kevin_c3

Get some black residue-free black gaffers tape and tape over the Canon logo on your 5D. Also if you're still using the standard Canon issued neckstrap, replace it with a more discreet and more comfortable neck strap like ones made by Optech. Any big camera with a big lens (and especially with Canon/Nikon logo) would be recognized as potential target. The standard tourist issue is a small point and shoot and especially the sound of film cameras - anything else and you look rich.

 

That's a lot of lenses you're carrying, hope you're not backpacking as it'll feel really heavy as the trip continues. Also suggest carrying a monopod rather than a tripod - I have a Gitzo basalt monopod but any brand will do.

 

Go with a comfortable backpack or shoulder bag. One look and people can tell you're a tourist so you're expected to be carrying a backpack. Again, try to stay away from popular camera bag brands like Domke, Lowepro and Tamrac - you'll be surprised at how recognizable these bags are as containing photographic equipment. If you do use them, also suggest taking off the logos or blacking out any white logo stitching with a black marker.

 

Crumpler bags are good. I also use PacSafe bags because they have the exomesh slashproof material. Even if you're staying at high end hotels it doesn't mean the staff are rich so be careful about leaving any expensive items in luggage behind - my rule is anything I can't easily replace travels with me the entire day. This is why I usually only bring a Canon 24-105 and a Canon 70-300 DO lens and leave the white L glass at home, unless you have a travel buddy or group with you at all times.

I have the Dell Inspiron 9400 which is the same as the E1705. I also have the Colorvison Spyder2Pro. To calibrate, choose "2.2-Native" setting NOT 6500K. LCD monitors should be calibrated at Native. The ColorVisionStartup file in your StartUp folder will load the LUT (look up table) created by the ColorVision profile. I'm running WinXP and sometimes there'll be another error message about profile not found, in which case you have to manually set the profile in your Desktop, Settings, Advanced, Color Management tab. Choose the Colorvision profile which if you didn't rename will show up as "1-Default Monitor". With those two settings, you're set to produce the most accurate colors the Inspiron is capable of. Don't fool around with the ATI Catalyst settings and make sure your laptop brightness is set to max before calibrating.