Brett

I have heard so much about safety and pick pockets throughout europe as else where in the world I want to know if we will be safe carrying camcorder and a regular camera on our med cruise which inludes rome cannes and barcelona thanks

Ruth

I've always carried a camera - but accidents could happen - it might fall overboard, you might leave it in a taxi, or indeed be pickpocketed. Just don't bring one that you couldn't bear to lose. Some people carry one-use (disposable) cameras. I don't carry a camcorder myself, but millions of people do! Ask the cruise organisers if you are worried about specific cities, but you will not be alone if you choose to carry a camera in Rome! I don't think that carrying a camera will make you a "target" - usually it is clear who is a tourist, so it's best not to carry too much cash etc, be aware of what is going on around you, but don't let worrying about pickpockets spoil your cruise. Have a great time!

Camcorders

Carrying a camcorder screams "I'm an American tourist with money!" And you need both hands to operate it - so you lose control of whatever possessions you have elsewhere on your body.And it's such a B**ch to lug around. Be careful.
I've never understood the appeal of camcorders - do you really want to go home and replay watching your wife and 4,000 strangers with the Trevi fountain splashing in the background? Why? Wouldn't it be a better use of time to learn more about the Roman culture and history and just appreciate it while you're there?
I guess I'm just a bore.

Mónica

I don'r think there should be any problem with cameras. Everyone else will be carrying one, so why not take yours? I'm a solo female travellera and have carried my SLR to London, Vienna, and Rome, and never had any problem. In fact, I love watching the photos afterwards!

Russell

I'd be less concerned about pickpockets and the like and more concerned about the effort needed to carry both a camcorder and still camera. I used to carry both, but used one at a time, leaving one in the room. Left the camcorder home on our last trip and didn't regret it. Took two still cameras, one digital and one film. In the future, I'll take just the digital since it records both movie clips and still. Lightweight and gets the job done. No concern about safety at all, especially since everyone else will be carrying cameras.

snorkelman

nahhhh, bring whatever you want. the more cameras and stuff you carry, the more of a target you become - just realize that and use common sense and enjoy your trip.

Bob

Look around you while you are in Europe. You will see very few camcorders carried by experienced travelers. We used to carry one and also saw quite a few. This seems to have died out. No one had the time to watch the movies and they were bad anyway. Just carry a good still camera or digital and you will be fine. Save the video for kids soccer games at home.