DSLR vs compact digital camera

I wouldn't worry about thieves in Germany, neither in Switzerland. Germans are the most honest people in the World. They used to leave their cars' doors unlock without any problems. There was a time when Eastern Europeans invaded Germany and theu caused problems, but I think it's all clear now.
All you need to do is to keep an eye on your camera, and belongings. I know it's big and I hate to carry stuff like that sround, but I think it's worth it because it's of a much better quality then coolpix.

Jai, how attentive to your belongings are you? I took my new (May 07) Nikon D80 to Germany Thanksgiving weekend. Never had a worry about it. If I left it in the car, it was in the trunk. If I left it in the room, it was tucked away somewhere out of plain sight. I carried it with me whenever we were out and about. Sometimes around my neck, sometimes in a backpack. I may have looked like a tourist, but hey, I looked like a tourist by the way I dressed. Would you be happy with the capabilities of your coolpix?

I think you should take the DSLR if you're so attached to it, unless you are sure you'll be satisfied with the quality of the Coolpix photos. Don't take too many attachments, and keep your hand on it (or zip your coat over it) whenever you're out and about; you should be fine. I know that last time I went abroad, I took my best camera even though it was a bit more hassle that way (bulk/weight), just b/c I don't get over there very often and I wanted the photos to be as good as possible. I was careful with it and had no problems.

Just in case, you might take extra memory cards and switch them out every day, or upload the day's photos every evening; that way, if the worst happens and your camera does get stolen, you won't have lost all your photos too.

You said next week? That would mean you are going in off-tourist season, so though you will need to be cautious you don't need to be on edge the whole time.

Rick's packing advice is good advice, but following it religiously without considering the things that are important to you would defeat the purpose of your trip. Simply ask yourself if I have to haul this everywhere, will it be worth it? Chance are you probably already do haul it everywhere, so you probably have your answer. (As a chef I haul my good knives with me, which means checking my luggage, everywhere, including Europe)

But yes, find another back-up system for your pics just in case of whatever. You can download them in internet cafe or invest in more memory sticks. Remember, the photos are far more valuable than the camera.

Thanks to everyone for the insight. You've listed the habits and precautions I take on every trip - it's a relief to know that they should serve me well in Germany and Switzerland too. I think I will bring both cameras for different situations (and for backup.)

Jai, I usually travel with both a dSLR as well as a compact P&S Camera. The dSLR is definitely more trouble to haul around, especially as I also take two extra Lenses, a Flash unit and some cleaning gear (I'm considering adding a Tripod in future). I've found that I really like the flexibility it provides. The P&S has two limitations - wide angle and zoom ranges. If going out in the evening, I just carry the P&S discreetly in a pocket.

I tend to carry the Camera more-or-less in the open, although in high risk areas (crowds, Subway) it's usually tucked behind my coat or travel vest. I've never felt threatened by thieves, but it's a good idea to practise "situational awareness - be constantly aware of those around you and be especially vigilant if any "distractions" occur.

Although Rick advocates packing light, I believe he now travels with a Nikon dSLR as well.

Good luck and happy travels!

Years ago I took a vacation with my wife, a friend and his wife.

I carried my SLR (prior to the digital days), lenses from wide angle to macro zoom, filters, doublers, lens cleaners and tripod in a nice camera bag. It was a hassle to lug everything around in addition to luggage.

My friend had a 35mm Cannon all in one auto-focus, auto-flash pocket sized camera.

We both carried a lot of film.

When we got back from our trip. I was really proud of my pictures, they turned out great.

When I saw my friend's pictures, I was stunned. His turned out great too. There really weren't enough times when the better equipment was required to get a good picture. I actually lost opportunities to capture quick non-posed shots.

Since then, I travel with the most convenient camera I can take. Nikon Coolpix will give you great shots without the hassle, I would take that.

Jai - i have a nikon D40 and the big 28-200mm - all in one lense. a bit heavy at times but now im used to it. DO bring it if you love to take picts! for evenings out or rainy days - I have the small power-shot pocket cam which did well too! If youre a shutterbug - you will want to bring your DSLR. Just put it in yoru day pack. Even Rick has a D40 so that stil fits in his "pack light". But unless you dont take many pictures (where a compact pocketcam will do) - youll probably wish you had it! Esp in Swiss/German trips!

forgot to add - not that you have to worry in CH or DE - but do get a decent water-proof day back that looks more like book or hiker pack - not a shiny fancy NIKON emblazened logo bag! aha... also inside my Northface or Fjallerven day pack - i have the cam in a small "Crumpler" bag/case - also descrete looking!

While I love the size factor of my point and shoot Canon and it does create high quality images, I regret not having a DSLR on my last trip. A DSLR is many times the size, but the picture quality in low light (like in museums or sunrise/sunsets) is so much better then a little point and shoot. I agree with the other postings about "not looking like a camera bag". Crumpler makes a nice bag along with a few others - go for the messenger style that are more common with the locals in Europe. However if you only plan to carry a single body and lens, you always have the option getting a neoprene pouch and just putting it all in a daypack.

Also consider replacing your neck strap if it says a company name in big bold letters. Pacsafe straps are good to consider.

On a side note, I am quite sure I read in Rick's blog that he now carries a Nikon DSLR with him in Europe. Nikon D40 I think...

Pete

My DH and I take both: he his DSLR and me my P&S. Between the two, they cover pretty much any scenario. If we'll be out after dark, we'll just bring the P&S. Now, if we can only decide which lenses to bring on our next trip!