my photos of Italy

Great photos. What kind of camera did you use in Italy? I'll be heading ot Italy next year and can't wait for it.

Great pictures. We accidentally saw the sunset at the Spanish Steps too. We had gone up to the top for dinner reservations and were very suprised by the sunset views over St. Peter's. We only got 2 good shots before the sun was gone, but you got many. Did you know to go for it or did you just luck out like we did?

I use a Canon rebel xti with just the regular lense. I spent almost as much on the camera as the trip. LOL

As far as the shot of the spanish step sunset I had no clue that was there. I had just finished photographing the villa borghese area and was hoping it was around the corner because I had been up about 30 hrs straight. It made for a nice surprise. Check back every day I am adding about 20 photos a day after work.

I also bought an expensive camera for my recent travels to Alaska (Olympus E-510 SLR.) But I'm wary about taking it to Italy on my upcoming Christmas vacation. I was thinking of taking a small camera I can just slip in my pocket rather than walk around with a camera around my neck. Am I just paranoid about the potential for theves in Italy?

To address Robert's concern...one of the books recommended putting black tape over the name brand on your camera. I had a Nikon D50 so placed black tape everywhere it said Nikon and even on the "D50". The idea behind it is that from a distance a thief will think it's a cheap generic camera. And I think it worked, people would ask me what kind of camera I had as they couldn't tell what it was. And thankfully no one tried to steal it :D

Melanie -- lovely photos, glad I caught them before going (we leave Thursday). I didn't know about the Scavi Tour. Even though it's close, I'm going to see if we can get a tour.

If you are parinoid about your camera I suggest going to www.rei.com or www.pacsafe.com and purchasing a slash proof camera strap or a backpack for it. I had no problems. I kept the strap looped around my fingers all the time or put it inside my bag. I don't care if the view screen gets scratched its just plastic as long as I have great photos thats all that matters. You WILL be Sorry if you don't take it with you. Trust me take it. Be a tourist in your area for a day and practice carrying your camera aound all day. I also have my little cannon elf and take that everywhere. i just left the large camera in my room if I went to a bar or somewhere at night I didn't want to take it in. I did though feel like I had a huge flashing sign that said "Tourist here" over my head but had no problems with pickpockets or anything. Email me if you have any questions [email protected]

Thanks Deborah glad you guys enjoyed my photos good luck on the scavi tour. By the way no photos in the scavi tour they won't allow you to take any.

Ps... You don't want to put anything in your pockets if you can help it thats why they are called "pick pockets". Get a metro or day bag many men/"guys" carry them around with no problems. Much safer and stay away from the fanny packs PLEASE! Don't stress over it too much. Just be aware of your surroundings and watch out for women carrying plastic babies!

Melanie, Thank you for allowing us to see your pictures. It brought back some pleasant memories.

For Robert: I take my good Canon Rebel everywhere I go - I keep it around my neck or in the back pack. I don't worry about theives - I just have a good time... If you are aware of where you are and walk with confidence you will be fine.

FYI - I've been to far more scary places right here in the USA than abroad (Italy, Nepal, Thialand, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Arctic...)

Thanks for all the great replies. I think I WILL take my good SLR to Italy and my little pocket camera for those time when I want to be under the radar. I'm sure I won't be the only tourist there.