There's no way I'm putting my SLR and lenses into the hold - just no way. I'm an enthusiastic amateur photographer, not a pro, so I don't have and can't justify a solid metal case that makes it slightly more challenging for bag handlers to damage the stuff inside. I've checked cameras through security every time but, if my normal camera bag were to be confiscated and checked in, I'd rather not fly, thanks.
Staff are not meant to take cameras airside - for passengers, its [still] OK. The previously mentioned security screener at LGW was talking absolute crap if it was related to screening a passenger
A