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/s...ghlight=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.