Johannesburg!!

Work will have me in Joburg for a week later this month. My job provides me with a decent Powershot, but I really want to bring my gear as well. (50D with a few lenses).
I've not been to South Africa, but the more I read, the more I am convinced to leave my gear at home. Although I am staying in Sandton (the Beverly Hills of Joburg), I'd like to get out a bit. Everything I've read has Johannesburg as one of the most crime-ridden in the world.

Anyone here on POTN who has had boots on the ground in Joburg with advice on photographing the city/people? Is there enough there to warrant risking my gear for some really good shots vice the "OK" results I can get with a P&S (and no risk to my own gear)?

Any and all advice is welcome!

Tin Kicker wrote in post #7270073
Anyone here on POTN who has had boots on the ground in Joburg with advice on photographing the city/people? Is there enough there to warrant risking my gear for some really good shots vice the "OK" results I can get with a P&S (and no risk to my own gear)?

Add your gear to your homeowners insurance and bring it, for sure. You'll be sorry if you don't. Just keep aware of your surroundings and be as careful as you would in any city.

Johannesburg is a beautiful city, you wouldn't want to miss out not to bring your DSLR, you just need to be extra careful and be wise. From my experience, it is quite safe during the day time, but avoid carrying your DSLR at night, or even better, don't go out at night!

Good luck!

Also, don't point of camera at any authorities such as police or army, you'll get yourself into big trouble like i did once. The army troops aren't as friendly, one of the army saw me pointing my camera at them, he quickly shouted and aim his M16 towards my direction. I almost peed in my pants LOL!.

I work in Sandton, Johannesburg. Its safe to bring your DSLR with you. As JGR says just be aware of your surroundings.

I just would say if you are not using your gear just put in a backpack or something. Otherwise you will have no problem.

Thanks for the advice.
I'll be staying at the Interconti in Sandton. Plan on taking on of Jimmy's face-to-face tours of Soweto next week.