p.1 #1 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
Last night I tried to take a Panasonic Lumix GX85 with a Sigma 56mm to a Dallas Mavericks game and because it has an interchangeable lens, it was denied. They said all interchangeable lens cameras are considered "professional". Before the game, I read the rules on the Mavs website and it clearly stated that small cameras and lenses under 4-inches are allowed.
Here's a photo. The GX-85 with the Sigma 56mm is on top. On bottom is a 5D Mark III with a 70-200 that I'd consider a "professional camera". What do you guys think? Should all interchangeable lens cameras not be allowed - regardless of the size? I'm curious to hear about your own experience with cameras and event venues.
p.1 #3 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
It’s a private venue. They can make whatever rules they like. Seems like it keeps things simple, no interchangeable lens cameras period rather than having some kind of length restriction…and what if the lens gets longer with focal length and the arguments about the camera/lens is 0.1” under the acceptable length.
p.1 #5 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
It is not a public event therefore their rules apply. When I worked for a newspaper and covered concerts it was common to be allowed to cover three songs then out AND often we were restricted on usage, such as reviews of the event.
p.1 #6 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
They say "cameras containing lenses (not to exceed 4 inches in length) with no flashes may be allowed at some events." The "may" and "some" in that sentence are their way out: if you argue with them they will just say that this is one of the events where they're not allowed.
Probably worth a call to the team office to let them know about the discrepancy.
Thanks for sharing that screenshot about the ILC. I didn't see the AAC rules before. I did contact them yesterday about the Mavs website discrepancy, but no response. I doubt they would respond either.
I guess it's time to buy a Panasonic LX 100 Mark II that has a focal length longer than the setup I was trying to take
p.1 #10 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
I had this issue at my kid's graduation. They had a 6 inch lens rule. At another venue there was a "no camera" rule. The venue was booked by the school for a student award ceremony, so there was no possibility of any professional copyright violation. Parents didn't know about the rule until we showed up. That pissed me off so much that I spoke with the event organizer and provided my photography services for free to all the parents if they let me into the venue with my camera equipment. They agreed and I shot the whole event and posted large digital images for free on Flickr. Hundreds of parents and students got their pics for free thanks to the spiteful actions of that venue.
p.1 #11 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
snegron7 wrote:
I had this issue at my kid's graduation. They had a 6 inch lens rule. At another venue there was a "no camera" rule. The venue was booked by the school for a student award ceremony, so there was no possibility of any professional copyright violation. Parents didn't know about the rule until we showed up. That pissed me off so much that I spoke with the event organizer and provided my photography services for free to all the parents if they let me into the venue with my camera equipment. They agreed and I shot the whole event and posted large digital images for free on Flickr. Hundreds of parents and students got their pics for free thanks to the spiteful actions of that venue....Show more →
Good for you. A sports event or concert is one thing, with copyright issues and social media and all, but the graduation at an institution you actually paid money for and that's supposed to serve you or your child is another matter altogether. What are these people thinking?
p.1 #12 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
The Sony RX100 M7 is the go-to for a lot of folks worried about getting into venues. It's so small that it's highly unlikely anyone would ever hassle you over it, and you get 24-200mm along with AF good enough to follow the action on the field at 20fps.
p.1 #13 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
Well, the first screenshot also states no telephoto lenses... which the RX100, LX100, etc., would technically violate.
Maybe change your live sports preferences? I noticed at a recent Bills game that the rules posted outside the gates allowed cameras with lenses up to 6" extended. And have seen a few people with cameras at the games. I think the 6" rule is as much about fan enjoyment as it is about concern over how those photos might be used. Would you want to sit in front of or beside a fan with a long telephoto lens potentially knocking you on the head as you leapt up to celebrate a touchdown?
Way back when I covered MLB in Toronto, as press, we could roam around the stadium and shoot from the spectator areas, but not from the actual seating areas due to the team's concern about it negatively affecting the fan experience. Fortunately it wasn't tightly controlled everywhere, as one of the favorite spots was directly above/behind home plate from the 500 level for a 'birds eye view' of plays at home plate.
p.1 #14 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
If you can show the web page where the rules are stated to the security people who are denying the entrance, my experience is that they'll usually contact their superiors and ask for instructions. Of course, it is possible that they do not in an individual instance but it's worth a try.
p.1 #15 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
rscheffler wrote:
Well, the first screenshot also states no telephoto lenses... which the RX100, LX100, etc., would technically violate.
If they are that picky about the definition of "telephoto", then most people wouldn't be allowed to bring their smartphones into the arena either. I suspect by "telephoto lens" they mean attached to a DSLR/MILC type camera, or at least that was the original intent.
p.1 #17 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
As user jeffbuzz discovered, AAC and Mavs have separate policies... I emailed the address from the Mavs page link and it was to the AAC. They're saying they are a separate organization, but not answering why their AAC email address is listed on the Mavs page... smh... anyway I guess as a Mavs fan, you're supposed to know telepathically that AAC policies are different and that they override the Mavs policies... I've asked them to make their policies consistent or link to the AAC page from the Mavs page. No response.
Anyway, in other news, I'm now looking at some P&S cameras like Nikon A1000, LX 100 II, etc. Anyone have a P&S camera recommendation that does well in low-light?
p.1 #18 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
Maybe you need a new team, like the Chicago Cubs. A few years ago Harry Caray kept pointing out a fan in the bleachers with what appeared to be a 400MM f2.8 lens. Nothing other was said and I am sure the fan took home some great shots.
From the Chicago Cubs website:
Cameras/Video Equipment
Visitors are welcome to bring video and still cameras into the ballpark; however, tripods are not allowed in the seating areas. Recordings may be used for personal viewing only. Any other use, distribution or commercial use is prohibited. Fans may not distribute any copyrighted game information without permission of the Chicago Cubs.
p.1 #19 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
Chicago Cubs, lets go!!!
runamuck wrote:
Maybe you need a new team, like the Chicago Cubs. A few years ago Harry Caray kept pointing out a fan in the bleachers with what appeared to be a 400MM f2.8 lens. Nothing other was said and I am sure the fan took home some great shots.
From the Chicago Cubs website:
Cameras/Video Equipment
Visitors are welcome to bring video and still cameras into the ballpark; however, tripods are not allowed in the seating areas. Recordings may be used for personal viewing only. Any other use, distribution or commercial use is prohibited. Fans may not distribute any copyrighted game information without permission of the Chicago Cubs.
p.1 #20 · Taking cameras to sports, concerts and other venues
runamuck wrote:
Maybe you need a new team, like the Chicago Cubs. A few years ago Harry Caray kept pointing out a fan in the bleachers with what appeared to be a 400MM f2.8 lens. Nothing other was said and I am sure the fan took home some great shots.
From the Chicago Cubs website:
Cameras/Video Equipment
Visitors are welcome to bring video and still cameras into the ballpark; however, tripods are not allowed in the seating areas. Recordings may be used for personal viewing only. Any other use, distribution or commercial use is prohibited. Fans may not distribute any copyrighted game information without permission of the Chicago Cubs.
Personally I’d hate to be sitting next to someone with a 400mm lens who is more excited about taking a few images, dreaming they could be at field level rather than sitting back with a dog and beer and enjoying a nice game out.
