Kentucky Derby Bans All Interchangeable Lens Cameras for ‘Security Purposes’
I’m calling BS. This is not a security measure. Cameras are how we are catching terrorists, not how terrorists hurt us. That L.E. myth just won’t go away.
Of course it’s a policy they can structure however they want, it’s their event. I suspect this is to protect the professional photographers who have been assigned. I just hate being lied to by officials. Officials who are far too accustomed to unquestioning audiences or employees. How dumb is this-Observe.
If you’re planning to attend the Kentucky Derby early next month, you might want to make sure you’ll be content with capturing your memories with a smartphone or point-and-shoot. Churchill Downs, the racetrack that hosts the famous horse race, has unveiled new security measures that will prevent attendees from bringing certain items onto the grounds. Among them: all interchangeable lens cameras.
In addition to interchangeable lens cameras (e.g. DSLRs, mirrorless cameras), the guidelines also prohibit any camera that has a lens longer than 6 inches, tripods, and camcorders.
Churchill Grounds says that the measures were developed after consulting with several law enforcement authorities following the Boston Marathon bombings last week.
The policy reflects a common prejudice against “professional” style cameras. It’s interesting that a $629 entry-level Canon Rebel (a crop-frame camera) with a 18-55mm kit lens will be banned under the new policy, but a professional $2,800 Sony RX1 full frame compact camera will be perfectly acceptable.
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