After reading the thread about money belts (which I wear) and purses with metal wires in the straps, I wondered about camera bag safety. A quick web search shows that there are special camera straps.
Is camera bag theft as big a problem as pickpocketing in Europe these days? Has anyone bought a "theft-proof" camera bag or special camera strap?

I think carrying a "camera bag" could actually make you more of a target especially if you have good camera.

I travel with a Canon Digital Rebel. It does not go in a "special" bag but in my purse when not in use. I have replaced the Canon "DIGITAL" strap for something non-descript and black. In numerous trips to Europe (including some places where you hear all the "horror stories" occuring) I have never had a problem.

I don't think you can generalize about Europe. I have carried a large SLR with bright yellow "Nikon" lettering on the strap all over Paris and quite a bit of the rest of France and have never felt uncomfortable. When I move from place to place, such as on a bus or a subway, I carry it in a small black bag.

Anselm

I wish more Americans traveled more often so they would see that the world is full of wonderful people and that many many places are safer than the U.S. actually. If you are traveling to very poor communities or very crowded cities pick-pocketing is something to be aware of whether in the U.S. or elsewhere. Just take reasonable precautions when in these circumstances. Keep an eye on your stuff, put things in your front pockets etc etc. Otherwise don't worry so much about it and enjoy your trip.

Hi MS,

Your camera will be safe unless you set it down and take your eye off it.

I would like to point out the Digital Rebel is carried the exact same way when I travel within the US. I don't think anyplace is a good place to advertise that I am carrying around over a thousand dollars worth of equipment.

MS,

Glad to see your post...you beat me to the question. I will be traveling with a good digital camera and was also concerned about the best way to protect it. I just bought a small purse to carry guidebook, kleenex, paper and pen, etc. which I will use in addition to a money belt. The camera will not fit in the purse. I have a fairly small camera bag (7x7x4&quotthat I generally carry. If I put the long strap across my chest so there is no chance of sliding off my shoulder, should that be sufficient. I've heard stories regarding other countries where the thiefs just cut the strap.

Use a camera bag, preferably one with an impressive brand name, to carry things that you can easily replace -- bottle of water, cheap novel, tissues, whatever. Then carry your camera in a local supermarket plastic bag.

I got my SLR and lens pinched from under my nose at the Vatican in 2000. So yes, NEVER leave it on the floor even if you are sitting next to your belongings. Anyway there are all sorts of normal looking camera bags nowadays. I use a Tamrac sling bag that looks just like a back pack.

I did find both camera straps and camera bag straps with metal wires at REI's website and the Corporate Travel Safety Online Store (of which I've never heard).
I may opt for the camera bag strap, because I think that is the easier target.