If you really have EXPENSIVE camera "stuff", independent of airline issues (you don't spend 100% of your time flying
), having a rider to your homeowners insurance to cover these would be prudent.
Hypothetical: the airline does cover camera equip. in checked luggage--but through negligence on
your part (it was improperly packed by you), it gets tricky in placing the blame. The way airlines unbundled fees, maybe they should charge extra (in addition to luggage fees), separately for insurance.
--I don't think the airlines want to become insurance agents.
It used to be possible to declare excess valuation and purchase insurance when checking bags on an airline. I haven't heard of this in a long time.
Some travel insurance would provide coverage.