Camera Equipment Protection

I am trying to find the best wireless proximity system protection for my expense camera bag (that holds a LOT of expensive equipment). I am going on a trip to the Northern Capitals and Russia and would like to return with all my equipment.

Insurance. If you're looking for effective prevention, common sense combined with something from Pacsafe and a sturdy cable lock would work better.

I've tinkered with a few wireless proximity systems, and tested them around the house. They tend to go off when there's no problem (which can be embarrassing in certain situations) or go off too late (your bag is off and gone). They are unreliable, and come with all the problems of being battery dependent. My conclusion is that they are a waste of time and money.

Thanks for the tip about insurance - not quite what I was looking for though.

pophoto wrote in post #10193031
Thanks for the tip about insurance - not quite what I was looking for though.

I hear state farm is what most people use.

honestly, being street wise is your first and foremost defense.

it's pretty sad way to think about the world we live in but i travel quite often for work and basically, it all comes down to this... protect yourself.

seems most of the "theft" occurs because the owners present an opportunity to the folks that are already scanning you and evaluating the worth of your gear.

i travel very low key... even to the extent of not using tumi or other branded luggage.
the moment you enter a high traffic or tourist area, you're being targeted... seriously.

even in hotels. i try to stay in better hotels... but regardless of the number of stars a hotel may have (St. Regis comes to mind... yes the uber St. Regis...) if you present an opportunity, it will tempt them... and you will be at a loss.

you sound like you're thinking of LoJack type system for your gear... i hear they have LoJack for laptops now... but really... i think the moment it's stolen, it's already in parts...

plus, you're traveling overseas...

be careful... and have fun...
don't be paranoid, just be street wise...

CJM Photography wrote in post #10193187
I hear state farm is what most people use.

Thats what I use. Personal Articles Policy. I wouldnt bother with any kind of "alarm" system for your gear...

hyt wrote in post #10188316
Insurance. If you're looking for effective prevention, common sense combined with something from Pacsafe and a sturdy cable lock would work better.

Ha! You and your "insurance"! It only protects you financially, not from theft. A thief isn't going to give two hoots whether you have insurance or not - besides, how is the thief to know this in the first place, and so what if the thief knew? Probably more incentive to feel less guilty about nicking it!

The Pacsafe is useless as the gaps between the mesh is large enough for a <58mm wide lens, flash guns, etc. This is made much easier if the pacsafe doesn't fit "perfectly" and holds the pockets down, so you need a tight fit otherwise there is a lot of slack, and you can even yank some slack off parts of the pacsafe to get your hand into the bag. I tried it at a shop (hyt can vouch for that).

Despite all this, someone could sit there slashing the bag open with a razor! Buy a Peli case you can't be too careful, eh, hyt?!

Ill use a Pelican case if I am going somewhere where theres going to be lots of people I dont know, but even that with a lock on it is still just a discouragement. why wouldnt someone just steal the whole case and then figure out how to open it later? Getting an insurance policy is really the only option. They will cover you breaking it, someone stealing it, you losing it, it breaking on its own, ANYTHING! No matter where it happens or how old the gear is you can insure it for any amount.