dSLR camera in France, Italy, Switzerland, Greece?

Yes. Why have something and not use it?

Thanks Ed & Steve. I really do want to take pics of our trip. I will let my wife take the point & shoot since she rarely likes to take pics.

Gary,

"Am I too paranoid? " Perhaps? There's always the possibility of theft, whether you're travelling at home or in Europe. If you take reasonable precautions, you most likely won't have any problems.

I routinely travel with a dSLR, Lenses and associated kit, and so far haven't had any problems. I usually carry the Camera in the open (including on the Metro in larger cities), as it's a real nuisance to have to take it out of a Daypack every time I want to take a photo.

If I'm dining in a fairly "busy" location, I sometimes put one arm through the strap, as it's a bit of extra protection. I also try to be aware of those around me as well as the "circumstances of location" (ie: if I'm in the centre of a crowded group of tables, it's going to be more difficult for someone to run through and grab the Camera).

I'd suggest taking a small P&S as well, especially if it has video capability. I find that I enjoy re-living the trip with short video clips almost as much as viewing the photos.

I'd also suggest taking at least two Lenses (one on the Camera) - I find that I use a medium range zoom (24-105) and wide angle Lens the majority of the time.

Bottom line - there are no guarantees, but you should be fine.

Happy travels!

There are no more worries about having a dSLR stolen than a point and shoot. Obsviously if it were, your loss is greater because it's more expensive. But it's not as though they are more targeted.

The main key to remember is not to leave any valuable laying in the open or left unsecured out of sight. So don't set the camera (or a purse) on the cafe table where someone could run or scooter past and grab it. Or hanging by the strap from the back of your chair. But other than those types of scenarios, it would be highly unlikely to have something stolen.

I take my DSLR with me and I'm always glad to have it. I do leave it in the hotel room when I go out for dinner. I take the smaller point and shoot with me in case I want to capture anything in the evening. Of course, if there is a special photographic event, I would take the DSLR in the evening too. I travel with camera bad that it can go into easily and I carry either the bag or the camera across my chest so it is always in front of me. Pam

If you love photography, take the equipment that makes you happy. I'm an avid photographer and have gotten such good photos with a p&s that I've sold them -- that being said, I'm taking both the p&s AND the DSLR on my next trip, because really, why not?

Take the equipment and back all of the photos up. You might want to consider a rider on your home insurance policy that would cover loss of any kind. It probably already covers theft - but you have to show them a police report, etc. A rider is inexpensive and even covers "unexplained loss" which is to say, if you forget it in a taxi and never see it again, it's covered. I covered about $5,000 worth of equipment for 6 months for about $45. Canceled it when I returned.

Just back everything up and keep the backups separate from the gear.

take but be smart about keeping it low profile. You will lvoe the pictures when you get home - just have a regular back pack and a generic neck strap!

Also- have a small pocket camera for times when you wanna go out at night or its raining and you still need to get some great shots!