On Wed, 03 Jul 2013 08:32:23 -0500, Dave S wrote:

Reading the thread "Looking for DSLR selection recommendation" shows
back-to-back reports of cameras being stolen.

I just returned from a trip to southern Europe. In Rome's central train
station we had an uncomfortable experience. We arrived at our platform
with our luggage about 9:30 AM for an 11:30 departure, and were the only
people on our platform. Two young men ran across tracks to our platform,
gesturing for me to accompany them into the tunnel to see the train
schedule. I, of course, did not follow, but my wife was concerned that
it was my DSLR camera which attracted the attention. During this 3-week
trip, my camera was constantly ready on a Blackrapid Sport harness.

My question is, do you hide your camera in "risky" situations?
If so, how do you do that? I don't bring my camera bag on air trips,
where I only carry my camera + walking-around lens because it's meant to
hold camera + three lenses, and would still advertise the presence of an
expensive camera.

What other steps do you take to feel secure with your camera?

Dave S.

On most of my journeys to foreign lands, I carry my DSLR in a
war-surplus khaki bag with a long strap that goes over my shoulder.
The bag also contains an extra lens, a water bottle, maps, GPS, and a
few other odds and ends. I don't think anybody would particularly
think there is anything valuable in the bag.

I get the camera out and shoot what I want to shoot, but when there is
nothing to shoot, it goes back in the bag.

In places like India, it is a lot of fun shooting people, and locals
will often spontaneously pose if they see a camera. So let the camera
dangle in view then if you want, in the right situations. When I shoot
kids in India, I work quickly and then stash the camera and leave
promptly before those charming kids start getting ideas.

Italy IMHO requires some additional security measures, because theft
is very common there.

Also, I would not use a very expensive camera for street photography
-- nothing more than a Canon Rebel or equivalent.

Be discreet and don't show off your gear.

W