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08/10/2016 08:31:37 AM · #1
Good news, I am taking a trip to London and Paris soon.
Bad news, after hearing and reading about the pickpocket situation in Paris, I am thinking it isn't worthwhile to bring my DSLR.

I was looking forward to getting some nice pics in both these cities, but I have heard and read enough stories about the rampant theft problem in the tourist areas of Paris, that I am thinking it might not be worthwhile to even bring my camera. Sticking with a P&S or just my cell (which I will also have to watch like hawk) might be the way to go, at least it's not as big a loss if I lose it.

Any recommendations on what I should do?
08/10/2016 09:10:53 AM · #2
Don't know about the pickpocket situation -- but I heard the same thing when going to Rome about 13 years ago. I bought a small padlock, and my then camera bag had double zippers, so I was able to put the padlock between the two zippers to keep it locked closed, so they couldn't get into the bag when it was on my back. And I just never put it down. So no problem.
08/10/2016 10:28:22 AM · #3
If you're going to get a new camera for the trip, why not get one with WIFI so you can upload. That way, if you loose the camera you won't loose your shots. Or better yet, challenge yourself with the cell phone camera (& upload). You could use a selfie stick to get an up-high POV. Lugging a DSLR kit thru airports & watching it like a hawk is no fun, ever. PS -- congratulations on a real nice trip & have a great time!
08/10/2016 12:26:07 PM · #4
Not sure about Paris, but you will be absolutely fine in London. Obviously as with any city you need to take care of your belongings. You will regret not having your big camera with all the great photographic sights. Possibly you can get holiday insurance to give you peace of mind in the unlikely event you are unlucky.
08/10/2016 04:54:38 PM · #5
Did you know they also have crime in NYC, Sydney, Ottowa, etc. My point is it is no worse in those places than anywhere else. If you take all the news of crime on board you would never leave your house. Just apply some common sense when in high risk areas and you'll be fine.
Tips:
1. When in a crowd carry any backpacks in reverse so they are in front of you
2. When in a crowd situation such as public transport be suspicious if someone engages you it may be to distract you while an accomplice goes to work.
3. I personally would just bring a walk around lens so as to keep light, mobile and inconspicuous. If you are standing under the Eifel Tower and suddenly whip out a giant 400mm lens then some might notice.
08/10/2016 08:25:31 PM · #6
Lowepro's Flipside camera bags can't be accessed while they are on your back. They are the perfect solution to this issue. We have a couple. The Flipside 200 and its slightly larger sibling the Flipside 300 are excellent, very compact camera packs for a DSLR, and a couple extra lenses. Aside from eliminating thievery, what's nice about these is that when you put them down to access them the part that goes against your clothes doesn't touch the ground...
08/11/2016 02:28:46 AM · #7
I spend time in Paris every year, i walk about with the camera dangling from my wrist and I've never had a problem. If you stand in front of some of the main tourist attractions and look around, sure you can spot several shady figures who are eyeing up the thousands of potential victims, but it's so obvious it is not a problem. There will also be a massive military and police presence on the streets for the foreseeable future.
I find it kind of funny how people from a country with a high crime rate can be worried about traveling to another country than has a lower crime rate.
08/11/2016 02:29:57 AM · #8
I'm on my third week of vacation with my family. One week in Romania, couple of days in Germany and the last week in Spain, Madrid and Barcelona. I carried my LX100 and my S7 and really enjoyed the trip... I snapped with the lumix but mostly was the phone. Yes, I did want on some instances to have my 6D but then what would be the use...
I don't make money with the photos so better enjoy the trip IMHO :)

Message edited by author 2016-08-11 02:31:14.
08/11/2016 08:51:53 AM · #9
Originally posted by jagar:

I find it kind of funny how people from a country with a high crime rate can be worried about traveling to another country than has a lower crime rate.

We don't have a lot of pickpocketing or snatch 'n grab thievery in this country though.
08/11/2016 11:26:26 AM · #10
Originally posted by P-A-U-L:

Not sure about Paris, but you will be absolutely fine in London. Obviously as with any city you need to take care of your belongings. You will regret not having your big camera with all the great photographic sights. Possibly you can get holiday insurance to give you peace of mind in the unlikely event you are unlucky.


That is pretty much what I gathered as well. It seems you had an influx during the Olympics, but it was cleaned up pretty well by the police.
08/11/2016 11:49:01 AM · #11
Originally posted by MichaelC:

Did you know they also have crime in NYC, Sydney, Ottowa, etc. My point is it is no worse in those places than anywhere else. If you take all the news of crime on board you would never leave your house. Just apply some common sense when in high risk areas and you'll be fine.
Tips:
1. When in a crowd carry any backpacks in reverse so they are in front of you
2. When in a crowd situation such as public transport be suspicious if someone engages you it may be to distract you while an accomplice goes to work.
3. I personally would just bring a walk around lens so as to keep light, mobile and inconspicuous. If you are standing under the Eifel Tower and suddenly whip out a giant 400mm lens then some might notice.


Your advice is good, but your opening remark is a bit condescending, and inaccurate. I was referring specifically to pickpockets, i.e. petty theft, of which Paris rates as 5th worse in the world (Rome, as Wendy mentioned is #2). It's also a crime which targets tourists at tourist sites, of which I will be and be going. No city in North America even makes the top 10 list.

Your #3 was my intention, for this reason and simply because it is lighter.
08/11/2016 11:54:59 AM · #12
Originally posted by Tiberius:

I'm on my third week of vacation with my family. One week in Romania, couple of days in Germany and the last week in Spain, Madrid and Barcelona. I carried my LX100 and my S7 and really enjoyed the trip... I snapped with the lumix but mostly was the phone. Yes, I did want on some instances to have my 6D but then what would be the use...
I don't make money with the photos so better enjoy the trip IMHO :)


Yeah, I am thinking about simply using my phone and Olympus TG-3. I would like to get a few good pictures, especially at night if I get the chance, but I have no intention of dragging my 7D around everywhere anyway. More likely just go out with the intention of getting some pictures one day or evening in each city. Might not be worth the hassle though.

Barcelona, by the way, ranks #1.
08/11/2016 11:57:41 AM · #13
Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by jagar:

I find it kind of funny how people from a country with a high crime rate can be worried about traveling to another country than has a lower crime rate.

We don't have a lot of pickpocketing or snatch 'n grab thievery in this country though.


It's practically non-existent in North America.
08/11/2016 05:11:13 PM · #14
I'll have to go back n read the other posts. For me I took a back pack with my gear in it. But I used a key ring made of wire that screws together. I screwed all of my zippers shut. Therefore making me less of a target because they'd have to take my pack then open it. Yes, they could still use a knife but I was always aware of my surroundings.

I say take your gear. I knew it was a once in a lifetime experience.
08/11/2016 05:16:13 PM · #15
In Paris specifically I saw many "gypsy" children pick pocketing. Primarily targeting people totally absorbed in the moment. Therefore always have a spotter with you n don't take off your gear...you'll be just fine.
08/11/2016 05:47:34 PM · #16
Originally posted by Ja-9:

In Paris specifically I saw many "gypsy" children pick pocketing. Primarily targeting people totally absorbed in the moment. Therefore always have a spotter with you n don't take off your gear...you'll be just fine.


I was thinking of attaching a screw on type carabiner to the camera which I could attach to my belt when I am not actively using it (along with a Black Rapid type of strap). I figured that might make it very difficult to easily grab.
09/14/2018 09:21:30 AM · #17
I\'ll need to return n read alternate posts. For me I took a rucksack with my apparatus in it. Be that as it may, I utilized a key ring made of wire that screws together. I screwed the majority of my zippers close. Along these lines making me to a lesser extent an objective since they\'d need to take my pack at that point open it. Indeed, they could even now utilize a blade yet I was constantly mindful of my environment.

I say take your apparatus. I knew it was an ideal affair.

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