[RAILhead]

When I vacation in the States, I just pack my camera in my suitcase so I don't have to worry about security -- but I'll be going overseas in a while, and I'm not crazy about packing my good camera (Canon 40D with several high-dollar lenses) in my luggae -- I want it with me.

I'm planning on just using my camera bag as my carry-on, but I was wondering what International security does with cameras. Am I asking for an automatic slow down and search? Do they have to empty everything out?

[paul w]

it all goes through the x ray machine. and nobody ever asks to see them. so many people have cameras these days.

[iranfromthezoo]

Here is my question, would it be wise to bring a higher end camera internationally? RAILhead this isn't to call you stupid or anything like by any means for bringing a camera like that over seas. I am going to China in a couple of months along with other tourist areas and was wondering if you ever had any issues? Whats the best way to stay safe?

[RAILhead]

I use Urban Disguise bags, and they look more like a "regular" bag -- so it's not I'm walking around with CANON EOS all over me.

Professional photography equipment - camera bags, camera cases - from Think Tank Photo

I just hate to not take my best camera on our visit to Italy and London...

[OreoCookie]

It's simple:
(1) Don't ever, ever, ever, ever put your camera equipment in the luggage you check in!
(2) Buy a decent camera bag, that's preferably a little larger than necessary. The extra space will be useful somehow (I put in maps and stuff). I have used both, Samsonite and now a Loewe Pro bag (~ $50). It's reasonably water proof (strong rain) and shock absorbing. There are other good brands, don't be cheap on the bag when you've spent more than $1k on camera equipment

In the 10+ years I take my slr on trips, I haven't had a single problem yet (at least not at the airport, the rather aggressive driving style of a shuttle bus driver almost killed my bazooka zoom; now I don't have a UV filter for it anymore).

You'll have to have your camera bag x-rayed and these days (i. e. post-9/11) and -- depending on the airport/country -- you have to switch it on and they'll check lenses as well. There are slight variations depending on airport, country and destination. Security checks tend to be more anal if you're heading for the US.
(3) If you shoot film, you'll be ok, unless you're shooting with ISO1600+ material. Then you may want to take it out, just in case.

[Person Man]

I went to Greece this past August, and going through security in the States they made me take my camera out of the case and put it naked in a box, like with laptops. They told me it was a new rule for digital cameras.

I think film cameras still don't need to be taken out. I couldn't tell you about the high end lenses, though.

You could call ahead to the airport and ask to speak with someone in TSA. They might be able to tell you for sure what you need to do.

[climber]

Originally Posted by OreoCookie 

(3) If you shoot film, you'll be ok, unless you're shooting with ISO1600+ material. Then you may want to take it out, just in case.

Sorry but that is not good advice. Although that may be the case in the States, x-ray machines in many third world countries are notorious for being less than friendly on film. If at all possible put all your film in a separate bag to be hand checked.

[Mastrap]

Never had a problem. The worst thing that has happened was that I had to take the camera out of the bag.

Btw, even within the States, or Canada in my case, I would never ever put a camera into my luggage. There have been far too many instances of luggage being lost or rifled through.

[OreoCookie]

Originally Posted by climber 

Sorry but that is not good advice. Although that may be the case in the States, x-ray machines in many third world countries are notorious for being less than friendly on film. If at all possible put all your film in a separate bag to be hand checked.

Actually that's what I did and regularly caused a stir.
But since he hasn't mentioned he was going to a third-world country and the fact that RailHead mentioned only his dslr, I thought I cut this a little short. AFAIK the critical ISO for properly functioning x-ray scanners is ISO3200.

[paul w]

Originally Posted by OreoCookie 

(3) If you shoot film, you'll be ok, unless you're shooting with ISO1600+ material. Then you may want to take it out, just in case.

Now, this I'll simply add:

The effects of x-ray machines are cumulative, as in they add up. with something like 400 film, depending on how you shoot, this can make a visible impact. Also, x-ray machines are not all calibrated the same. Some seem to be set stronger than others.

That said, even with taking film out of the box and plastic tube, and putting it ina clear ziploc bag for the security personnel to inspect is STILL not enough to be sure they won 't be a pain and force you to scan it. Even back in the pre-digital, pre-terrorism days I had some tough times explaining my position.

Not that anyone shoots film anymore though...

[Oisín]

Little lead boxes?

[SpaceMonkey]

Somewhat related, but amusing to note nonetheless:

When I first moved to DC in 2006, I went to my hometown congressman's office to get a gallery pass for the Capitol. His office, of course, was in the Rayburn Office Building, which has some security checkpoints down in the lobby. I had my backpack with me, and all it had inside was a large nalgene water bottle and my digital camera. When they put my bag through the X-Ray (no physical search), the water bottle and camera had settled so that one was directly on top of the other. I could see the screen as my bag went through the machine, which showed, very clearly, a squat cylinder with a bunch of electronics inside.

The guard didn't even blink, and just waved me on through.

[James L]

I travel 3-6 times per year with my dSLR setup in a backpack (slingshot actually). Never once had a problem carrying it on a plane, and only a few times have I even been asked to take it out at the security checkpoint.

A bigger issue to be aware of is that the airlines have size restrictions on carry on bags. I had a co-worker who was told he had to check his backpack full of dSLR gear because the bag was too big for carry on.

[Goldfinger]

I've never had a problem with my camera bag. I don't see why I would. I've been asked to take out my flash once and they asked my to take out the batteries (could be plastic explosives I guess). That was in Munich.

Originally Posted by SpaceMonkey 

Somewhat related, but amusing to note nonetheless:

When I first moved to DC in 2006, I went to my hometown congressman's office to get a gallery pass for the Capitol. His office, of course, was in the Rayburn Office Building, which has some security checkpoints down in the lobby. I had my backpack with me, and all it had inside was a large nalgene water bottle and my digital camera. When they put my bag through the X-Ray (no physical search), the water bottle and camera had settled so that one was directly on top of the other. I could see the screen as my bag went through the machine, which showed, very clearly, a squat cylinder with a bunch of electronics inside.

The guard didn't even blink, and just waved me on through.

Those guys know what they're looking for. I've had that a few times as wel, were I think: omg that looks like a bomb, but they let it pass without saying a word.

Originally Posted by James L 

I travel 3-6 times per year with my dSLR setup in a backpack (slingshot actually). Never once had a problem carrying it on a plane, and only a few times have I even been asked to take it out at the security checkpoint.

A bigger issue to be aware of is that the airlines have size restrictions on carry on bags. I had a co-worker who was told he had to check his backpack full of dSLR gear because the bag was too big for carry on.

Weight is more of a problem for me. Pro lenses weigh a ton.

[osiris]

What has always worked for me is a nicely padded camera bag that fits into a backpack.
Just open everything up prior to the checkpoint so that they have easy access.

If you have a lot of equipment that needs to go with you, maybe it's time for a Pelican case.

[Buckaroo]

Don't ever check in anything expensive. I don't trust baggage handlers for a second. Try to hand carry all expensive items in hand carry bags.

[Buckaroo]

Originally Posted by climber 

Sorry but that is not good advice. Although that may be the case in the States, x-ray machines in many third world countries are notorious for being less than friendly on film. If at all possible put all your film in a separate bag to be hand checked.

The Canon 40D is digital. There is no film.

[peeb]

Always hand carry cameras.

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by Buckaroo 

The Canon 40D is digital. There is no film.

???

He was replying to a comment about, “If you shoot film...”.

[el chupacabra]

Whenever I go to any country I have stuff stolen, outa my bags, hotel room, or where ever. even If I'm trying to watch it till it goes on the plane I lose stuff. I've never been mugged though...

my philosophy is to pack stuff your not going to miss. Prepare to carry all your valuables on you at al times. I usually bring my camera but I always keep it with me or very well hidden.

[tie]

1. Just put it in your carry-on, of course, doesn't need to be a "camera bag."
2. Some airlines allow you a camera bag in addition to your carry-on. Of course they don't advertise this. Check it on their websites, print out a copy of the policy and bring it with you to show the screeners if necessary.

[brassplayersrock²]

when i travel, i use my camera bag as a carry on. through the x-ray session, i usually open the top so they can see inside without having me open it for them. makes things much easier.