Bluesfest camera restrictions

[dawesy]

I'm heading to the Blues and Roots Festival in Byron tomorrow and thought to actually send them an email regaring what they considered a 'professional camera' as their website FAQ states:

Am I allowed to bring a camera to the Festival?

Yes you can, but please note that only small lens still cameras are permitted, no video cameras, professional still cameras or recording equipment. You will not gain entry to the site whilst in possession of the above and will be asked to return them to your vehicle, tent or accommodation.

I sent a mail seeking clarification and specifying that I wanted to take in a DSLR with a 50mm lens. The response I got surprised me:

From: ***@bluesfest.com.au]
Subject: from Bluesfest...

Hi Jon, The big 50mm lens is too big, so you should borrow the smaller one. The rule of thumb is for still cameras / happy snaps, no big professional lenses.
Regards ***.

50mm is hardly big, in fact it is less zoom that most P&S cameras. I have replied seeking some clarification, pointing this out and asking if in fact they are suggesting that SLRs are banned in their entirety. Will see what the response is.

Seems overzealous to me but anyone else going should be warned as there may be problems at the gate! Having said that, has anyone tried to get in any camera gear before? I haven't been since 2001 and wasn't really into photography then.


Cheers.

[moz]

Yes you can, but please note that only small lens still cameras are permitted, no professional still cameras

... asking if in fact they are suggesting that SLRs are banned in their entirety.

It sounds as though that's exactly what they're doing. I suspect that by "big lens" they mean front diameter - I wouldn't be surprised to see them reject some of the bigger PoS cameras too.

I expect they've sold the pro rights to someone who is hoping to recoup their costs from selling photos (to you as well as the performers).

Amusingly, I wandered into the Silverchair Carriageworks gig with my camera bag and took some shots without any hassle (30D, 70-200/2.8 ). I'm not sure whether it was a trade gig or what, but the beer was free by the time we arrived... so at least there was something worthwhile there. Is it just me or have Silverchair gone downhill since last time they were around?

(edit: fix URL)

[dawesy]

Yeah it's sad when a music festival get's so commercial it won't even let you take a decent camera. Even the play list is getting very commercial these days.

Honestly, I suspect the person who replied knows nada about cameras and is just towing a line that says 'keep it small'. I'd like to see a clear definition somewhere though.

As for silverchair, rock bottom is approaching and I think Johnsy now has the energy to dig. What is it with that headband? He's had it on in every media spot I've seen lately.

[gstark]

I think that their website is quite specific, and it basically forbids anything other than a PHD.

So, while, yes, a 50mm is nit big, if it's attached to an SLR, it's not permitted.

No, I'm not defending them at all; that's merely my understanding ....