How to protect camera in Paris?
 

How is the best way to hide or carry a 35mm camera to protect from thieves? I have to take pictures for business purposes so leaving the camera at home or taking a cheap one is not an option.

I carry a low range but trendy looking (black and silver) Minolta SLR around my neck with a good Sigma lens on it and have never had problems, it stays out around my neck as I walk around tourist sites, and I just zip it back inside the secure and strong plain black (non descript) camera bag again if I am about to get on the tube or walk through a less populated or less touristy area.<BR><BR>I've never had problems, anywhere. Certainly not in Paris.<BR><BR>I did keep it in my bag walking through parts of Montmartre, near Barbes Rochechouart (spell?) before getting closer to Sacre Coeur but otherwise it was out most of the time.

While travelling in Sicily, to hide my camera I wore it around my neck under my coat, but had to hold it up with my hands because of the weight around my neck. Wherever I went, little old ladies came up to me smiling and asking when I was due : )

Don't think I have ever heard of many camera snatchings. Paris is a tourist destination and cameras are very common.I used to carry mine around my neck or in a small Lowe camera bag that accomodates the telephoto lens. Have converted to a digital that will go in my pocket

I switched from a SLR to a 35mm range finder for travel because it's much smaller and lighter. Is yours an SLR (single lens reflex, with changable lenses)? If so, it's pretty hard to hide. <BR><BR>A padded case with a strong shoulder strap (carried across the body) is a good idea. Avoid keeping it behind you where someone can open it w/o you seeing. <BR><BR>My rangefinder has a wrist strap that I clip into the inside of my small camera bag. In Seville a woman tried to unzip my bag (I caught her before it was opened) but even if she got a hold of the camera the wrist strap would have slowed her down since it was still clipped into the bag. This method takes away the ability to whip out the camera in a second for an improptu picture but little bit of added security is a good trade-off.

Thanks everyone. My camera is a SLR so it is a little hard to hide. I'll try it around my neck and hopefully no one will try to choke me!<BR>

Get a local shopping bag and carry the camera in it.

My own trick for a heavier camera is to wear an open front shirt over my first layer and tie it at the waist which creates a "pocket" into which I slip the camera (while still attached around my neck with its strap). It sits in there ready for the next shoot, but the weight is no longer on my neck.

I have always just carried my camera in my backpack, taking it out when I need to use it.

I lost mine by leaving it in the taxi. Wear it hanging around your neck and it will be safe from thieves and from loss!

If it's an SLR, hold the camera around the lens with the strap wrapped around your hand. The camera is inconspicuous that way, available for candid shots, and just about unsnatchable. After a few days, it also makes your wrist stronger.

A man tried to snatch my camera on the metro once. I usually put it on a strap, and put it across my body (with one hand on the camera even!) or I hide it under a coat. Good question because you do need to be cautious with your wallets and cameras there.