surfmom,

I respectfully agree with *bulky and uncomfortable*. When eating I tie the strap around the chair next to me. That is dangerous. It has fallen several times. Busted my polarizing filter the last time it tumbled.

I recommend getting your DSLR on your home insurance policy for protection against theft and accidents.

Jill, don't laugh, but I really do slip my Nikon SLR in my Neverfull LV tote- in a drawstring bag to protect it from dust. It is safely tucked under my arm, and easily accessible on a moments notice. My lens is 18 - 105mm, and I don't use a flash.

To me, carrying a camera around your neck has always seemed to be an invitation for trouble. It's not only that it broadcasts you as a tourist (something most of us can't avoid), it makes a statement about worth that makes one especially prey to pickpockets.

I carry my camera in a shoulder bag, slung across my chest, with the bag in front of me. If I'm walking through crowds, I just hold onto the bag and am otherwise generally aware of it. I take the camera out when I'm shooting and then put it back. It IS a tradeoff, since the camera isn't always accessible at the very moment I want it.

Also, when shooting, I stay aware of what I've got with me as well as my surroundings. Paying attention to environment is, I think, the single most important thing in staying safe.

My husband uses the slingshot bag. He has several camera bags and this is the one he likes best for general use. In crowded situations he swings the bag around so that it is in front or under his arm. No problems yet.

@progol, they all know you're a tourist already... just by the way we dress & talk. There's no hiding.

<i>Forgot to mention that this is a digital SLR. We have the new Cannon Rebel T1i</i>

I recommend that you take lessons with this before you go. And bring the operating instructions.

Yes, we have the new Cannon Rebel T1i too! The lessons are a fortune over here. I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars, but I know how important it is to learn about the camera too. My husband knows more than me about photography.....

Another thing to consider - unless you have a decent lens for the T1i, you might be better off with a point and shoot. For a novice shooter, a Canon P&S often produces better pictures.

I carry my SLR with a hand strap, a neck strap or an Optech harness, depending on where I am and what I am shooting.
All my gear, so DSLR and several lenses/filters/charger/netbook/cleaning kit/spare cards/etc and my tripod are in/on a camera rucksack for travelling. If I am flying then that it all I take, if I am going by car for a holiday the rucksack and a smaller camera bag go with me.
I have a Crumpler Pretty Bella for when I feel girly, but even though it is the biggest size it doesn't hold enough for me to use it on anything requiring serious shooting.

When I am eating at a restaurant the camera, if I don't have a bag with me, is on the floor under the chair with at least one chair leg on the strap. If I have a bag the bag is in the same place, again with a leg or two on the strap.

In the past I have put my camera in my handbag but the one I have now is too bulky for that really.

Play with your camera a lot before you go on holiday. Learn how to use it. That doesn't cost anything. Decide if the lenses you have are enough. Invest in a circular polarising filter maybe, but don't bother with any others. Make sure you have a good lens cloth. Learn how to change lenses correctly to reduce dust on the sensor - camera body pointing down, and of course switched off.