How to discreetly carry a camera on vacation

Assuming you aren't traveling alone, then having your partner that is traveling with you be aware of your surroundings while you are taking pictures will be a big help. In general I would say your biggest problem is not the camera, but that your focus is not on the items that thieves are interested in while you're taking pictures. If someone else is watching out for your backpack or whatever you are keeping your gear in and making sure that someone isn't picking your pocket while you are focused on changing lenses, swapping cards and getting the shot then that will help a lot. I'll just go ahead and say make sure you are wearing your money belt, etc. since someone is bound to say that.

Kevin said it perfectly. I do photography and brought some of my gear last year, didn't have a problem. And I haven't heard of many people who have had their gear stolen. But like Kevin said, they'll take the opportunity while you are distracted taking photos or switching lenses to try to pickpocket you. When you have a large camera out, you will look like a tourist. Don't know what you want to do to "disguise" your camera, it will probably be obvious you are taking photos and that it is a camera, just make sure you aren't vulnerable while using it.

Photography is big, big, big everywhere and I would say people who live here are taking photos with big, professional looking cameras just as much as tourists. Wearing your camera is not going to make you look like a tourist neccesarily. I would consider carrying the rest of your gear in a messenger bag, rather than a back-pack so that you don't have to remove it to get items out of it. You don't say where you are going, but some places are well known for pick-pockets and in other cities, it rarely happens.

I will be in London, Bath, York, Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, Bilbao, Barcelona and Madrid. Whew! I had bought a camera belt pack but might consider a messenger bag instead. Do museums and other attractions always make you check bags?

Re Museums: "Always" is a dangerous word. Some do, some dont. backpacks and stuff that you can secrete objects in are more likely to be checked. but there are a number of Museums and Art galleries that make you also check your camera. Go with the flow.

I wouldn't worry about your camera getting snatched. Now that digital models are so affordable, the black market for stolen cameras pretty much evaporated. Theives want your money and your passport, that's about it. Anyone who is paying attention to you will know you're a tourist. No need to hide the camera.

I am a professional photographer and have traveled many times to Europe and never had a problem, but I keep it as simple as possible by traveling light. No giant camera bags or multiple cameras. I bring two to Europe, but when I am out for the day I only take one. Zoom lens and I am good to go. And, no matter what we Americans do to blend in... we usually look like a tourist! We did have an issue on one trip in a small town in France when 8 photographers piled out of the van I was driving and left part of their stuff in the van. When we returned the windows were smashed and the equipment was gone. Just one more reason to keep it simple and only take what you need. (not everyone I traveled with bought in to this theory, but they do now)
Have a wonderful time!

As others have said, you're going to look like a tourist no matter what. So don't worry. I doubt theives target only those with DSLRs so just take ordinary precautions. One extra thought: NEVER leave a camera sitting on a cafe table or slung over the back of your chair (same for purses and daybags). That makes for very easy targets even if you are sitting right there.

Keep it in a bag that doesn't say Canon or Nikon, or better yet a bag that doesn't really look like a camera bag. Get rid of the camera strap that says Red Canon or Yellow Nikon and use a generic one. A neoprene strap will make a camera feel lighter, a sling strap that crosses your torso diagonally can save you neck and feel lighter too (double check the connection everyday if you use one that screws into the tripod socket). When walking in big cites keep the camera or bag on the opposite shoulder that faces the street. I don't think it's a that big a threat just be aware of your surroundings use common sense, don't leave your bag, if you put it down run the strap through your leg. I am getting ready to go to Italy for a photography workshop myself with quite a bit of photo gear.

I only carry a P&S camera on a lanyard in my shirt/jacket pocket but my wife carries a DSLR & lenses. She uses a non-descript shoulder tote not her usual Nikon bag while traveling. Most of the time you will NOT be in huge crowds, but when you are be on the alert. As posted you'll have more chance of being pickpocketed while your busy concentrating on a shot or changing lenses, the buddy system works well in that situation. I've read that some photographers place black electrician's tape over the Nikon/Canon name to make their cameras more discreet....don't know if that helps or is really necessary? As posted your cash, credit cards and passports are what the crooks want the most. Be alert!

Have a hidden mineature lens in one of the polka dots in your bow tie? Everybody in every tourist area everywhere has a darn camera. If you didn't have one you'd be suspicious and everybody in every area would wonder what you're hiding from everybody else. What then?

John, Photography is a major component of my travels in Europe, and I always pack a large dSLR and associated kit. I normally carry the Camera in the open, and so far I've never had any problems. I always use the strap and most of the time have one hand on the Camera. If I'm going to be in "high risk" locations such as the Metro, I tend to position myself in a corner if possible, and keep the Camera close to my side so that it's both out of sight as well as securely held. When I'm out touring in the daytime, I typically take only a medium range zoom (24-105) and a wide angle (10-22). I find that works for the majority of situations. I also use a small P&S, which is typically carried in a chest pocket and secured by a lanyard (works great for quick snapshots of landmarks or whatever). I try to be aware of those around me, and not become distracted by the photography. I believe it's also important to consider the location in terms of "risk". I would be much more vigilant and careful in Barcelona than I would in Bath (of course theft can occur anywhere, but it's probably less likely in some locations). Cheers!

Cameras do get stolen. So look after them as you would in USA. Friend on first day in Europe after long flight from Australia had her expensive camera and lenses stolen because she put it down and didnt watch it.

Not trying to insult your friend, but that was where she went wrongsetting it down and not watching it. Of course theft is a risk at that point. You need to be carrying your gear the whole time, don't set it down especially where you can't keep an eye on it. If I ever had to do something, and couldn't keep a grip on my purse and my dslr at the same time, I had a friend hold it for me.

I travel with a DSLR to Europe. I don't try to hide it. With a big camera you look like a photographer. ; ) When I use a standard lens with my DSLR I can fit it in a small bag. I run into trouble when I have my all purpose zoom on. I miss the zoom when I don't have it, so I find that have larger bag that sometimes I have to check in the museum. But when that happens, I carry the camera around my neck in the museum. Pam