I got myself a Canon D20 with all the lenses and such.... and I bring it with me wherever I go....I have a fairly large camera bag that I squeeze into my roller carryon bag and bring a larger than normal briefcase (the large Tumi), where I put my other clothes that I cant squeeze in the roller bag.

I never check my camera bag in.... and it's probably not a good idea given that it can be damaged...

So far, I have been lucky.. and no one has weigh my carry on!.. but if they did, I would be in trouble..