Cameras at SOI venues? | Golden Skate

Cameras at SOI venues?

R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Just a question for those who attend- besides no flash, what has been the camera policy? I think I've heard of certain lenses being restricted (or am I confusing it with USFS?) but would like to make sure. What have been your experiences? I don't want any surprises. Thanks, RD

P.S. I was going to call the venue and ask...maybe I'll do it tomorrow.
 

Tonichelle

Idita-Rock-n-Roll
Record Breaker
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
USFS and other show's I've attended (another Scott Hamilton production) have a 200mm max. policy.
 

R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
OK thanks. I'll check with the venue and see if the folks there have any idea. 200mm is way more than enough reach for me anyway, considering I'm sitting in the front row. 50mm should be good enough for me anyway, considering I practicallly could not zoom in at all with my snapshot camera at previous shows because the lens system was so freakin' slow...
 

ehdtkqorl123

On the Ice
Joined
Feb 6, 2009
At SOI in San Diego in 2009, they didn't allow any kind of DSLR. I guess it's different from venue to venue.
 

Tonichelle

Idita-Rock-n-Roll
Record Breaker
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
it's because some DSLRs are used as video cameras, which are always always ALWAYS forbidden.
 

R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
it's because some DSLRs are used as video cameras, which are always always ALWAYS forbidden.

Then you may as well ban all cameras and phones because virtually EVERY SINGLE digital camera nowadays has some sort of video mode...frankly I would think it's much easier to get away with a cell phone or small camera video than with an SLR
 
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R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
it was because they thought DSLRs are for professional photography.

Wow, they must be stuck in 2003 or something...


DSLRs (and even some decent lenses) are quite affordable nowadays. They are not for just pros any more.
 

Tonichelle

Idita-Rock-n-Roll
Record Breaker
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
interesting. the professional grade lenses are the only thing I've seen banned from an arena... one that's a fast shutter or long focal length gets the boot, but not an actual body.

and the video issue is never truly enforced at USFS events.


ETA - and not to sound like a photosnob or anything, but you can have the most fantastic equipment in teh world and the pictures still look awful. It's not the hardware that makes the photographer a pro (or even semi pro) it's what they do with it. You can have quality composition with any camera...
 
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R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
ETA - and not to sound like a photosnob or anything, but you can have the most fantastic equipment in teh world and the pictures still look awful. It's not the hardware that makes the photographer a pro (or even semi pro) it's what they do with it. You can have quality composition with any camera...

How true that is. I've played with film SLRs a little in the past, but this was my first digital SLR. And yes, there's certainly a learning curve (as well as room for growth!)...buying one has actually forced me to learn to take better pictures (and I like that BTW. That was the intent).
 

Blue Bead

Medalist
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
When I've attended SOI shows in the past, the arena staff has always objected to a DSLR because of it's movie-making capability. However, when I carried a non-digital SLR they only wanted to know how big my lens was to make certain it was under the 200mm limit. The last time I took my DSLR to the show I got hounded by one particular usher who was dead certain that I was recording video with it because I took a long time to set up a shot ( he didn't have a clue how a digital camera works, lol, although he didn't admit that). Before intermission he approached me, with a security escort, yet!, and told me to go with them to the arena office for a discussion about the footage I was "supposedly" taking. I wasn't at all worried because I knew there was no video on the memory card---I wasn't taking any, lol. Needless to say, the usher had a considerable amount of egg on his face when his suspicions proved to be wrong. I did have to scroll through all the photos on the card to prove there was no video on it, though. In talking to the supervisor of the ushers I found out that the arena staff prefers non-professional photographers to bring non-digital SLRs because, with them, they are sure no one is taking videos; they know they can't be everywhere to police everyone. All in all, it was not a very nice experience. I hope no one else will have to deal with anything similar to it. After that, I stopped taking a camera with me; it was simply too much hassle to put up with.
 

R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
But it's only been recently (i.e. the past two years) that DSLRs have even HAD the capability of taking video. Kind of stupid though because at least on the Canon cameras from what I understand the SLR has to be in live mode (i.e. you see something on the LCD screen) to shoot video, so it would be obvious. I don't think it works through the viewfinder.. Don't know about Nikons or Sonys though.

Recalling from my own memory I remember in Baltimore in 2008 they checked people's cameras (I simply had a Canon Elph so I had nothing to worry about)...but I don't remember the DC or Philly folks doing that last year.

Anyway, how is this any different from using a P&S to shoot video? I mean, with those you preview pictures through the LCD screen anyway so it would be easier to get away with it...IMO, they should make it clear on the ticket or website what equipment they don't want people bringing so there are no surprises.
 
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Tonichelle

Idita-Rock-n-Roll
Record Breaker
Joined
Jun 27, 2003
IIRC SOI did have photo policy on their site at one time, not sure they still do.

USFS is very clear in their photo policy.
 

R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
I found it in their FAQ:

#
What is the policy for bringing cameras to the show?

No flash photography or videotaping is allowed during the performance. Non-flash cameras with lenses less than 70mm are permitted.
 

iluvtodd

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Country
United-States
We've never had a problem at our respective shows (NJ, eastern PA). I guess it varies from venue to venue. Make sure the flash is turned off!
 
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Wicked

Final Flight
Joined
May 26, 2009
When I went to SoI last year, so many people were taking flash pictures throughout the show. It was really distracting, not to mention being possibly dangerous to the performers. No one did anything about it.
 

seafan

Rinkside
Joined
Mar 8, 2010
I would be happy if they abandoned all attempts to limit photography and simply focused on preventing the use of flash. Virtually all new digital cameras on the market in 2010, including point and shoots, have the ability to capture video. The facilities should make peace with this because the technology is only going to become more widespread as more smart phones gain the capacity to record video ( some already do ). It is not feasible to confiscate every audience member's personal digital gear, and they will only deter attendance if they try.
 

R.D.

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
Ok. Called them again today (show is next week). And I'm not necessarily thrilled with the answer I got...

they are not allowing "professional cameras with detachable lenses" (basically, SLRs). Heck, when I mentioned I had an SLR he said he didn't even know what that was. Go figure.

I do have a P&S, I have been really disappointed with its performance indoors though. My pictures last year- most of them anyway- came out like crap. And red-eye is atrocious, even in the so-called "red-eye reduction mode" (check out my reception pics, there's red-eye in almost every photo, so bad even the software leaves a grey spot). Oh well, what can you do. At least the inherent positive is that I'll be more focused on enjoying the show than trying to get good pictures.

Just a word of warning for those with SLRs that might be planning to attend SOI shows- check with your local arena first.
 
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