Best way to carry cameras

You have two choices...

1) You can buy a backpack made by Pacsafe that has built in theft detterents...

or

2) You can buy a backpack with lockable zippers and then find a way, either using a lock or carabiner or something similar to fasten the zippers together.

RS Civita bag would fit the bill for #2

Thank you very much. I'll look into both options.

James, here's a link to a current discussion on this board about the considerations both for and against carrying your cameras in a backpack

click here for the considerations both ways

Thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

Hi James. I like Tamrac & Lowepro photo bags because they're made specifically for cameras & padded really well. I prefer the backpack style although they also have sling styles & shoulder bags. I simply use a little luggage lock & put it through the zippers on the back of my backpack to add security. Never had a problem. You can find them at camera stores or on-line. Happy travels.

If you are a photography hobbyist who has to have large, full-featured photo equipment, take the advice above. I'm just a simple point-and-shoot traveler. For me, the smaller the camera the better.

Lately I've taken to using only a video camera since I get a lot more joy out of a 10-second video pan of each area I visit, with sound, than a still photo with no sound.

I use a JVC hard disk camcorder that takes both video and still photos and is small enough to carry in my front pocket where I can both keep an eye on it and easily get to it when I want it.

I generally travel in hiking pants that have zippered pockets on each thigh in addition to the usual front and rear pockets, so I have lots of easy-to-watch storage. This lets me carry a little spending money, a credit card, my cell phone, and my camera all in zippered front pockets. Other credit cards, more cash, and passport are in a sweat-proof ziplock bag in my money belt.

I can't imagine having to get into a backpack every time I want to take a photo or put my camera away! If I had to do that, I'd end up just carrying the camera in my hand most of the time, or rarely using it.

I wouldn't put anything on my back or in a rear pocket unless I'm out away from the crowds where I know I won't be bothered by thieves.

Maybe it's just me but "backpack" and "pickpocket-proof" are somewhat mutually exclusive. Maybe I'm just clumsy but when I was in school I'd leave my backpack unzipped all the time and never would've known til a friend let me know. For myself, I just bought a Crumpler bag for my new DSLR. It's not maybe the "most economical" solution but from the outside it looks like a regular messenger bag (they have backpack styles too) but inside it's a nice padded camera bag with incredibly secure velcros.

James,

It would help to know what type of "digital camera" you'll be using? Is this a smaller P&S model or a full sized dSLR? The "best way" to carry a Camera will depend on which type you're using.

I always travel with a larger dSLR and usually just carry it out in the open or tucked under one arm. I prefer not to take a Daypack when touring. It would be extremely inconvenient to have to take the Pack off and retrieve the Camera every time I wanted to take a picture.

Cheers!

I only have a point and shoot digital camera. So maybe a backpack isn't very convenient. I'll let my girlfriend carry the digital camera and I can carry the video camera.

Hi James,

I like using the Pac Safe bags. I used the Pac Safe 200 which is a messenger type one. It was really easy to carry...my husband and I would just take turns wearing it crossbody. If you need something for your video camera that would work good.

Have a great trip!

Nowadays, I only buy travel cameras that can fit in my front shirt pocket. And, therefore, I only buy travel shirts with a front pocket button or zipper

when i travel i always take a small digital camera and a video camera...i am always switching and using different daypacks but all similar in nature...i always use a backpack daypack to store my cameras when i am out and about...i like rick's civita pack but not much padding which is also the brilliance of this pack...strong yet light...a great pack but if you want something thicker i have also used an eagle creek daypack and a smaller rugged columbia backpack...maybe i am naive but i have never felt i was going to be pickpocketed with a backpack while moving...when stationary i will slide off and hold and keep in front of me...plus using garbage bag ties to keep your zips locked is a nice deterrent if one so chooses...that will frustrate a quick getaway artist...

James, I also have a smaller point-and-shoot camera, so I went to a camera store and bought a small case that has a loop I put my belt thru. It's pretty secure, and its more comfortable (to me) to carry extra weight on my belt than in a pants cargo pocket or a shirt pocket.

As for backpacks, you can invest a lot in the kind that can't be cut. But realistically the chances are pretty low of encountering thieves that cut your bag off of its straps; I don't think I've ever seen a post here by someone reporting that happening to them and not a story about someone's sister's neighbor. A more likely concern is the "grab-n-run" or the use of distraction. For example your backpack is on the chair next to you at a cafe; you hear some angry shouting 15 feet away, looks like a fistfight is about to break out! No punches are thrown, but when you look back at your table again your backpack is gone. When I'm sitting anywhere with my RS Civitas bag (which I think is great) I put a leg through one of the straps.

Just an added tip that may be obvious to most...I was holding my camera while taping something and a thief ran up and grabbed it right out of my hand, he had a very strong hold on it, and kept running...Luckily, I had the strap around my wrist and and he didn't get it. It never dawned on me someone would actually try to grab it out of my hand while I was using it and I'm only lucky I was using the wrist strap. I've noticed, ever since then, that most people don't use the wrist strap when taking photos or video.

The post immediately above reminds me of this:

Once in a metro station in Paris, two strong-arm young fellows suddenly appeared walking beside my wife and, out in the open, attempted to reach into my wife's zippered camera bag.

That's the last time I ever made the mistake of getting ahead of her--I guess they're looking for Americans with expensive goodies, and if it's a woman who appears to be alone, she's even more of a target.

Now we hold hands in metro and train stations. It's safer, and more romantic--all thanks to those two young strong arm thieves (thanks guys).

pacsafe also makes a strap with an aircraft grade wire inside the strap if you would rather just carry camera around you neck.

I am kinda in the same situation. I just have a medium sized point and shoot camera. I am carrying a slingbag that was recommended here... the Pacsafe Metro 200, but I wanted to have my camera readily available to shoot quickly.

I found a neck strap and wrist strap that is made with leather and reinforced metal wire that connects to the tripod port on the bottom of your camera. I would think that is going to be as good as it gets other than putting it in a backpack.

All very good ideas. My personal belief is that you should carry whatever bag you're comfortable with. Just keep your eyes on the camera and the bag at all times. I also generally keep my dSLR on a neck strap and under my arm when not in use.

I have used the Pacsafe neckstrap and it works fine although the neck padding is a little small for my large neck.

I use a SlingShot 200 http://products.lowepro.com/product/SlingShot-200-AW,2035,4.htm

It holds a lot (including snacks!) and it is quick to swing around and get your camera out or change lens! Love it. Before this I only carried a pocket camera, but this bag convinced me a could make a SLR handy. In risky situations you can move the bag to the front (and when you want to ware your RS backpack) and the case is under your direct control.

You can see my pictures at http://www.gadtravel.com