Carrying a camera

A big camera tends to tag you as a tourist but no different than anyone else carrying a cameras, Part of the argument is that you cannot avoid looking like a tourist so don't worry about it too much. Tourist do attract pickpockets because they generally are easier targets. Just try to handle the camera in a careful manner.

Unless she sets it down and walks away, don't worry about it. Thieves want your money and passport. They can't get anything on the street for a used camera.

Just use common sense. She should keep it in front of her and not leave it unattended. Pickpockets would rather have cash then cameras. Don't give them a good opportunity.

We just returned Sunday from a trip which included Venice and Rome. We have an expensive camera w/ additional lens and flash.. We bought a backpack bag for everything.. one that had an extra buckle before you unzip it just for more piece of mind. Had no problems. Just use common sense. when my husband was changing out a lens.. I kept an eye on the situation.. No problems. I will say just to keep the strap on while you've got the camera out. We saw a few times while around the Coloseum the guys dressed like gladiators actually take people's cameras out of their hands to take pictures of them w/ another gladiator charater.. and then expect $$ for it.

Off topic, but Tom, why do pickpockets want your passport? Sorry if this is a dumb question! I've never been to Europe...I actually just got my first passport in the mail for my upcoming trip.

I've been taking a large camera to Europe for many years. First I had an SLR and now a DSLR. I really like having. I wear it across my chest which keeps it always in front of me. I also carry a smaller point and shoot for when I go out at night. It fits in a smaller bag and so is good for when I'm not touring per se, but still want to take pictures. Pam

brian, I always travel with a dSLR and associated kit, and so far haven't had a problem. While there are never any guarantees, if she practises a few basic "precautions" there should be no problems. For example: > When out touring, DON'T put the Camera on a table (or whatever) even for a minute. One moment of distraction will provide a thief with the opportunity he needs. Always hold the strap! > When in crowded locations, keep the Camera especially close. Use a firm grip as well as the strap. > If going out at night and leaving the Camera in your Hotel room, remove the Memory Card and store it in your Money Belt (or other safe location). That way you will at least still have your photos. > Be especially vigilant if a "distraction" occurs near you. Happy travels!

I am a woman and carry a large DSLR with 3 lenses, back up battery etc. Photography is my hobby. I had a Canon camera backpack that I used in Tanzania and it was an eye magnet for thieves - no problem actually occurred other than extreme closeness by one potential thief, but it felt uncomfortable. Also, I don't really like backpacks when traveling because I am not able to access the camera easily or change the lens quickly. I also don't like to stand out like a sore thumb so I purchased a large designer purse that I can wear cross body. I got some foam camera inserts and put them in the purse to protect the lenses and camera. The camera was easily accessible to me to capture those fantastic moments, plus the purse was large enough to carry water, guidebooks, maps, etc. Before that, I used the Rick Steves Civita Shoulder bag with foam inserts - that worked as well - I used it cross body as well.

Big camera will attack thieves but will get you better photos. It's worth the very small risks

That's what I need: A camera that attacks thieves.

One further comment to add.... Although it's not specifically designed for Cameras, I recently had a look at a www.tilley.com/Tilley-INTREPID-Bag.aspx at a local store the other day. It's extremely well made, and would be a great Day bag for travellers that prefer the Messenger Bag style (rather than a Daypack). I tend to use my Vest as a "Daypack" most of the time, but I was sure tempted to buy one......

"Off topic, but Tom, why do pickpockets want your passport? Sorry if this is a dumb question! I've never been to Europe...I actually just got my first passport in the mail for my upcoming trip." Honestly, I´m not sure the reason, other than a vague notion of identity theft. But I was talking to someone who works as an attache at the US embassy in Budapest, and according to her, passport theft is one of the most common requests they receive for assistance.

One stolen passport from the US or any other "rich" country can worth up to $5000 on the black market. A couple of years ago on the BBC new program Panorama, a female journalist took up a challenge to purchase stolen and/or fraudulent passports, from all 25 EU countries. Although it was quite expensive, in the end she got 20 of them; she abandoned her quest after a deal went bad in Sofia, and was threatened with a knife. Not surprisingly one the easiest places get a stolen passport was Barcelona:) An expert examined all the passports and chose a cross-selection based on quality: good, not so good, bad. She then attempted to enter the UK by sea, rail, air, the phony's were never detected by the immigration agents. http://www.veoh.com/watch/v14541124NekG8FGw

My wife always travels with a large expensive camera ,with the strap always around her neck. The danger is not thieves, but dropping the camera and lens. A two foot drop recently caused $400 damage to a lens. We've never had a thief problem, as I'm the one who has to hump the 30 odd pounds of extra gear and tripods, and be the safety guy. That's to say pull her out from in front of speeding busses, and from falling off of cliffs. However if I can't save her I'm expected to save the camera. There is not much resale value in used camera gear , with yearly up grading last years camera is just not desirable. Cash is the target of choice, but an untended camera will vanish.

"Big camera will attack thieves, but the crow hunts at dawn..." (secret spy handshake follows)

I carried a large DSLR around London in September, 2008 and had no issues anywhere at all. It is large enough to use as a weapon if necessary. I am sure I could knock someone out with it if I wanted to. That being said, there are places where I used my little point and shoot instead of the big camera, for example in crowded markets like Portobello Road on a Saturday morning.