Is carrying DSLR safe Vietnam?

Member since 21 November 2014

IwonderMember10 January 2016 00:09:39

HI Guys,

Just a question,

I own a full frame DSLR with a few lenses I like to capture street & portrait photography which to me poses the most danger of getting robbed or someone attempting to in Ho Chi Minh.

As I like to capture scenes in day / night would it be safe carrying the camera around? I'm pretty careful when it comes to safety and securing my items as best I can.

I would love to know if there have been specific targets towards people with cameras or these gangs mainly try snatch phones or girls bag?

Thanks

ralphnhatrang Serial expat

Member since 20 January 2015

ralphnhatrangSerial expat10 January 2016 00:28:37

599

I suggest you keep your camera and equipment well out of sight until you wish to shoot, take out your camera, shoot, then return the camera to your bag. Walking around with a camera听 hanging around your neck is an invitation for some one to rip it from you.

Also, ALWAYS keep one hand on your bag, which you should carry across your chest and not hanging off one shoulder, so that you can prevent a thief from ripping it off听 you.听 When two thieves on a motor bike tried to steal my shoulder bag, all they got was the strap and I still was firmly holding my bag against my stomach.

Bazza139 ViP

Member since 04 January 2016

Bazza139ViP10 January 2016 00:39:43

1257

Good thinking, but you have already answered your own question: self-awareness.听听And you show that.

Common sense dictates you don't carry visible signs around.听听Use in crowds?听 Self-explanatory too.听听So even armed guards cannot prevent the omnipresent threat of theft.听听In fact, they draw attention...

One option is to carry within a larger bag securely attached to you.听 The equally obvious danger is being dragged away as well.听听 It's happened before, and unhappily for the owner...
听
Be aware - and aware..?听听You can never cover all the bases.听听Cover with a soft cloth such as a dark scarf which will often even hide the fact you are taking photos.听听Do NOT use this trick in China...

Empathy?听听Sure.听 Think as a thief would.听听Without becoming one.听听听 Too obvious?听 Too rarely...

..but I think I'm probably preaching to the choir....

Whos_your_Addy Contributor

Member since 27 March 2015

Whos_your_AddyContributor10 January 2016 00:47:31

100

I agree with both respondents.听 I love taking shots of Vietnam and always carry my DSLR and SLR around with me.听 rarely do I walk around with it strapped around my neck though.听 Keep it in your bag until you are ready to shoot.听 I don't think it poses a great deal of concern since I do believe this city to be relatively safe, but it still is a major city and will have crime.听 So just be careful and aware as stated before.听 Looking forward to seeing some of your shots, make sure you post some onto the site.