Kuwait Bans Dslr Cameras

[Cola]

The Kuwait Times, Gizmodo and Engadget have reported that the government of Kuwait has outlawed DSLR cameras.

“The Ministries of Information, Social Affairs and Finance (hello, 1984!) have collectively decided to ban the use of the chunky shooters in public places, except where it can be shown that it’s for journalistic purposes.” – Engadget.

This ban reportedly affects tourists too, so if you’re headed to Kuwait for some relaxing time over the holidays, come prepared. I understand that compacts and camera phones have not been banned, so you can still get the shot…-ish.
I’ve read all I can on the topic this morning, but for the life of me I’m having trouble understanding. Why they hatin’ on the interchangeable lenses? What about micro 4/3? Can anybody out there shed some light on this bizarre state of affairs for me?



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Cite Chase Jarvis Blog
Original link - Kuwait Bans DSLR Cameras | Chase Jarvis Blog

[jdepould]

Because people who use big, obvious cameras are clearly a bigger threat than those who use pocketable, discreet ones.

[BigFuzzy]

Because the government saw that when they opened flickr and looked at the "Explore" section, lots of crap photos seemed to come from Kuwait*and they were embarrassed. So to resurrect their reputation in the photographic world, they banned SLRs!


* though I'm kidding, I've always found it fascinating how if you go to flickr and open interestingness/Explore, you're likely to see a ton of really sh!tty photos (mostly of cars and their cell phones) coming out of places like Kuwait, Dubai, and SA. Don't get me wrong, lots of crappy photos from all over the world get "Explored" section, but it's always seemed to me there was a disproportionate number from the region.

Anyone else notice that, or is it just me?

[anfanglove]

that isnt fair at all. I wish i won't have to deal with that kind of situation here. Our problem here is when shooting using DSLRs we must pay some money, well not some, since i dont think its cheap Even on the road at some places, the patrol would come and ask for our permit, and to get that of course we have to pay.... so sad....

[vsa]

"Update: Oops. The Kuwait Times has printed a retraction of its earlier story, saying that a followup investigation showed no such ban has been enacted by the state's authorities..."
- Endgadget

[MOmilkman]

Originally Posted by vsa

"Update: Oops. The Kuwait Times has printed a retraction of its earlier story, saying that a followup investigation showed no such ban has been enacted by the state's authorities..."
- Endgadget

Shweew! There for a second I thought I was going to have to cancel my vacation this year!

[Biomech]

Just have to buy an SLT