What kind of camera would be wise for a photojournalist traveling through Eastern Europe?

I'm an aspiring photojournalist who will be leaving for Eastern Europe shortly. I have been warned by Eastern European locals not to bring my Nikon D90 in public as it will be stolen, or I'll be targeted. I was considering getting a film camera that might not stick out as much. What kind of camera are the professional photojournalists using in high-risk places?

Don't listen to them. You'll be fine with the Nikon.

I've personally been looking at the micro 4/3rds cameras from Olympus
and Panasonic. Especially the new Olympus e-lp2 (black). The Panasonic
GF1 would also make a great travel camera. Both shoot video and carry a
small form factor so remain unobtrusive. Although you maybe safe with the
D90, you've got to carry it around!

I will suggest you to DSLR… Best for Photography!

35mm film Zenit SLR with assorted lenses by Industar, Helios and Zenitar.

Photojournalists use their primary cameras wherever and whenever they can because it's a premium tool they need for their job, whether it's in Afghanistan or the Kew Gardens spring flower show. That's why these cameras are so heavy, have environmental seals and are built like a tank. And of course, carry a very hefty price tag.
As a West-European, my guess would be that you have to be just as careful in say, London or Amsterdam, as you'd have to be in Warsaw or Sofia. Or some areas in NY, Wash. DC, Sydney or Beijing for that matter. Unsavoury characters can be found everywhere.
Have your equipment professionally insured -which btw is not the same as a tourist travel insurance package since you'll be taking a different kind of risk-, keep your eyes peeled, and walk away from trouble before it starts unless you're into war photography.

Having said that, I was told that Magnum Photo agency recommended Canon Powershot G10s as a compact back-up camera for their staff photographers. It's relatively small, delivering good (or good enough) output to make a decent magazine cover and retains most of the manual settings and possibilities found on a DSLR.

Being a travel photography enthusiast, I use the earlier Canon G9 model to back up my Nikon D2x's. The Powershot G-series are built like a mini-tank, have excellent optics, and are not only far less conspicuous, they also let's you make candid street shots much more easily. Some of my best (and totally unexpected) shots were made with this little camera. On some of my shorter trips, I leave the big guns at home in favour of this compact camera.

I wouldn't opt for a film camera, since it's unlikely a potential thief would make such a fine distinction between film and digital; after all, a camera is a camera and as such a hi-tech luxury item. Just make sure you make a regular backup of your pics at the end of the day on a laptop or an imagetank, so you still have your photos should anything happen.

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