JimyD

My daughter is going to Rome and wherever soon. She has a Nikon D5100 which is a good camera, but a little heavy depending on lenses. I recently purchased a Lumix DMC-ZS60 which I think would be a good camera for her trip, but maybe not that rugged. Then I thought about the Olympus Tough Tg, more expensive, but it is tough and has a load of features and great reviews.
Who knows what the weather will be like, lots of walking, a drop or two and crooks may not be interested is snatching it. It would be black so not to draw any more attention than needed. I know the camera color thing. I have a Nikon1 J2 in orange, my clown camera according to my family.

I await your input.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

"Crooks" will steal anything first, ask questions later. THE Lumix looks like a capable alternative.

Guzser02

I would suggest that you give the Lumix FZ-300 a look. It is an incredible bridge camera and will run circles around many cameras. Insofar as security, keep the camera (any camera) close to you at all times. Never put it down. And if she stays with the Nikon, whatever you do, change the strap, because it advertises to thieves that it is a high end item that needs to be taken.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

For what it’s worth the Olympus TG series are very nice cameras for point and shoots. We use them at work for escorting restrained offenders so I can tell you that they also take good videos and passably decent macro if you take the time to learn it.

Personally, my D 7100 goes wherever I go but a TG 860 will fit in a pocket or purse and do the job if she doesn’t want to fuss with the camera controls. It also has the advantage of being sock resistant to roughly 6 feet and is waterproof if there will be any snorkeling going on.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

Hard to answer your question without knowing more about how & where your daughter is traveling... going with a tour group? On her own? Staying in hostels? Be in tourist areas or more secluded? Etc.

Always chuckle with some of the "thieves are standing on every corner" hysteria. I travel a fair amount and have been to Rome/Italy three times and over 50 other countries/islands. Rome is no different than any other large city in USA - use common sense, stay out of bad areas, be aware in crowded areas, don't draw attention to yourself, don't set stuff down without having strap around wrist, etc. (Applies to purse and pockets too - pickpockets are more prevalent in Rome, they actually have schools there to learn the craft). Changing strap was good advice - I have a generic on all my cameras.

My recommendation, with what little we know, would probably be her Nikon D5100 simply because she is familiar with it and probably would take better pictures then using something new. A single 24-140mm or thereabouts would probably cover 98% of photos.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Exactly. And in my opinion, covering up the brand name on the camera to prevent theft is not only a waste of time, but can give you a false sense of security.

pmorin Loc: Huntington Beach, Palm Springs

I just had 2 weeks travel in Florence and Venice and I think the pic-pockets are more of a problem than the camera thieves. I suggest a money belt worn with the opening against the belly and a shirt or blouse tucked in front. The camera, a 5DIV, was fine as I had a security strap on it. I used a 24-105 lens for almost everything I shot. Only occasionally did I want or need the 16-35 I brought. The weight wasn’t bad with the strap around my shoulder and we were out at least 8 hrs everyday.
Just keep a hand on the camera and you’re good to go.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

"Bad areas" There are more thieves in good areas. Nothing to steal in bad areas. Sound advise about the other stuff.

whitehall Loc: Canada

Just back from Rome and Italy in general. Given the crowds in Rome, don't even think of a DLSR, I took my Sony Cyber and got perfectly good record images. My 5D mkiv stayed in the bag until I got to Tuscany for some serious shooting.

Photocraig

Note: Adorama had the tough on sale for $200 this AM on its midnight sale.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Camera advises aside. If she is planning to visit any museums or other sites that require admission fees. She should check and see if there prepaid tickets available. That could save hours waiting in line.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

[quote=JimyD]My daughter is going to Rome and wherever soon. She has a Nikon D5100 which is a good camera, but a little heavy depending on lenses. I recently purchased a Lumix DMC-ZS60 which I think would be a good camera for her trip, but maybe not that rugged. Then I thought about the Olympus Tough Tg, more expensive, but it is tough and has a load of features and great reviews.
Who knows what the weather will be like, lots of walking, a drop or two and crooks may not be interested is snatching it. It would be black so not to draw any more attention than needed. I know the camera color thing. I have a Nikon1 J2 in orange, my clown camera according to my family.

Rome is a den of thieves, pickpocket experts, hustlers everywhere. The only camera I take their now is my Sony HX-90V and that camera goes in a belt pouch worn in the front. My wallet is in my front pocket, I wear tight pants to prevent someone from slipping their hand into my front pocket. Do not carry anything around your neck as the experts on motor scooters are experts at driving by and cutting the straps and taking it with them.
I am not sorry about my assessment of Rome, it is a dangerous place to take anything valuable. TAKE CARE, BEWARE.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The Lumix sounds ideal. Here's a review. A wrist strap might be a good idea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4485EViAVA

aam421

I LOVE my TG-5 even though it's red (I didn't have a choice). Last year I took a photo of an animal skeleton and the director of a museum was so impressed when I showed him the image in the camera, that he went online with his phone and bought a TG-5 on the spot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=terShI4P4B0

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I have a 60 and would bet it will be perfect for her trip!! Jerry's wrist strap suggestion is a good one.