Would random people feel more comfortable photograph if the Photographer uses a smartphone?

Thank you, guys. My only regret is being so into taking pics that day that I neglected to get a poem for myself. I did, however, go back the next weekend, hoping he'd be there again, to give him a print. He so appreciated it!

I attended a college volleyball game for a girls' team. I used a small camera--a.Canon G12--but got a lot of nasty looks. I wonder what attention a large camera and lens would have drawn? Should I have taken some really tiny camera instead? I once took a Minox 35 into a Hershey's store and soon noticed Security trailing me around, so one of those is not small enough.

got a lot of nasty looks

In some situations, nasty looks are going to be part of the landscape. Nothing you can do, certainly not the size of your equipment, and even a pleasant demeanor and non-threatening attitude, will alleviate what has become a very suspicious and intolerant society. It's more about how you are going to adapt to that than how you will be able to prevent it.

I attended a college volleyball game for a girls' team. I used a small camera--a.Canon G12--but got a lot of nasty looks. I wonder what attention a large camera and lens would have drawn? Should I have taken some really tiny camera instead? I once took a Minox 35 into a Hershey's store and soon noticed Security trailing me around, so one of those is not small enough.

 

Some stores have strict rules on photography, as there might be trade secrets that could be exposed.

 

Or maybe you looked suspicious other than the camera.