you should ALWAYS carry your camera on. you dont need it to fit into a case. I have carried full size betacams on, and have carried my HD100 on as well. NEVER check your camera. just for the reason above (it getting jacked) and also because if you show up at your destination, and your bags get lost…how are you going to shoot? I make it a practice to carry on at least 2 tapes, 2 batteries and the camera. that way you are always ready to shoot when you land. everything else, check under the plane, protect it as best you can, and have fun shooting in jamaica.
