China bans SLR cameras at Olympic venues
Unless spectators have the proper credentials, SLR cameras are banned at the Beijing Olympics. The reason they give is that the lenses might block the view of other spectators. While I could understand it if the lens is one of those huge lenses that photo journalists use, typical lenses that amateur photographers use are hardly like to block anyone’s view of the action.
When I went to one of the test events for the Olympics, I was once told that my Canon EOS 400D was “too professional”. I can’t remember what I said exactly, but I eventually got it through. Inside the stadiums I saw plenty of Chinese with similar and better cameras. I thought I was “moving up” by buying an SLR, but many people seem to have them in China.
The rule states, “5.1.6 Any unauthorized professional photography equipment”. I suppose this will be up to the individual police to judge if a camera looks “professional” or not. I can imagine many people will be disappointed if they can’t take a decent camera into the stadium.
This is interesting. I hope then that they will allow the non-professional cameras.
I’m not sure if this is a rule from “CHINA” — or else a rule from “NBC SPORTS”. In the USA, NBC has been pushing many sports people in organizations to outlaw cameras.
I hope that there is a good way to check the cameras in a secure area as you enter the venues. Many people will go one day and that is that. Cameras will be there of course.
I reckon this is more to do with media rights than any sort of authoritarianism. I’m surprised that cameras aren’t banned though. The flashes can be really distracting for athletes - flashes are already banned on racecourses for horses so why not for humans?
Flash photography won’t be good in the stands, except at the opening and closing, of course. Not good at all for diving and swimming at the start where a strobe is key to the race. Outdoors, no need to use the flash and not much of a big deal.
But, SLR isn’t the key.
I’d love to get big binoculars — especially for the canoe course and the 10K swimming at the canoe course. Also would help on triathlons, bike races, marathons. and people watching.
[...] by Beijing: Digital SLR cameras for Olympics spectators? Aiyo! (h/t 2008 Games Beijing Blog) [Behind the Lens at the Beijing [...]
I’m shocked at this restriction. We have a group of International Olympic attendees called Olympic Oneness Dream. http://www.olympiconenessdream.com We will be sharing our photos and stories. It looks like we will be shooting more of Chinas’ oppressiveness than we will shoot Sports from the stands. I feel this will backfire on them. I was planning to bring my Nikon D300 with me to all events, now what? This will be my fourth Olympics, I never had and restriction on the type of camera I could carry .I also hear that they will ban Blacks from the Bars and Clubs. How do you say “I have a Dream” in Mandarin? If you are going join with us we will have more strength together.
[...] seda amatöörtehnikast eristada. Mõne küllalt usaldusväärse allika järgi otsustades (nn. Olympic Games Blog) tundub, et täpset määratlust ei olegi ning selle üle, kas kaamera on piisavalt [...]
The Chinese government is working overtime to embarrass China for the whole world. This stupid camera rule is just another example of the kind of morons who run this place.
have u won
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