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Any suggestions for theft resistant camera bag?

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mmelgar

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We're going to be traveling in some very touristy areas of Rome and throughout Italy, France and Barcelona this summer. I'm concerned about my new 400D being swiped when we're in crowded areas as I've heard this can be a problem. I could leave it home but then whats the point of having it. BAckpacks seem like an invitation to thieves. Leaving it hanging over the shoulder all the time doesn't seem like a great option either. Are there bags specially designed for this problem? What about something that would hang more at the side than in the back?

People travel all the time with their cameras. What solutions have you come up with?
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Mike

http://www.liquidartgallery.com

'Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.' - malcolm forbes
 
There's a good chance that the place you are going will have at least * some * people with similar equipment... and those with kit bags with ' canon' or 'nikon' plastered all over them make them the obvious targets for a thief.

the other problem in addition to theft is absent mindedly walking away from you kit bag if an opportune photo op presents its self.

Instead of slinging the camera 'over' your shoulder, I'd be inclined to wear it like a garland, so that way it's always in front of you.

It's a fact of life that places like where you are visting are going to have an element of opportunist thiefs, so be vigilant and the more obvious you make it that your equipment is secure and watched at all times, the harder a target it might make you.

But it would be a darn shame to visit places like where you are visiting and not taking your kit with you :-)

Be safe and take lots of good shots :-)
--
Time flies like an arrow...fruit flies like a bannana...
 
Thanks for the advice bluefox. I've never really liked hanging my camera in front. You always have to remember its there when you lean forward or it swings out and smashes into something. I usually sling it around my neck and to the side so its hanging under my arm. The problem with this approach is that youhave to go through all kinds of girations to get it up to your eye and sometimes I miss the shot.

I always thought a bag that hung the same way ( around your neck but at your side) with a pocket towards the front might give the best of all worlds - comfort, protection, and accesability. It would be like a sachel but with the opening toward the front instead of on the top for easier access to the camera.

Does anyone make something like this or do I have to go out and invent it myself :-)

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Mike

http://www.liquidartgallery.com

'Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.' - malcolm forbes
 
When travelling, I use a brightly colored diaper bag for packing around my camera. A thief should think twice about, "is there a camera inside or a bunch of soiled diapers?"
 
It would be a shame to go to Rome without a camera. My wife went Jan 06 and instead of giving her my 300D, I bought her a Canon A610. I was afraid Rebel would be to much to carry around all day and was not sure the camera would come back in one piece if at all. Good call on my part. The A610 lasted one day in Rome before she cracked the LCD. She still was able to use the view finder on auto and all I can say is there is no lack of photo opportunities in Rome.

I remember reading on this site someone recommended using a baby's diaper bag instead of a camera bag to carry your gear. I have the Lowepro 200 slingshot and if left in the front sling position it would be very secure. The sling position would also be comfortable when sitting down. It also has two zippers which close the camera compartment which could be locked together.

I have the XTI with a Promaster hand grip strap ($11) and Opteka battery grip. The hand strap is great with or without the battery grip. I find it much more comfortable to carry the camera with the hand grip than neck strap. Just got the battery grip with 2 batteries from Amazon for $89. It is great when using portrait orientation and the extra battery life is a bonus.
 
Thanks Bob and Motorboat. I got a real laugh out of the diaper bag suggestion. Can't think of a better theft deterent than that :-). I think my diaper bag days are behind me though. I'll take a look at the Lowepro 200 slingshot. That looks like a good option.
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Mike

http://www.liquidartgallery.com

'Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.' - malcolm forbes
 
I have a Crumpler 4 million dollar home and it's very inconspicuous, well made and slings over your shoulder like a satchel. Your description of how you would like your bag to work is very much how I use my bag. I can even drive around without taking it off at times and it's not uncomfortable.
http://www.crumplerbags.com

By the way, I travel quite a bit in S. America and it's never been a problem atracting thieves. 'Knock on wood'.

Diaper bag is a good idea too though.
 
First of all, sorry to hear about your S9000 command dial problem. The same thing happened to me but it was under warranty so I had it fixed, sold it, and moved on to the Rebel XT.

I recently came back from a 2 week trip to Costa Rica where expensive camera gear can be a target for thieves. I used the Tamrac Adventure 9 backpack. It looks like a regular backpack so it doesn't draw too much attention. The camera compartment zips closed and there are three straps that buckle around it so anybody would have to undo all three straps and unzip the bag to get in there. If I was ever really concerned I could also put a small combo lock through the zipper pulls to lock it up but I never had to do that. I always kept my eye on my bag and didn't have a problem.

No matter what bag you choose, you'll need to watch all the time. The moment that you think you have nothing to worry about is the moment you open yourself up for heartbreak.

--
Fotoriffic

Equipment in profile.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like getting to the camera would be like breaking into fort knox. Thats the hard part. Finding the right combination of security and accessibility.
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Mike

http://www.liquidartgallery.com

'Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.' - malcolm forbes
 
I second the crumpler bag option since I have the 4 Million Dollar Home as well; it looks like a regular bag. The only thing that might hint it is a camera bag is that it is thick because of the padding. As long as you sling it over your head and on the opposite shoulder you should be fine. Then again, I'm from NYC so we tend to have a sixth sense about shady activity. (mostly a joke)

However, I suggest you get a slightly larger bag since the 4 Million can BARELY hold an XT, 17-40L attached, and an EF 70-200 lens. For upgrade purposes you should look at least the 5 Million dollar home. There should be extra space in the 5Mil for a bottle of water or something so taking that out of the bag from time to time should suggest to others it is just carrying stuff rather than expensive equipment.

Oh yeah...the velcro on the crumpler bags hold quite well. I remember running for the subway thinking that I had clipped it closed only to realize I was running full speed with only the velcro holding everything in place.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. That looks like a good option. Being from NY all my life as well, I realize nothing replaces a good awareness of your surroundings, but thinking ahead and being prepared comes in a close second.
--



Mike

http://www.liquidartgallery.com

'Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.' - malcolm forbes
 
Well I took the plunge and bought the Crumpler 4 million dollar home and it seems pretty close to what I was looking for. The bag is easy to get the camera in and out of ( just velcro and a clip, no zippers to bother with) and its not as boxy or bulky as my regular camera bag. It easily hangs at your side making it easier to keep an eye on than if it were in a backpack. There's enough room in there for my canon Xti and my mini video cam or an extra lens with pocket space for extra batteries and extra memory cards.

There's not a lot of extra room, but thats what I wanted. Something that had just enough room for what I really needed to carry around and not a bit more.
--



Mike

http://www.liquidartgallery.com

'Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.' - malcolm forbes
 
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