Film may be damaged by scanning, but not the camera or diskman.

I would carry it with me. Customs probably won't even look at it unless they have a reason to do so. If it's new, remember to bring something that proves you purchased it in the United States, or they may say you didn't and charge you duty on your return (it's way better to register it before you leave).

If you put it in you checked bags it will probably be damaged or taken by the baggage theives, if you carry it on and don't smash it into a wall or get it run over by an airport cart, you will be fine.