Define non-pro camera

[waffles]

Tropicana Field in Tampa is good about it too. There rule is something like no longer than 1 foot total if it can't be folded. And that goes for everything, not just cameras.

[Alan Willis]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

Obviously, they mean compact point and shoot cameras-even my Canon G3 couldn't get in on an event-they thought it was a Leica! Ken

hmmm... wonder if they'd let me in with my Leica (it's a IIIf red dial... )

[pBeseda]

Yup, called 'em up just to be sure. They said if I wanted to bring an SLR then I should apply for a press pass. Of course the music blog I photograph for got denied. Guess it's going to be me and my Powershot. I'm not too upset, still get to see like 30 awesome bands.

Thanks everyone. Good insight. Maybe someday I will be a pro and can bring my SLR wherever I want... nah.

[Cuchulainn]

No doubt! Are you doing Monolith as well? Their restrictions are by show, not by venue. This seems to confuse everyone, including the staff. Nobody seems to know what the policies are for each show, so they have a hard time enforcing much of anything regarding cameras etc.

Originally Posted by pBeseda

Guess it's going to be me and my Powershot. I'm not too upset, still get to see like 30 awesome bands..

[Jim Bryant]

It matters on the type of camera unless you're up from. Those P & S's won't work from 100 rolls back or up in the 2nd or 3rd levels.

[waffles]

And they can't say no cameras at all because so many cell phones have the built in camera. Say what you will about younger kids/teens going to these concerts alone, but for those who do go like that I doubt their mommy would let them go without the cell phone.

[matthewrigdon]

Originally Posted by denja

I understand and agree with you, however, there are some really good super-zoom P&S's out there. I use one for motorcycle trips that has a 35mm equivalent 400mm capable optical zoom lens, and they make them with even greater zoom capabilities.

I doubt the security guards are going to parse the definition so fine that a superzoom will get in. Most superzooms look like dSLRs these days. They have to check thousands of people before they can get into the venue and they'll be under pressure to check everybody's bag.

If it looks like a dSLR (even if it isn't), then they probably won't let you take it in. You can sit there and show them the lens doesn't come off, but they probably won't care.

If you're a guy, they definitely won't care. If you have a beautiful girlfriend, make sure to give her the camera. The security guards might let her get away with a nicer camera if she smiles at them and bats her eyelashes.

Yes, that's sexist, but I know from standing in lines at events, especially at events where men and women are checked in separately, that the guards are much tougher on men during check-in. In fact, most of the time they're on edge because some of the guys are going to be drunk or rowdy before coming in.

[JerBear]

I am surprised that they allow any cameras, but maybe all of the bad flack of that rule has forced them to allow "Kodak moment" cameras. The venues take great care to decide who and who cannot take "Pro" shots that could be used later for a lot of different reasons. Among them is that they do not want any unflattering images to get out.

On another note, even if you call and get some "clearance" on what you can bring, the fact is that when you get to the inspection station, you are at the mercy of the security there. They won't care what someone else told you and definitely won't spend any time trying to check. So, you will end up with the option of taking your camera back to the auto, or not being allowed in. Is it worth it?

Sneak the camera in? Are you going for the enjoyment or the adventure of sneaking around? Well, you decide, but just remember that if you are with others, your actions could affect them as well.

Good shooting

JM

[bobby62914]

At some NBA games (well at least one that I know of) they would not let any lens longer than 70mm in the venue without a press pass.

THAT was pretty specific.

We all know that it is the Indian and not the arrow. Besides a good photographer with a D40 and great glass is capable of producing an image worthy of selling.

[CanonMaiden]

I doubt you'd get in with a D40. Although I wish you luck... I have a Canon S5 and while it has an excellent zoom and can take great shots it says "point and shoot" right on the body. It's been my saving grace for getting past security. The view screen also pivots which allows me to take pics while holding the cam overhead. An invaluable feature.