I do a lot of photography, and am planning to take a trip to Quito/Cotopaxi/Chimborazo over New Years. After reading some of the posts on here and other forums about crime, and seeing some of the guide packing lists telling me not to, I am wondering if bring a DSLR is such a good idea. Hanging a large camera around your neck is almost the same as hanging a sign that says 'tourist' around your neck, and it is an obvious item to steal.

I might buy a point-and-shoot camera, and I might bring both types. My funds are not unlimited, so I'd buy a nicer lens for my DSLR instead if I didn't worry about theft.