Walking target in NYC with 5D

[jimbojones]

I'm planning on visiting New York City in a few weeks and am trying to decide if I should take my 5D mk II or my Nikon D40. I'm concerned about getting mugged on the streets/subway with a $3500 body and lens combination. I'm not on assignment, just visiting for fun. Am I being paranoid? Is NYC safer than I think? If not, what are some things I can do to make sure my equipment is safe?

[blackshadow]

You shouldn't ever leave your house, it's the only safe place and at times even your home won't be safe.

[hsmoscout]

There are some camera cases (backpacks) that only open from the side facing you so it has to be taken off before anyone can access it.

[jimbojones]

I also found this.

http://cloakbags.com/cloak-discrete-camera-bag.html

It's like a case that you leave on your camera. So you can basically walk around with the camera on your shoulder without raising eyebrows.

[themadman]

I also found this.

http://cloakbags.com/cloak-discrete-camera-bag.html

It's like a case that you leave on your camera. So you can basically walk around with the camera on your shoulder without raising eyebrows.

And then you get tackled by police/security for taking photos in a "suspicious" manner. Forget the cloak bag, a poorly convinced idea IMO.

[Woolburr]

I'm planning on visiting New York City in a few weeks and am trying to decide if I should take my 5D mk II or my Nikon D40. I'm concerned about getting mugged on the streets/subway with a $3500 body and lens combination. I'm not on assignment, just visiting for fun. Am I being paranoid? Is NYC safer than I think? If not, what are some things I can do to make sure my equipment is safe?

You are being paranoid. NYC is way safer than you seem to think. Unless you live in a cornfield in the middle of Iowa, the crime rate in your hometown is probably on par with NYC. And whatever you do, don't make an appearance on NY streets with that foolish cloakbag....They will peg you as a "person of interest" in a heartbeat.

[bps]

Just use some common sense and you'll be fine...

Bryan

[crumbs357]

New York City is far safer than you probably think it is. I go to school here and I'm very comfortable walking on the streets at 4-5 in the morning. Assuming that you'll be staying in the touristy areas and shooting during the day around other people, I'd say that you have nothing to worry about. Hope you enjoy the city.

[rklepper]

And just what do you have against people who live in corn fields in Iowa. :)


You are being paranoid. NYC is way safer than you seem to think. Unless you live in a cornfield in the middle of Iowa, the crime rate in your hometown is probably on par with NYC. And whatever you do, don't make an appearance on NY streets with that foolish cloakbag....They will peg you as a "person of interest" in a heartbeat.

[EmmaRose]

Keep it around your neck and you should be fine? Theres always people around so I doubt anything will happen.

[Woolburr]

And just what do you have against people who live in corn fields in Iowa. :)

They won't share their Moose Drool! ;)

[hairy_moth]

Just use some common sense and you'll be fine...

Bryan

+1. NYC is much safer than it used to be. During the day, I barely even think about it (I might move my wallet to a front pocket in a crowd.. that's about it).

At night, stay out of dark lonely places.

[neilwood32]

Same advice as always - use common sensse and a little self awareness and you will be fine.

Dont walk around like you are in a daze but dont go to the opposite extreme.

[Tdragone]

I go back several times a year; and I have no problem taking any of my stuff back there at night. I'd recommend getting an understated camera strap so it doesn't scream 5Dmkii as an advertisement.. but it's not a scary place.

As Neil said.. don't walk around in a daze. Be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine,