Bringing a dSLR Camera around in Hong Kong

[NiDeBaBa]

Just a question for anyone with experience of bringing a dSLR around with you almost everywhere in Hong Kong. Is it safe?

I'm going to be going to Hong Kong soon, but are having second thoughts on bringing it over. I can't really afford to lose it, but it'd be equally as bad to miss this opportunity.

And if you do bring your camera around in HK, any hints and tips to keep it safe?

Thanks!

[rdtx2002]

hardly any theft happens in Hong Kong.. so i'm not sure what you are worrying about.

[hador7]

Hong Kong is quite safe from my experience and probably one of the most photogenic cities in the world. But I would be careful since it's also one of the most crowded. You might actually get bumped while taking a shot and uh oh >:( .

[gilboman]

theft happens in hong kong just like it does everywhere. regular common sense and it will be ok

mainland china is an entirely different matter, dont bring even a semi-nice cell phone there, not only could it get stolen, but very often outright robbed

[thelefteyeguy]

dont worry about Hk....it's Toronto you should be worried about :|

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=570204&highlight=camera

on a serious note...if you dont plan to go out at night with your DSLR...you should be ok

[notanexpert]

I'm pretty sure its safer than carying it around Toronto.
Even if there are petty thieves (I think you can find those everywhere in the world), they certainly have a greater selection of nice cameras to choose from in HK, so the chances they they will go for yours are slim.

[GangStarr]

Ive never been to Asia, but what I do when travelling with my DSLR is I wrap the straps around my hand and keep the camera gripped in one hand. Its not the most comfortable way to carry your camera but its probably the safest. if you hang the strap around your neck or arm, you risk someone bumping into you and cutting the straps while your disoriented.

I know this sort of thing happens in Europe all the time. In any case, i'd be more worried about loosing my pictures than my camera. They are so cheap these days (okay I'd miss my lens too but ah well).

[Deals Deals Deals]

Don't leave it unattended or away from your view. (but this is probably the same in every country)

[v_tofu]

I was rarely ever worried about it getting stolen. HK is actually quite safe.


The main issue was it was a bit of a pain to carry. I went in October so it was'nt too too hot... but if your planning on going soon, you'll be sweating!!

[ericdraven]

theft happens in hong kong just like it does everywhere. regular common sense and it will be ok

mainland china is an entirely different matter, dont bring even a semi-nice cell phone there, not only could it get stolen, but very often outright robbed



You serious?

I was thinking of bringing my dSLR with me the Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai - Hong Kong

[Neb]

I had my dSLR in HK a few weeks ago, no issues really. Even in China for 2 wks. It's the accessory and your backpack you have to watch out for.

[teknoluv]

I agree that Hong Kong is safer than mainland China, and Toronto is safer still. However, it also depends on your LOOK. If you look like a tourist, then your chance of being mugged is relatively higher.

[pmc]

You'll be okay, they have better equipment than you :)

[mic2074]

HK is pretty safe - of course, always use your common sense.

on a side note - I think you should take some of those silica packets with you and put it in your camera bag. HK is a pretty humid place, you don't want excessive moisture getting into your equipment. I was in HK a couple of years ago for two weeks... had my Sony F717 with me - when I came back the focus was screwy... I attributed to the moisture from HK... I could be wrong... but doesn't hurt to carry some with you.

[SENSEI]

So long as you have a cam hung around your neck, you'll always look like a tourist

Completely not true.
So are we to think that all the pros here doing shoots on the street are tourists?

I am asian, but I had me DSLR around my neck while in HK.
People came up to me asking what magazine I worked for, not where I was visiting from.

Looking like a tourist means obviously over/under dressing for the weather, looking at your map every 3 steps, pointing and ooing and aahing, basically attracting attention to yourself as being an easy target.

I can be completely lost in a city, be looking at maps, asking for directions, but still appear to be "local". It has to do with the manner that you present yourself and the "awareness" you have to your surroundings.

Back to OP's question, you're safe in HK. You're less safe in Shanghai. Beijing is relatively OK, except for the airport. DO NOT STOP for anything. Do not open your luggage, do not pull out your camera until you have checked in and are past security. Never been to Xi'an, so can't comment.

[pmc]

So long as you have a cam hung around your neck, you'll always look like a tourist


You forgot the map, baseball cap, shorts, sandals and Hawaii T shirt :)

[CSAgent]

I had my 40D in HK, Vietnam, and parts of Thailand... it was ok.

Had lots of photographers at parks waiting to get a customer talk to me though, they were amazed at my 40D when they were all still using like 10Ds, or some even 35mm film!

[ericdraven]

Completely not true.
So are we to think that all the pros here doing shoots on the street are tourists?

I am asian, but I had me DSLR around my neck while in HK.
People came up to me asking what magazine I worked for, not where I was visiting from.

Looking like a tourist means obviously over/under dressing for the weather, looking at your map every 3 steps, pointing and ooing and aahing, basically attracting attention to yourself as being an easy target.

I can be completely lost in a city, be looking at maps, asking for directions, but still appear to be "local". It has to do with the manner that you present yourself and the "awareness" you have to your surroundings.

Back to OP's question, you're safe in HK. You're less safe in Shanghai. Beijing is relatively OK, except for the airport. DO NOT STOP for anything. Do not open your luggage, do not pull out your camera until you have checked in and are past security. Never been to Xi'an, so can't comment.




In bold there...

Can you please be more specific? What can happen?

Are you saying that someone can rob you in the middle of the airport?

Less safe in Shanghai?

[gilboman]

In bold there...

Can you please be more specific? What can happen?

Are you saying that someone can rob you in the middle of the airport?

Less safe in Shanghai?

daylight robberies happen quite a bit in china. thats why when my relatives/friends go out in china, they carry the crappiest cells and no flashy watches or anything till they are off the streets.

[SENSEI]

In bold there...

Can you please be more specific? What can happen?

Are you saying that someone can rob you in the middle of the airport?

Less safe in Shanghai?

As the user above eluded to, mainland China dose not have the same security/police that Hong Kong has.

The Beijing airport front is extremely small, unsafe and crowded. There are teams of thieves that work the crowds there. The security and police and more focused on the people getting through security than the people outside. But it depends on when you are heading there, with the Olympics arriving, they have upped the cleanliness and security.

You will not get purse or camera snatched in Tianamen Square, or the Forbidden City, those tourist attractions are packed with undercover government officials and spies looking out mutiny groups more than anything.

Just be careful, keep sling shot or toploader around your wait, and bring out the camera to take certain shots and then pop it back in. Don't setup a tripod and turn your head away from the camera for any length of time. Don't go laying your bag on the floor to pull out all your gear to change a lens.

Just keep your eyes open, if you see 40-50% of people in the area with DSLR's out, you're safe to pull yours out. If you're doing some street shooting and see even kids starting to gather, that's enough reason to pack it up and move along.

When are you heading there? And how many people are you going with. Oh, also, what kind of gear will you be thinking of bringing. The pro thieves there know what to look for, and won't rob you for an old body and kit lens...

[akide]

if anything bringing a dslr camera is going to hinder your vacation rather then making it enjoyable..

i brought a 1d a few years and ended up buying a point and shoot camera and leaving the 1d in the hotel because the dsl became too bulky and heavy

[pmc]

Just remember not all women are impressed with the long telephotos, especially if everything is fuzzy:D

Take your camera just be careful:idea:

[ericdraven]

As the user above eluded to, mainland China dose not have the same security/police that Hong Kong has.

The Beijing airport front is extremely small, unsafe and crowded. There are teams of thieves that work the crowds there. The security and police and more focused on the people getting through security than the people outside. But it depends on when you are heading there, with the Olympics arriving, they have upped the cleanliness and security.

You will not get purse or camera snatched in Tianamen Square, or the Forbidden City, those tourist attractions are packed with undercover government officials and spies looking out mutiny groups more than anything.

Just be careful, keep sling shot or toploader around your wait, and bring out the camera to take certain shots and then pop it back in. Don't setup a tripod and turn your head away from the camera for any length of time. Don't go laying your bag on the floor to pull out all your gear to change a lens.

Just keep your eyes open, if you see 40-50% of people in the area with DSLR's out, you're safe to pull yours out. If you're doing some street shooting and see even kids starting to gather, that's enough reason to pack it up and move along.

When are you heading there? And how many people are you going with. Oh, also, what kind of gear will you be thinking of bringing. The pro thieves there know what to look for, and won't rob you for an old body and kit lens...


Thanks for the info...

I'll be leaveing mid-July to mid-August

I'm going with my girlfriend and it's the first time going to China so after the first time I may bring it the next time around so that I already have a feel about the place...

I was thinking of bring my Canon XTi with 2 lenses...

I guess I'll pass on that idea and settle with bringing my Canon TX1 as I'll be travelling to several destinations in China for a month so I won't need to carry the weight of everything in the hot and humid weather as well.

Thanks again for your advice to everyone...

Well appreciated!

[NiDeBaBa]

haha, thanks for all the replies everyone =)

If SENSEI is right, then I shouldn't even need to worry much. The equipment I plan to bring is 'old' (K100D w/ 18-55 kit lens and a couple of old prime lenses). I'm pretty much used to traveling it around with me - i bring it out often. I'm just not used going through large crowds of people.

As for getting mugged...in HK, that'd be the least of my worries.

Guess if I'm truly worried, I should just grab a better camera bag, and travel lite...and never alone.

I'll just need to be extra careful when I go to Shanghai (during trip to HK)...luckily I'll be traveling with a large group of friends.

[yeng]

i will be going to HK this Oct I would recommend this http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/catalog/carrysafe-camera-strap-p-337.html

Its a metal wired shoulder/neck camera strap, not awfully expensive only 20$, can prevent theft from cutting your equipment away from you.

I did not have any problem my trip last year there (didnt have my DSLR tho) but my dad told me some people on the street would target tourists only so you should be very caution about anywhere you go especially while you are taking pictures. Best is to have a friend with you for a photo trip.

Avoiding getting camera bag/backpack that open on the outside, pick one that is open from the back side of your bag. yeah, keep your wallet on the front pocket never the back pocket :lol:

[pmc]

haha, thanks for all the replies everyone =)

If SENSEI is right, then I shouldn't even need to worry much. The equipment I plan to bring is 'old' (K100D w/ 18-55 kit lens and a couple of old prime lenses). I'm pretty much used to traveling it around with me - i bring it out often. I'm just not used going through large crowds of people.

As for getting mugged...in HK, that'd be the least of my worries.

Guess if I'm truly worried, I should just grab a better camera bag, and travel lite...and never alone.

I'll just need to be extra careful when I go to Shanghai (during trip to HK)...luckily I'll be traveling with a large group of friends.

Enjoy your trip post of some photos when you get back of some babes...please:D

[WalnutCrunch]

You'll be okay, they have better equipment than you :)

So true. :D

Just use common sense like you would in any other city and you'll be fine. Maybe it's a false sense of security but I feel safer in HK than I do in almost anywhere else in the world. I haven't had a problem with dSLR's in Shanghai and Beijing either.

[ericdraven]

So true. :D

Just use common sense like you would in any other city and you'll be fine. Maybe it's a false sense of security but I feel safer in HK than I do in almost anywhere else in the world. I haven't had a problem with dSLR's in Shanghai and Beijing either.


I've changed my mind and decided to take my Canon XTI with me...

I've asked around from people living in China and they say it's like any other place in the world...

Just keep an eye on your stuff and it will be ok...


Crossing my fingers on this one and hope to come out with great photos on this trip...

:)

[Jay1234]

The Beijing airport front is extremely small, unsafe and crowded. There are teams of thieves that work the crowds there. The security and police and more focused on the people getting through security than the people outside. But it depends on when you are heading there, with the Olympics arriving, they have upped the cleanliness and security.

I thought Bejing just opened a brand new and huge airport?

[SENSEI]

I thought Bejing just opened a brand new and huge airport?

I don't think so.
Same old airport.

But they did open a new terminal.
Much nicer and safe for international travellers from what I hear.

Every time I've been there, I've flown in on smaller domestic flights from Shanghai and HK. Maybe that's why I end up in the ghetto terminal waiting areas.

[ericdraven]

I don't think so.
Same old airport.

But they did open a new terminal.
Much nicer and safe for international travellers from what I hear.

Every time I've been there, I've flown in on smaller domestic flights from Shanghai and HK. Maybe that's why I end up in the ghetto terminal waiting areas.

" ghetto terminal waiting areas "

???

Do you have a picture of this?
LOL!!!

[teknoluv]

They (Beijing International Airport) actually have a website, for those who are not aware of it yet:

http://en.bcia.com.cn

[akito925]

Just a question for anyone with experience of bringing a dSLR around with you almost everywhere in Hong Kong. Is it safe?

I'm going to be going to Hong Kong soon, but are having second thoughts on bringing it over. I can't really afford to lose it, but it'd be equally as bad to miss this opportunity.

And if you do bring your camera around in HK, any hints and tips to keep it safe?

Thanks!

when I was in HK/China a month ago I was lugging around my DSLR camera everywhere no problems at all, I've seen people walking around with D300's so you won't be a target much. but I did get alot of looks when I was in China people never seen a camera like a DSLR.

[SENSEI]

" ghetto terminal waiting areas "

???

Do you have a picture of this?
LOL!!!

No way..we told specifically by our tour guide not to take out any electronics or open/re-pack any luggages until AFTER we checked in past the ticket counters. We were on a local tour of Beijing that left from HK. We flew Air China. This was 3 years ago.

[Mgz]

theft happens in hong kong just like it does everywhere. regular common sense and it will be ok

mainland china is an entirely different matter, dont bring even a semi-nice cell phone there, not only could it get stolen, but very often outright robbed

dude he is from canada, the regular people in China probably have better cellphone than him. Trust me on this one lol.. Asia and Europe are like 2 year advance in cell phone technology than the rest of North America.

[ericdraven]

when I was in HK/China a month ago I was lugging around my DSLR camera everywhere no problems at all, I've seen people walking around with D300's so you won't be a target much. but I did get alot of looks when I was in China people never seen a camera like a DSLR.

Really?

What Camera di you bring with you?

So no problems in mainland China right?

[teknoluv]

So no problems in mainland China right?
LOL! Some people (or actually PERSON) here try to paint a picture of China as a CRIME HAVEN.

This reminds me of Detroit. When I first visited Detroit more than a decade or two ago, I was told by a business partner (back in Hong Kong) NOT to leave the hotel compound (which is quite HUGE, with the shopping mall) for the short (1 night stay) busines trip there, for fear of my personal safety. I abided because that's a REALLY BIG business deal and I didn't want to have even the slightest complication. Looking back later, my partner was a bit "exaggerated".

Now, back to China. Like I posted earlier in this thread, it's RELATIVELY less safe than Toronto, or Hong Kong; but if you have also been to OTHER places like the Eastern Europe, South America or other parts of Asia, you should know that it's not even close to being the crime capital. Again, use your common sense, as you would when visiting ANY unfamiliar place.

[bobby5]

LOL! Some people (or actually PERSON) here try to paint a picture of China as a CRIME HAVEN.
...Again, use your common sense, as you would when visiting ANY unfamiliar place.

+1
To the OP: Heaven forbids, but if one day you're robbed somewhere in downtown TO. Then what, are you gonna say TO is less safe than China?? >:(
It's all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time (maybe with the wrong people too) :D

[Shinjieva01]

my suggestion is when in HK, its always best to walk with a friend or family member, especially if you aren't familiar with the area. they can keep out an eye for you and thieves in daylight usually won't target ppl walking in groups.

[manixc]

I read somewhere once that you should not do the following three things at the same time.
1. be alone,
2. be out at night, and
3. be in a unfamiliar area.

[gilboman]

dude he is from canada, the regular people in China probably have better cellphone than him. Trust me on this one lol.. Asia and Europe are like 2 year advance in cell phone technology than the rest of North America.

uhhhh... are you using telus or bell??? most people around markham/r.hill have equivalent if not nicer cell phones than ppl in hkg.

and what makes you think people in china rob you of your cell phone to use themselveS? it's to be sold.

trust me on this, after 2 outright robberies and 2 thefts to my cousin and similar comments from friends and relatives, you don't want to be seen using a semi-nice cell phone in mainland. that's why many friends have two more cell phone with one ghetto one to use in mainland so they wont get robbed

[teknoluv]

trust me on this, after 2 outright robberies and 2 thefts to my cousin
Isn't it OBVIOUS that the problem lies in your "cousin"? 4 incidents of robberies and thefts happening to the same 1 single person?? And they happened in how many years? 10? 20?

I too have A LOT of friends and relatives in Hong Kong who frequent mainland China on regular basis. Yes, once in a while, you will hear stories of "friend of a friend" being mugged, but I have yet to hear a big story like the same person being robbed or stolen from twice.

Give me a break.

[bigboy999]

I don't think so.
Same old airport.

But they did open a new terminal.
Much nicer and safe for international travellers from what I hear.

Every time I've been there, I've flown in on smaller domestic flights from Shanghai and HK. Maybe that's why I end up in the ghetto terminal waiting areas.

The new terminal 3 is huge, took us 25 min (using those moving walkings) to customs from gate 87

[ericdraven]

LOL! Some people (or actually PERSON) here try to paint a picture of China as a CRIME HAVEN.

This reminds me of Detroit. When I first visited Detroit more than a decade or two ago, I was told by a business partner (back in Hong Kong) NOT to leave the hotel compound (which is quite HUGE, with the shopping mall) for the short (1 night stay) busines trip there, for fear of my personal safety. I abided because that's a REALLY BIG business deal and I didn't want to have even the slightest complication. Looking back later, my partner was a bit "exaggerated".

Now, back to China. Like I posted earlier in this thread, it's RELATIVELY less safe than Toronto, or Hong Kong; but if you have also been to OTHER places like the Eastern Europe, South America or other parts of Asia, you should know that it's not even close to being the crime capital. Again, use your common sense, as you would when visiting ANY unfamiliar place.


Nice to hear...

Thanks!

[gilboman]

Isn't it OBVIOUS that the problem lies in your "cousin"? 4 incidents of robberies and thefts happening to the same 1 single person?? And they happened in how many years? 10? 20?

I too have A LOT of friends and relatives in Hong Kong who frequent mainland China on regular basis. Yes, once in a while, you will hear stories of "friend of a friend" being mugged, but I have yet to hear a big story like the same person being robbed or stolen from twice.

Give me a break.

yes my cousin was not smart enough to carry a super crap phone around. yes blame the victims, he was already using a crappy phoen cause he knew how bad the cities were in china for robberies.

what is obvious is you love china more than anything, its as if china was a religion and you are its diehard fanboy. i dont think china has any downsides at all to you. its the utopia where we all wish we could live in.

[Jyeatbvg69]

You serious?

I was thinking of bringing my dSLR with me the Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai - Hong Kong

When I went to China 2 years ago, those were the EXACT cities slash order I went. It's very safe in China, mostly tourists (assuming you're going on a tour, like I did) and in Hong Kong people are fairly friendly. Don't go to the bad areas, but like almost everyone before me had said, it's just like Toronto, or better, and you won't lose your camera.

[teknoluv]

what is obvious is you love china more than anything, its as if china was a religion and you are its diehard fanboy.
AGAIN! I DO NOT LOVE CHINA, which I do NOT consider my home country. Got it?


i dont think china has any downsides at all to you. its the utopia where we all wish we could live in.
OF COURSE, China has A LOT of downsides, some even VERY serious; it's just that they are not what you IMAGINE.

[ceecee101]

theft happens in hong kong just like it does everywhere. regular common sense and it will be ok

mainland china is an entirely different matter, dont bring even a semi-nice cell phone there, not only could it get stolen, but very often outright robbed

yeah, that's soooo true. most people in hong kong has their own camera that they carry around often, if not daily. in hk i wouldn't worry about theft.. the thing to be careful about is just if someone pushes you by accident and it falls or some accident like that because it's unlikely they'll repay you or anything. :P

and yeah, don't go to mainland china with that precious camera of yours. seriously.

[ericdraven]

I just came back from China after 24 days...

Started from Beijing - Xi'an ' Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Macau - Hong Kong...

Brought my DSLR Camera and P & S with sometimes carrying both with me...
Both day and night in different areas of the cities...

No problems what so ever... People look at you, compare your camera to theirs and your look at your Cameras but that's as far as it goes...

Just to confirm and to backup what some people said...

It's just like any city but you have to be street smart...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidcwong/