I don't check anything of value. It's only partially a matter of the damage from those new machines (your concern about your camera), it also has to deal with the amount of theft that goes on from checked baggage. Even moreso with the TSA requiring the baggage to remain "unlocked", and the TSA vs Airline argument that would ensue should something show up missing.

I use locking ties for all my luggage now so I can quickly tell if someone was in my bags when I wasn't around.

Enjoy your trip.