How to protect a camera/camcorder in Rome

Well I won't speak to the chance of the bag being ripped off,( ok will, I think its remote, they want your wallet not your cameras,, but suppose it could happen) . but what I suggest is a simple deterrant, make sure camera bag strap is long enough and wear it over your neck CROSS body,, like many of women wear our purses, its hard to remove that without a full out tackle and they are not going to bother when they can just move on to next target with bag slung over one shoulder( a much easier remove) In busy and crowded areas keep hand on top of bag( zipper). Also many people like to use those twist ties that you use on plastic bags for veggies,, they twist tie the zippers closed, its a deterrant because pick pocket doesn't generally want to fiddle to much to get in,, so that prevents it, you need two hands usually to untwist a twist tie.

Just don't hang the bag over the back of your chair as you sit at a cafe, or set the bag down while taking photos. I think once you get there you will realize a lot of this paranoia that people have is riduclious.... leave my camera home? No way. Hundreds of thousands of people travel there with no incident. Simply being aware will make you safer, but don't let fear spoil your trip. (I have been there numerous times with professional equipment and no problems...)

You are far more likely to accidently forget your camera somewhere than it being stolen. Or if you leave it un-attended or un-watched it might get taken. But it's highly unlikely someone will try to rip it off your shoulder. I've never worried about a camera being taken by stealth since they can't easily hide it even if they did extract it from your bag. But always be alert if it is tucked away in your bag and NEVER leave the bag slung over a chair or sitting on a cafe/restaurant table. I tuck it between my legs or leave the strap on. But again, that's as much so YOU don't forget it and leave it behind.

Hi, You may want to consider these anti- theft products from Pacsafe. http://pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&activity_id=10

PacSafe is over priced and over hyped. The probability of the bag being ripped from your shoulder is very low. I personally carry a small day bag and when moving between sites, etc., the cameras go into the bag just because it is easier to handle one bag and it is little less obvious. But in an area where I want to take picture, the camera stays out. Take reasonable precautions and you will be OK.

We use a fanny pack that we hang in the front around our waist. Then we close the zipper with a safety pin. It always stays on, can't leave it behind, and is easily accessible for us, but close to the body for safety. Never had anyone near it or try anything threatening. It holds our video camera, an extra battery and our point and shoot camera. We feel safe, we are hands free, perfect for us, except looking like goofy tourists! Oh well, who cares!

John, I'd suggest practicing vigilance and "situational awareness" when in Rome (and other parts of Italy), but don't be overly concerned with pickpockets. Be especially vigilant when on the Metro or the infamous #64 Bus. It's much more likely they'll focus on your wallet, rather than your Cameras. BE SURE to wear a Money Belt! I always travel with a full-sized DSLR and usually carry it "in the open" when I'm out touring. So far I haven't had any problems with that approach. Having the Camera in a bag would be awkward, as it would have to be removed and replaced in the bag frequently. I also carry a compact P&S in a shirt pocket and no problems with that either. As there are two of you, your Wife can "watch your back" while you're distracted with photo or video shooting. Happy travels!

Worry about someone stealthily lifting your wallet or passport. These are the high-value items that theives will risk a potential confrontation to steal. Keep an eye out for your camera, but don't be overly concerned. The street value of a stolen camera is extremely low, even an expensive camera. Obviously, don't give a thief the opportunity to easily take the camera, but don't worry about it being ripped from your hands or bag. Although I don't live in Rome, I asked my neighbor, who works for the Polizei in Heidelberg (a heavily touristed town) how often they receive reports of stolen cameras. Tops on his list of stolen items are bicycles (university population), keys, cell phones, wallets, passports and jewelry. Cameras are not even in the top 10.

Sightly off-topic, but relevant, I think; The current generation of very small pocket digital cameras take great still photos, fit in any pocket, and also take great video. There is truly no need to take a camera like that AND a camcorder.

Hi everyone, Thanks for these wonderful replies and great advice. I am contemplating them all and through your advice, we will enjoy our trip to Rome. We will be vigilant but not paranoid thanks to your commentary. We'll stay away from that famous bus that RS talks about. What a great forum and community with all of your travel experience. I am placing an order for some new RS money belts and possibly a bag or two from the travel store and we should be good to go. Although my fantasy is to travel the world (won't happen) with a good DLSR (may happen), I don't own one yet. I may buy a small-ish point-and-shoot with good digital quality and only bring one camera. That might be a good interim solution. Great tip. To close out, I should say that I was lucky enough to live in Vienna for a year as a student. Back in 71-72. Over 40 years ago. I actually managed to have a journal that year and blogged about it. I was a student and a hobby photographer. I had a Nikkormat with 50mm lens and I think a 75-150mm (?) zoom lens. I walked everywhere with no fear about pickpockets or theft of my camera. I went to communist East Berlin past the Berlin wall, taking a side-tour down the side streets to see what was there WITH my 35mm camera slung around my neck and my zoom lens hanging from my belt, all in plain view. Walking down a village road in Poland and being stopped by the police. Being in a crowded train-station restaurant in Krakow, with bags and camera-lens hanging outa KGB-like uniformed officer suddenly hushing up the entire restaurant. Never ONCE did I even think about pickpockets or thievery. Or maybe I can't remember thinking about it. :-) Certainly, the world has changed. Is it the innocence or carelessness of youth? Or is it that our maturity breeds caution? So much fun to wonder. Thanks all. You were great. If any of you have travel blogs, I'd love to peruse.

We'll stay away from that famous bus My wife and I just spent the best part of a week on the 64, 40 and many others. We were always careful but no issues. Sometimes less crowded, once nearly empty, often cheek-to-jowl.

John, I just wanted to "second" the information posted by Nigel. While the #64 & #40 Buses do have somewhat of a "reputation" I wouldn't (and don't) hesitate travelling on them, but of course it's important to be vigilant. I typically use a B.I.G. ticket, so quite freely travel on the Buses throughout the day, often with my DSLR "in the open". So far I haven't had any problems. You'll need to be especially vigilant during times when the Buses are fully packed, as that's the most likely time for thefts to occur. You won't be able to avoid contact with others (who may have their hands in your pocket). The same is true when travelling on the Metro when it's fully loaded. Cheers!