How can i secure my camera?

Ceakoth · Dec 2, 2007

Hi guys, I'm pretty new to these forums, but I'm going on a trip to Italy in a few weeks and was wondering if you had some suggestions as to how i could keep my camera safe from getting stolen while I'm there. I considered leaving my camera behind, but realized that it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to photograph some beautiful locations. Thanks for the help!

Sw1tchFX · Dec 2, 2007

get insurance and don't' worry about it.

Sideburns · Dec 2, 2007

is your camera that expensive?
If it's a really expensive camera...get insurance on it. If not...don't worry about it.

Plus, a camera is not the first thing I'd be looking to steal if I'm a thief. It's all about wallets and purses.

RyanLilly · Dec 2, 2007

Keep the damn thing around you neck 24/7, you will probably be using it all the time right?

If you decide not to take it out with you, leaving it in you hotel should be safe.

Garbz · Dec 2, 2007

If it's a trip why not get travel insurance that can cover anything that happens while you're in Italy, including but not limited to theft or damage to the camera.

patrickt · Dec 2, 2007

A. Don't put it in your checked luggage.
B. Don't leave it in your hotel room.
C. Don't leave it on a table in a cafe while you go to the bathroom.

In my opinion, professional thieves rarely want cameras unless it's really something special. If it were to be taken it would be a crime of opportunity by a kid.

table1349 · Dec 2, 2007

Perhaps something like this, along with the advise already given.
http://www.amazon.com/Pacsafe-Carrysafe-Travel-Camera-Strap/dp/B000FGWPXE/ref=tag_stp_st_edpp_ttl

Antithesis · Dec 2, 2007

I was worried about this on my trip to Costa Rica last summer, as I'd just gotten my first dSLR and I wanted to be really careful with it. After a little inquiry, I found out that a lot of travel insurance companies are more geared towards personal injury and the like. The good news: if you have renters or home-owners insurance, they will cover the theft of a camera, even out of country. Renters insurance is much cheaper than travel insurance, you just have to check with your provider and find out what your policy will cover.

Another thing, just for peace of mind: Try and find hotel rooms with safes, it's good to lock up your most valuable stuff. I was able to keep my laptop locked up for most of the trip, and my camera when I wasn't using it (which was rare). Keep your camera bag on your person, only set it down at your feet and keep an eye on it. I know it sounds paranoid, but an ounce of prevention...

snra786 · Dec 3, 2007

Keep it strapped around your neck, don't take a backpack, use a side bag.
You should be ok; especially since you're camera shouldn't be out of your hands with all the beautiful pictures that you can take in Italy.

jstuedle · Dec 3, 2007

Antithesis said:
Another thing, just for peace of mind: Try and find hotel rooms with safes, it's good to lock up your most valuable stuff. I was able to keep my laptop locked up for most of the trip, and my camera when I wasn't using it (which was rare). Keep your camera bag on your person, only set it down at your feet and keep an eye on it. I know it sounds paranoid, but an ounce of prevention...

And hand cuff yourself to your gadget bag too. Can't hurt.

Really, just keep an eye on it and keep it close. I got in the habit of having the strap around my foot when I sit the bag on the floor. If you only have your camera, put it on the table when you sit down to eat. The closer the better.

DSLR noob · Dec 3, 2007

superglue the viewfinder to your face the re-enforce with duct tape. You'll look a little funny but you'll always be ready to take pictures!

usayit · Dec 3, 2007

If they want that camera bad enough, thieves will get that camera. You can secure it to yourself all you want but that doesn't protect you from a mugging.

Just get insurance and not worry about it. other than that... just think common sense and stay inconspicuous.

Things I personally keep in mind.
- Don't leave it laying around or make it obvious in plain view.
- Don't leave it unsecured in hotel room.
- Don't use a bag that is obviously a camera bag (camera backpack for example). I use regular messenger bags (the gap clothing store) with foam inserts.
- I never put valuables into a car and walk away. Once I take the camera out, I don't re-stow them in the car until I'm ready to leave (or move) the car. Many find it way easier to break into a car than trying to steal from a person... It is common for them to stake out potential victims in parking lots during high shopping times (Xmas for example).
- I generally prefer to keep the camera strapped to my hand not my neck which reminds me to return the camera to the bag once I'm done.

RyanLilly · Dec 3, 2007

jstuedle said:
And hand cuff yourself to your gadget bag too. Can't hurt. Really, just keep an eye on it and keep it close. I got in the habit of having the strap around my foot when I sit the bag on the floor. If you only have your camera, put it on the table when you sit down to eat. The closer the better.

I do the same thing at school if I decide to crash in the student center between classes. I'm a light enough sleeper that it works quite well. Although I wouldn't recommend taking a nap on some street corner in Italy. :wink:

Also keep you passport and money somewhere against your body and under some clothing, I the case that someone did swipe you bag, you wouldn't want to loose all of your important papers all at once.

Johnboy2978 · Dec 3, 2007

When I was there, I kept mine around my neck. When I was in Naples, a cop stopped me and told me that in addition to having it around my neck, to have one or preferably both hands on it, b/c many thieves will come behind you, cut the strap and be gone w/ it. Also don't be so conscious of losing the camera that thieves have a chance to get your wallet or worse yet, your passport. There were several people in Rome with us who had their passports stolen.