<p>Hi Edmund, <br>
I actually live in Barcelona and I am a (not pro) photographer. I would most definitely not leave my DSLR at home for fear of having it stolen. BCN is a big city full of tourists and I am sure things happen, but I would not be worried about someone actually threatening you to give him/her your camera. Pickpockets tend to be silent and you only realize something is missing after the fact. <br>
That said, just be cautious, as in any other major busy city with tons of tourists taking the streets. <br>
If you want to go someplace off the beaten path, take a look at this blog post: <br>
http://www.jairophoto.com/blog/barcelona-sky/<br>
This place, Mount Carmel, is not far away from Park Güell. And it has some cool views of the city.<br>
I have another couple of blog entries with photos from BCN in the front page of my blog, in case you are interested!<br>
Let me know if you have specific questions about the city!<br>
Cheers<br>
Jairo</p>