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Angryoak said:
This! Especially if you have a new for old policy. If you find yourself mugged, you file a police report, pay a deductible and get an upgrade to the latest kit.
Obviously it pays to be aware of your surroundings, but there's much to be said for not acting like you are in a dangerous part of town. If you are confident and comfortable then I believe you are much less likely to be targeted. If you stick out like a nervous tourist then you'll be treated as such.
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SPG
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Ignoring the "danger" or perceived danger, you may want to take a look at any of the recent G series cameras. RAW, small, good controls, less obtrusive than a DSLR. In fact to the untrained eye, a G camera looks like a really old point and shoot since it doesn't look like a modern sleek small camera. Shooting travel with my G-9 tends to attract much less attention than my 7D, and thus producing more natural shots if people are walking past.
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aeturnum
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In regards to those advising you to carry a concealed weapon, if you take that route be sure to be proficient with the weapon you choose to carry. If you lose your camera, you're out a few thousand dollars, but you raise the stakes when you arm yourself. Improperly handling a situation could result in you hurting yourself or someone else unnecessarily (which has its own financial and legal burdens). Personally, I don't think the increased risk is worth the money you might save, but there are plenty who don't agree with me 
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mjp
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As we have no idea where you're going, the type of 'dangerous places' vary from country to country. If you're travelling abroad (even if you're not), absolutely do not carry a concealed weapon - in many countries you'll be facing a lot more troubles than lost camera gear if you go this route and are caught. I see no reason why you should not just carry the 5DII and take along a simple street shooter like a Fuji X100, Xpro1, OM-D, etc. I've been to many questionable areas in North America as well as overseas and have never had a problem with people wanting to steal my camera gear. Not to say it won't happen. Good luck.
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SPG
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As this conversation is veering back towards the notion of dangerous areas and the potential of getting robbed, a few key points...
1. Carrying a firearm is a ludicrous suggestion for most people in most places. Yeah, I know...2nd amedment, 'merica! and all that, but the reality is that the chances of you successfully defending yourself with a gun in any kind of street robbery are ridiculously slim. People who rob others depend on the element of surprise and speed. You won't have enough time to even get your hand to your gun. I'm not even anti gun in general, but the idea of a gun as a magic wand that makes bad situations disappear is simply ridiculous. The real world just doesn't work that way.
2. Don't be an easy target. One person with their eyes on a camera or slinking around looking lost will look like a vulnerable target. Two people walking with a purpose is a harder target. Three is a threat. Bring a friend. They can keep an eye out and watch your back while you're looking through the camera.
3. Know where you are and be aware of your surroundings. Know which direction you can run to get to a crowd of people.
4. Trust your instincts. Something doesn't feel right? You think that guy is sizing you up? Get out of there. Now.
5. Get insurance and don't worry about the gear if you get robbed.
6. NEVER, as in never ever not even for a couple minutes leave your gear in a car. Ever. That is the number one target and the number one place where cameras are stolen. Out of sight in the trunk? Nope. Any thief spotting tourist locations will size you up and break into your car looking for your luggage and laptop. The cameras are a nice bonus for them.
7. Travel light so you can bring it with you and not look like your mounting an Everest expedition complete with a team of Sherpas.
1. Carrying a firearm is a ludicrous suggestion for most people in most places. Yeah, I know...2nd amedment, 'merica! and all that, but the reality is that the chances of you successfully defending yourself with a gun in any kind of street robbery are ridiculously slim. People who rob others depend on the element of surprise and speed. You won't have enough time to even get your hand to your gun. I'm not even anti gun in general, but the idea of a gun as a magic wand that makes bad situations disappear is simply ridiculous. The real world just doesn't work that way.
2. Don't be an easy target. One person with their eyes on a camera or slinking around looking lost will look like a vulnerable target. Two people walking with a purpose is a harder target. Three is a threat. Bring a friend. They can keep an eye out and watch your back while you're looking through the camera.
3. Know where you are and be aware of your surroundings. Know which direction you can run to get to a crowd of people.
4. Trust your instincts. Something doesn't feel right? You think that guy is sizing you up? Get out of there. Now.
5. Get insurance and don't worry about the gear if you get robbed.
6. NEVER, as in never ever not even for a couple minutes leave your gear in a car. Ever. That is the number one target and the number one place where cameras are stolen. Out of sight in the trunk? Nope. Any thief spotting tourist locations will size you up and break into your car looking for your luggage and laptop. The cameras are a nice bonus for them.
7. Travel light so you can bring it with you and not look like your mounting an Everest expedition complete with a team of Sherpas.
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Our company does photography of historic structures in So. Cal. and that leads to being in some interesting areas. We have found out that many gangs are very unhappy about having their turf or members photographed. Gang members are NOT intimidated by two or three people. The only thing I would advise, other than not going, is to have a clear destination and get out of the area in under three minutes. Not a bad idea to have a driver at the wheel with the engine going. I would also recommend that you not "cruise" slowly down any streets in gang areas. My two cents.
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This really depends on what you term "dangerous areas". Last year I travelled with my full gear (5D3, 7D, several L lenses, tripod) to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Never once did I feel unsafe. I have also been to Turkey, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Oman, UAE, Mexico, and China in the last few years and never had an issue with my gear. The only time I felt a bit nervous was in Peru - but even then only in Lima.
While I was travelling in Uzbekistan, I ran across two guys with had taken their SLRs on motorcycle trips throughout Asia and Europe. One guy had been to every single country in Europe and was on his way from Germany to China and another guy had biked in numerous countries in Africa and was on his way from Bulgaria to somewhere in Siberia.
So when you use the term "dangerous", do you mean somewhere truly dangerous or somewhere you simply perceive as dangerous? Southern Iraq, parts of Afghanistan, bad neighborhoods in Brazil, and large parts of Somalia are truly dangerous. If you are going to those places, the safety of your DSLR will be the least of your concerns. If you are travelling there, you will have someone who is managing your personal safety.
Assuming that your travel destination is not truly dangerous, but you are just perceiving it as such, your real issue has to do with the way you are travelling. By backpacking you put your equipment in numerous situations where it may be stolen. It really doesn't matter whether you are travelling with an XTi + kit lens or a 1Dx + L lens. Thieves rarely know the difference between different models. They just see a DSLR that may be an easy target. In terms of camera equipment, therefore, my recommendation is to bring the best you can. You likely will not be visiting these places again any time soon.
In terms of making sure whatever you bring is not stolen, the following are my recommendations.
- Learn the local language, especially if you will spend a lot of time in one place. This shows respect to your hosts and you are less of a target when you show respect.
- Learn the customs of your area and obey them. If local customs frown on photographing women, do not do it.
- Safeguard whatever is on you at all times. When you sit down, wrap the straps of your backpack around your leg or chair. Never leave anything of value unattended - even for a second.
- Be gracious with questions on your gear. Do not shy away from questions on how much your gear costs. People are just curious. Be friendly, but of course never hand your camera over if they want to see it.
- Consult with locals on where it is OK to go and where it is not OK.
- If you can afford it, stay in better hotels. In most better hotels you can leave your gear in your room and no one will take it. Of course, this by definition is not backpacking.
- Trust the companions you happen across as much as you trust strangers with your gear. You are more likely to have your gear stolen by a fellow traveller than by a local.
- Make sure you bag is not easy to open from the back and that it is well strapped to you.
While I was travelling in Uzbekistan, I ran across two guys with had taken their SLRs on motorcycle trips throughout Asia and Europe. One guy had been to every single country in Europe and was on his way from Germany to China and another guy had biked in numerous countries in Africa and was on his way from Bulgaria to somewhere in Siberia.
So when you use the term "dangerous", do you mean somewhere truly dangerous or somewhere you simply perceive as dangerous? Southern Iraq, parts of Afghanistan, bad neighborhoods in Brazil, and large parts of Somalia are truly dangerous. If you are going to those places, the safety of your DSLR will be the least of your concerns. If you are travelling there, you will have someone who is managing your personal safety.
Assuming that your travel destination is not truly dangerous, but you are just perceiving it as such, your real issue has to do with the way you are travelling. By backpacking you put your equipment in numerous situations where it may be stolen. It really doesn't matter whether you are travelling with an XTi + kit lens or a 1Dx + L lens. Thieves rarely know the difference between different models. They just see a DSLR that may be an easy target. In terms of camera equipment, therefore, my recommendation is to bring the best you can. You likely will not be visiting these places again any time soon.
In terms of making sure whatever you bring is not stolen, the following are my recommendations.
- Learn the local language, especially if you will spend a lot of time in one place. This shows respect to your hosts and you are less of a target when you show respect.
- Learn the customs of your area and obey them. If local customs frown on photographing women, do not do it.
- Safeguard whatever is on you at all times. When you sit down, wrap the straps of your backpack around your leg or chair. Never leave anything of value unattended - even for a second.
- Be gracious with questions on your gear. Do not shy away from questions on how much your gear costs. People are just curious. Be friendly, but of course never hand your camera over if they want to see it.
- Consult with locals on where it is OK to go and where it is not OK.
- If you can afford it, stay in better hotels. In most better hotels you can leave your gear in your room and no one will take it. Of course, this by definition is not backpacking.
- Trust the companions you happen across as much as you trust strangers with your gear. You are more likely to have your gear stolen by a fellow traveller than by a local.
- Make sure you bag is not easy to open from the back and that it is well strapped to you.
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aldvan
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A gun in unskilled hands is a further target for robbery. Bad people know very well how difficult is pulling the trigger for regular people. In the best case you can find yourself robbed of your camera AND of your gun, by a bad guy who, a that point could be really enraged by your naive menace. But this is just academic, since, if you are passinf a border, in every part of the world, nobody will allow you to pass carrying a weapon.
Camera conditions, make or model don't represent a deterrent. Any camera (or watch, cell etc) is a target, in some areas.
I don't know, as other before me stated, what you intend for dangerous areas, so it is difficult to say if is a good idea to travel there or not. Very very dangerous places apart (let me say, where kidnapping or slaughtering are common practices), I never restrain myself to go everywhere. I travelled in many very dangerous area, I twice I stopped people trying to bag or pocket snatching me (Once in Sao Paulo, once in Hong Kong). The only advice that I can give is acting grayer you can. Low profile, no flashy clothes, avoid both the macho than the fearful attitude. Don't forget that, as many others said before me, people in poor areas usually don't like being photographed, even less if they have bad intentions, but a kind and respectful approach, asking for permission, is an effective strategy, not only correct but also getting you a good cooperation , pass by the subject. If they say no, skip over...
Camera conditions, make or model don't represent a deterrent. Any camera (or watch, cell etc) is a target, in some areas.
I don't know, as other before me stated, what you intend for dangerous areas, so it is difficult to say if is a good idea to travel there or not. Very very dangerous places apart (let me say, where kidnapping or slaughtering are common practices), I never restrain myself to go everywhere. I travelled in many very dangerous area, I twice I stopped people trying to bag or pocket snatching me (Once in Sao Paulo, once in Hong Kong). The only advice that I can give is acting grayer you can. Low profile, no flashy clothes, avoid both the macho than the fearful attitude. Don't forget that, as many others said before me, people in poor areas usually don't like being photographed, even less if they have bad intentions, but a kind and respectful approach, asking for permission, is an effective strategy, not only correct but also getting you a good cooperation , pass by the subject. If they say no, skip over...
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Did anyone seriously suggest a gun? I didn't see it.
Physicx, I don't think you have commented since the first post. Where are you going that you think will be dangerous?
Physicx, I don't think you have commented since the first post. Where are you going that you think will be dangerous?
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kirispupis said:This really depends on what you term "dangerous areas". Last year I travelled with my full gear (5D3, 7D, several L lenses, tripod) to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Never once did I feel unsafe. I have also been to Turkey, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Oman, UAE, Mexico, and China in the last few years and never had an issue with my gear. The only time I felt a bit nervous was in Peru - but even then only in Lima.
While I was travelling in Uzbekistan, I ran across two guys with had taken their SLRs on motorcycle trips throughout Asia and Europe. One guy had been to every single country in Europe and was on his way from Germany to China and another guy had biked in numerous countries in Africa and was on his way from Bulgaria to somewhere in Siberia.
So when you use the term "dangerous", do you mean somewhere truly dangerous or somewhere you simply perceive as dangerous? Southern Iraq, parts of Afghanistan, bad neighborhoods in Brazil, and large parts of Somalia are truly dangerous. If you are going to those places, the safety of your DSLR will be the least of your concerns. If you are travelling there, you will have someone who is managing your personal safety.
Assuming that your travel destination is not truly dangerous, but you are just perceiving it as such, your real issue has to do with the way you are travelling. By backpacking you put your equipment in numerous situations where it may be stolen. It really doesn't matter whether you are travelling with an XTi + kit lens or a 1Dx + L lens. Thieves rarely know the difference between different models. They just see a DSLR that may be an easy target. In terms of camera equipment, therefore, my recommendation is to bring the best you can. You likely will not be visiting these places again any time soon.
In terms of making sure whatever you bring is not stolen, the following are my recommendations.
- Learn the local language, especially if you will spend a lot of time in one place. This shows respect to your hosts and you are less of a target when you show respect.
- Learn the customs of your area and obey them. If local customs frown on photographing women, do not do it.
- Safeguard whatever is on you at all times. When you sit down, wrap the straps of your backpack around your leg or chair. Never leave anything of value unattended - even for a second.
- Be gracious with questions on your gear. Do not shy away from questions on how much your gear costs. People are just curious. Be friendly, but of course never hand your camera over if they want to see it.
- Consult with locals on where it is OK to go and where it is not OK.
- If you can afford it, stay in better hotels. In most better hotels you can leave your gear in your room and no one will take it. Of course, this by definition is not backpacking.
- Trust the companions you happen across as much as you trust strangers with your gear. You are more likely to have your gear stolen by a fellow traveller than by a local.
- Make sure you bag is not easy to open from the back and that it is well strapped to you.
You had a 5D3 last year?
I suggest a point & shoot like a S95, S100 or a Lumix LX5
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Shamus1
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Ok, a couple points... If you are in a 'dangerous area', you might want to review your shots LATER, like at the hotel Might want to consider a S95 - S100 as it shoots RAW and when not shooting, put it in your pocket. Also there are camera bags that don't look like camera bags
Re the Hotel. I recently traveled with a dance group and after the show, left most of the gear in the hotel room and took a single body. How you ask? First insurance AND I brought Pelican cases. I secured them with bicycle heavy cables and large lock to the metal sink drain in the bathroom. They were also secured in the vehicle the same way, allowing leaving the gear briefly in an unattended to rest stop breaks. Might have lost a window, butu not the gear.
Might want to consider a S95 - S100 as it shoots RAW and when not shooting, put it in your pocket. Also there are camera bags that don't look like camera bags Re the Hotel. I recently traveled with a dance group and after the show, left most of the gear in the hotel room and took a single body. How you ask? First insurance AND I brought Pelican cases. I secured them with bicycle heavy cables and large lock to the metal sink drain in the bathroom. They were also secured in the vehicle the same way, allowing leaving the gear briefly in an unattended to rest stop breaks. Might have lost a window, butu not the gear.
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