Rio de Janeiro - Equipment Dilemma and Safety

[bond928]

Hey Folks!

I plan on going to Carnaval 2011 in Rio, Brazil :) I hope I've posted this in the correct forum.

Because Rio can be somewhat dodgy, I need some opinions on additional equipment purchases / decisions. Everything else I've googled says I may regret not bringing my DSLR. I've decided I will bring my camera gear but only the essentials to minimize overlap and monetary loss if I get mugged or things get stolen. (**I will be traveling with three of my guy buddies, so I'll feel relatively safe). I'll just need to be smart about it--not leaving it in hotel rooms, keeping it close to my body in crowds, not flashing it around, perhaps gaffer taping it up.

I need your opinions:

I feel my set is pretty complete for an experienced amateur, but I'm wary of theft and would like to minimize loss. What would you bring out of the following if you could choose just one lens? Or should I bring it all?
Lowepro Flipside 200 (light travel anti theft backpack that opens only from the back)
Pacsafe cutproof camera strap + Opteka camera grip (to keep it attached to me 99%)
Canon t1i / 500D
Canon 24-105mm f/4L (daytime walkaround)
Canon EF-S 10-22mm (for wideangle shots)
Canon 28mm f/1.8 (low light, night time)

I'm considering purchasing a used S90 (about $250-300) for low light shots when we go out to the bars. I'd feel awkward carrying my DSLR from bar to bar. Yay/nay?

I appreciate all and any opinions to help me evaluate my equipment decisions.

Cheers,
Roger

[fxdb]

#1. make sure your equipment is insured, it's cheap, and worth it if you lose your assets.
#2. a bad neighborhood in Rio is the same as a bad neighborhood almost anywhere in the world. You need to be street smart there just like you would need to be street smart in any other dodgy place in the world.

[Jericobot]

Fxdb, I don't know if you've been to Rio but the bad neighborhood is BAD. There were parts even our hosting friend didn't even want us getting near to.
Bond928, you'll be fine. Insure your gear and don't look to touristy. Stay in a group even when venturing to take a pic. Don't bother trying to get to fancy of a shot as the 'eyes' there will notice. If you feel followed or shadowed get yourself to public areas quick.
Nonetheless it's a blast there. Enjoy and post up pics asap

[FlashThat]

I lived in Rio! It's fabulous!

[philmar]

DON'T take it to the beach or in to favelas. There are no police there. In other places it is less risky especially if you have friends.

[AiGTs]

Rio is rather unsafe but I managed to use the DSLR a few times, especially at touristy spots. There are a number of people loitering around the streets so that really concerned me. I ended up using my point-and-shoot most of the time so buying an S90 would be a good idea. I would not recommend carrying too much camera gear while walking in Rio, you will look at a target. Just be cautious and stay with the crowd if you really want to do some photography.