Suggestion on how to secure your camera while on vacation?

[spoon2003]

We're going to an all inclusive resort in Mexico next month. I'll bring the Rebel but probably not to beach, pool, and snorkel excursion, will bring the waterproof Pentax Optio for those outings. The room safe is not big enough to hold it, besides hiding it in my luggage, any suggestions? Those of you who brought your camera to outings, how do you secure it? We've always taken a chance with our previous cameras by hiding it in the beach bag and kept an eye on it while in water and have been lucky with no theft. DOn't know if I want to take that chance with the Rebel.

Both kids will expect DH & I to be in the water entertaining them, so we ususally leave our stuff unattended but in sight.

Any suggestions welcome.

Sue from Boston

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I usually put the dSLR in a handbag, pad locked, put that hand bag in my luggage, pad locked, and use bycicle tie (those stringy but virtually uncutable metal string) to tie it to another luggage and a non-moveable fixture in the hotel room.

 

[0bli0]

pull the lens off and store the body and lens together in the safe. i travel about every 2 or 3 weeks and i'd say about 95% of the hotel safes i've seen take my 1 series body. fitting my 17" Macbook pro, on the otherhand....

just remember if someone wants something, they'll get it. safes have backdoor codes, and luggage isn't secure. my colleague had her hard plastic suitcase and her leather carryon cut open with a big knife. she lost her passport, ipod, cash, her emergency credit card, and some other items. the hotel only had to pay something like $500, even though it's pretty obvious it's someone who is hotel staff.

if you're really worried, have them store it in the hotel safe downstairs.

 

[boBQuincy]

These are pretty secure:
http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=23

I use one of their products for my camera bag and laptop when I travel.

I agree that the camera will probably fit in the safe with the lens removed, that may be the easiest and best solution.

Or get a EWA-Marine bag and carry the camera with you.

 

[0bli0]

we have pac-safe cable/nets for our travel backpacks - they sure gave peace of mind while backpacking through china. it's cool that they make smaller sizes!

 

[spoon2003]

Think I'll use a combination of all the ideas. The pacsafe system looks interesting, I may look into purchasing a net only, will run it by DH first. I already have a retractable cable lock for my laptop, I'll bring that to lock backpack for water excursions. Use Kelly's lock upon lock method for in-room security. Coming from a P&S, didn't occur to me that I can store the body and lens apart!!! Thanks 0bli0!

BTW, 0Bli0, how did you enjoy HK Disney? Planning a trip there x'mas 2007!!

Sue

 

[0bli0]

honestly? i've been back to HK about 5 times since i took the family there last october and i haven't had any desire to return. i'll be going out again before the year is up and i may go for a picture day now that the autopia is open. i'm sure by the time you get there they should have one or two more rides. it's just hard when you've grown up with Disneyland. it just doens't feel right, like the magic is missing. people disobeying rules, making themselves at home, etc. is also very frustrating.

if you have never been to HK, then there are quite a few things to do - especially with the 360 tram opening. it's great for food and you'll love the shopping.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

My hubby is of Chinese descent both he and I HATE HK so much. To put it nicely, we'd rather go visit Paris than visit HK. (HK people tend to treat people of Chinese descent who are unable to speak Chinese with contempt)

Obviously, I'm talking about the city of HK vs city of Paris. I don't know squat about the Disney parks themselves.

 

[0bli0]

Kelly - i know exactly what you mean, i have seen it so many times. i'm the opposite. i love HK. CarolC and are a big mix, including 1/4 Chinese and we have a Chinese surname. my DW is Chinese who speaks Cantonese and now i am becoming more and more fluent as my 2 year old DD is speaking both. i'm quite comfortable bargaining, ordering meals, asking directions, and casual conversation. but then again i get to do that often as i live right next Chatswood

 

[Kelly Grannell]

but then again i get to do that often as i live right next Chatswood

 

[spoon2003]

Both DH and I came from HK, we used to visit once every couple of years for food and shopping but hasn't been back for more than 10 years. We're planning the xmas trip so our children can see where we're from, but honestly I dread the crowd, rudeness and self center attitudes.

Sue