Camera Bag

Wanda, I use a LowePro Nova 4 bag to store my D-SLR Camera and Lenses when I'm travelling from one location to another, but when I'm out touring the Camera is always "in the open". I prefer to have it easily accessible, rather than have to retrieve it from a bag every time I want to take a photo. I mainly use two Lenses when touring - a 24-105 medium range zoom and a 10-22 wide angle. I pack the second Lens in my Vest, along with a spare Battery and a few accessories. As the others have said, it's important to always use the strap either in a cross-body configuration or firmly around one shoulder. I usually keep one hand on the Camera also, especially in the Metro or other crowded locations. When I sit down for a hot meal, the Camera is on top of the table but I always loop the strap through one arm. I have in the past also used a mini-Carabiner and snapped it to the table. If I'm sitting with my back in a corner (where I can see people approaching), I relax the security precautions a bit. As there are two of you, it will be easier to watch people around you and make note of anyone that looks "dodgy". Happy travels!

Hi Wanda, My husband brought his Sony DSLR and 2 additional lenses on our recent trip to Italy. He used a camera backpack and felt very comfortable carrying it around. He got the kind that has the side zip so you don't have to completely take it off to change out lenses. The back pack isn't so "camera bag" looking either. We didn't feel threatened at all. If there were times when we were in a crowded area he would tell me to keep an eye open to make sure no one got too close. It wasn't ever a problem. Just take your precautions and don't leave it alone anywhere and you should be fine.

You'll be fine while you're carrying it as long as you're wearing the strap across your body so it can't be pulled off you easily. The risk is when you set it down, either to take a photo or to grab a bite to eat. Put your foot through the strap and that should take care of that. And of course, be aware of your surroundings.

I just carry my camera in my day bag if I'm not using it at all. It's relatively safe there as removing it is more noticeable than lifting a wallet. You don't want to carry more than one bag either. But normally the camera is around my neck, as I'm always ready to take a photo. I only have one multi-purpose lense, but keep your other lense accessible or you won't hardly use it. The biggest risk is setting it down. Always keep it tethered to your body at cafes and restaurants; never setting on a table or slung over a chair. Same goes for purses and backpacks.

These responses make me feel so much better. I imagine I'll have it out and in use most of the time, too!! I've learned so much from all of you! Thank you!!

Nikon and canon use their straps to advertise, and are not comfortable long term. I'd suggest getting a third party camera strap. Look for one that allows for a longer strap to be over your neck, with the camera still sit comfortably just above your right hip. Kata, crumpler are two international brands. They are padded, with more surface area. Yes they may be $40 usd but worth every bit of it for your neck. Second lens can sit in your regular day bag take a pair of big hiking socks if you haven't got a lens bag.
Regards Gerard

This may be too late for your trip, but perhaps helpful for someone else. My husband and I were in Rome last Oct., for the fourth time. We traveled to Florence as well. While I haven't been to Venice in over 10 years, my comments apply to that time. I will preface my advice by saying that since 1982 we have traveled to Europe 1-2 times a year and, with one exception ( Milan in the early 90s) have never had a problem with safety/ pickpockets/scams, etc. We take the precautions suggested on this site and have been very fortunate. So...that said, we travel with a camera and another lens ( in a camera case which my husband carries for me).I use my camera constantly and stop often in a public space to change lenses. We have never had an incident with someone trying to steal my camera ( or anything else) in Italy. I have read many comments about theft in the Europe but I have felt comfortable and safe carrying my camera on my shoulder. We don't carry valuables in the camera case.
I am traveling to Naples in Oct. and will admit that I am concerned about carrying my camera but have been advised as I am advising you: just be cautios and aware but have a great time and don't stop photographing!

@Allyson, I wondered all over Naples with a large D-SLR Camera, and had no problems. Some of the time I was with a group, and other times I was on my own. I agree that it's a good idea to be vigilant, especially in Naples. As you will be travelling with your husband, both of you can watch those around you and hopefully spot anyone that looks a bit "dodgy". If you leave your Camera in the room (ie: going out for the evening) be sure to take the Memory Card in your Money Belt. If the Camera is stolen, at least you'll still have your photos. Happy travels!

Thanks,Allyson. I did not see your response until today - we returned from our trip to Italy on Friday evening. I agree with you. I carried my Nikon around my neck almost all of the daytime. I had bought a new camera bag that was slimmer and rested closer to my body and had a long enough strap to wear cross body. When I was focused on one area (i.e. Piazza Navona and the Pantheon) taking pictures, my husband carried the camera bag. Most nights, I left the Nikon in the safe in the Hotel and carried my Sony Cybershot in a small cross-body purse. The only time my camera was "threatened" (and that was the Sony) was at the Trevi Fountain. My husband spotted five or six young men working the fountain offering to take photos with the person's camera. When one approached us, my husband sternly said "no" which surprised me. Then I realized what was happening. I later saw a young couple having to pay to get their camera back. I did get "taken" advantage of - perhaps - boarding the train in Florence. A young man took my suitcase from me as I was lifting it to get on the train and got on, put the bag in an overhead bin close to where my seat was. A few minutes later he came back saying - "I helped you with your bag." I knew then what had happened and gave him a Euro.