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Digital cameras, stadiums, and sporting events

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Dr of Dunk, Jun 30, 2002.

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  1. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    I was all set on buying my first digital camera. I was looking at 5 megapixel cameras; specifically the Minolta Dimage 7i and the Nikon Coolpix 5700 (which probably won't be out in time for me to buy it).

    These 5 MP cameras all seem to be some type of SLR shape. From what I've been told most officials at stadiums will not allow you to bring in cameras that even remotely resemble something a professional would use (ie, SLR-shaped bodies).

    I could move down to a 4 MP camera like the Canon S40 or the Nikon 4500 (which also probably won't be out in time for me to buy it), but I'd rather buy a 5 MP cameras mostly because of the 7x and 8x zoooooooooom on the 2 I want.

    Have any of you guys had problems taking cameras into stadiums? Do you know of any restrictions? I'll be needing to buy one sometime this week for a trip to California next week. Thanks.
     
  2. BobFinn*

    BobFinn* Member

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    I take it your hotel is overlooking a nude beach?


    :D
     
  3. Gutter Snipe

    Gutter Snipe Member

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    My experience at the Compaq center went as follows:

    1. They ask me: Is that a (some kind of non-digital measurement) camera? I reply: I don't know - it's a digital camera with 3x zoom.

    2. After talking amongst themselves and realizing that they were all clueless, they decided to let it in.

    3. Then when we went upstairs, I tried to have my wife pose against the balcony, only to be told that we weren't allowed to take pictures like that.

    I suspect that they would not have let a camera that looks like an SLR type in.

    Why do you want the 7-8x zoom? Personally, I want more than the 3x I currently have, but I also have heard that once you get up high enough, you practically need to have a tripod to avoid getting fuzzy pictures due to the camera shaking just a tiny bit.
     
  4. PhiSlammaJamma

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    By the way, a CDW rep will sell you Coolpix 995 for about $500 if you can get a rep. That's what I did. I don't know if that's the best deal, but it seems like reputable company and a good price to boot. But you have to ask them to give it to you at "cost". They usually will... just to bring you back for more business.
     
  5. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    He's selling it "at cost" because they're discontinued. The 4 MP Coolpix 4500 is its replacement, and they may drop a bit more in the coming days when the 4500 is released. But for the $500 I spend on that, I can get a 4 MP Canon S40. There are other places that you can get it for about $500 now, too - no rep necessary. :) I looked into getting one of those Coolpix cameras, but the feel of it just didn't seem right... something about all the twisting and flipping. An SLR body style just felt better. Thanks, PSJ.
     
    #5 Dr of Dunk, Jul 1, 2002
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2002
  6. Mango

    Mango Member

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    DoD,

    Are they going to be that picky over the camera type for the Summer League?

    If one has a press pass to denote <i>professional status</i>, then they are allowed to bring SLR type cameras into the venue?


    Mango
     
  7. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    Mango,

    It's no big deal to me. I wanted to go to various events at stadiums, and the stadiums themselves don't allow cameras in many cases. I wanted to get a somewhat higher end camera for manual features, but many of those same cameras look like the SLR's that are supposedly a "no no".

    Also, I don't know if the NBA made the folks at The Pyramid or the Summer League promise to harrass people with cameras. I've heard stories about people having cameras confiscated. I don't know... I'm tempted to go ahead and risk it. But if not, there's always the Canon S40 which may let me through.

    I've also read that people like ESPN pay a royalty/fee to the NBA to allow them to take pics at games.
     
  8. Mango

    Mango Member

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    DoD,

    The guys (sattle & the big E) last year would post the pics that they took of Summer League action and I don't recall any problems that they had with security/rules.


    Mango
     
  9. x34

    x34 Member

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    DoD,

    I've taken my Sony DSC-S70 into several Rockets and Astros games with no problem (even after 9/11). I carry it inside its shoulder-strap case, so they usually ask to take a look inside. Once they see it's a camera, they just say 'enjoy the game'!

    Good luck...
     
  10. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    Mango, x-34,

    You guys are both right... people do it. Heck, I took one into a Rockets game last year in plain view and they never said anything. Some people will let you go unless your camera happens to look like some professional camera. That's what I'm worried about. I don't think most of the people care about the point-and-click type stuff...

    I'm going to call up the Long Beach campus/The Pyramid and see what they have to say...

    Thanks guys.
     
    #10 Dr of Dunk, Jul 1, 2002
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2002
  11. rockHEAD

    rockHEAD Member

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    I would walk before letting my camera go.
     

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