DSLR. They are suppose to be cut proof as they have wire running through them.

Susan,

I also travel with a dSLR Camera and associated kit, including two extra Lenses, and so far I haven't had any problems.

As the others said, it's a good idea to be aware of those around you, especially if some kind of "distraction" occurs. In "high risk" areas such as the Metro, I usually carry the Camera with the strap around my neck, and tuck it inside my travel Vest.

I also travel with a smaller P&S Camera and often take that out at night rather than pack the dSLR, unless I'm planning on taking night shots. It's a bit more discreet (although I sure do miss the capabilities of the dSLR when using the P&S!).

When taking photos, try to get into the habit of "scoping out" anyone close to you BEFORE you get distracted with focussing and so on.

It's a good idea to store "full" memory cards in your Money Belt or other secure location (or back these up by burning DVD). That way if your Camera gets "nicked", you won't have lost ALL your photos.

Happy travels!

Susan,
Elsewhere in this web site (maybe creative packing), a traveler recommended getting a Wal-Mart diaper bag for the camera and fixings. It's padded, it's waterproof, it's cheap ... and who would steal it?
ciao. p.

The D40 is a great travel camera. Small for a DSLR and it takes great images. If you keep it around your neck I don't think you will have a problem but I did replace the Nikon strap with a generic black one. Probably did not help but as you know the Nikon name is a bright yellow on the strap and is easy identifiable as a nice camera. You could also put black tape over the brand name on the camera but a knowledgable camera person can usually tell the difference from brand to brand.
Good advice about not putting your camera on the table while eating. I was warned about this from the owner of a sidewalk cafe who said the gypsies roamed the area frequently and could snatch it and be gone in an instant. Just be aware and you will be fine.

ditto on the pack safe strap. a daypack or crumpler bag without big logos on it would be good too. And if you can - wear a lite jacket and keep it tucked in a bit - vs bouncing around on your front like a tourist. Be aware but not necessarily too paranoid either! take extra battery and SD cards!

Check out the PacSafe products. They are slashproof, snatchproof and tamperproof. I highly recommend them.

Itgaly is especially bad. If you are traveling with someone - have them watch your back when you are taking pictures.

Keep camera stashed while on trains and train stations. I would not walk down the street with it dangling over your shoulder for sure.

Most of all...have some device to back-up your photos daily.

I didn't find Italy to be any more hazardous than other locations in Europe. One can be victimized by petty thieves any place in Europe.

I don't have the option of someone "watching my back" when I'm taking photos, as I'm travelling solo lately. However, I try to be aware of those around me, especially "dodgy looking" individuals.

I haven't felt any need to use PacSafe products so far but have looked at them; they appear to be well designed and good quality. When I'm in more crowded locations (Metro), the Camera strap is around my neck, the Camera is tucked behind my Vest and I keep one hand on it at all times.

When I'm at a table with my SLR, I put the my leg through the strap and the camera on the floor or my lap. I won't forget it, and it will be very hard to steal.

I had no problem with my Nikon D200 in Naples.

I think carrying a diaper bag is a good idea. I know someone who even goes so far as to hang babyish things off of it to make it look more authentic.
I like to also put my camera inside a plasic non transparent container with a hinged lid. At a first glance it just looks like a food container rather than a camera. It comes in handy as extra protection just incase it gets knocked or dropped by mistake.

Do as the "real" professional photographers do. Do NOT use a camera bag. Use an old suitcase through airports. Use an every day looking bag and don't walk around all the time with it hanging around your neck. Put it away and don't be flashy with it. I carried my camera all the way through Europe without a problem. Also those are expensive cameras be sure to get insurance.