Camera at Allstate Arena?

[jschro]

I plan on going to the Foo Fighters concert in February in Illinois. I saw a restriction on the website saying no cameras or recording devices. I called there 10 minutes ago to ask what their policy on cameras was for that concert. The guy told me that no professional cameras are allowed, but disposable and digitals are allowed. Soooo, am I going to be able to get a 30D in there or would I be safer with my XT? I plan on using a prime like the 50 1.4 or 85 1.8 so I'm not lugging in a big white lens. I'm hoping someone here has experience with this particular venue and can share some insight. (I think it used to be called the Rosemont)

[TeeJay]

I don't think the "venue" will have much say in the matter - I think it will be their management that lays down the rules. Personally, I wouldn't take even your XT (or anything that has a "removeable" lens.

Stick to a P&S and you should be OK ;-)

TJ

[thelightofsound]

I don't think the "venue" will have much say in the matter - I think it will be their management that lays down the rules. Personally, I wouldn't take even your XT (or anything that has a "removeable" lens.

Stick to a P&S and you should be OK ;-)

TJ

i think tj is exactly right. most security people define a professional camera as one with a removable lens. i used to even run into trouble when i had the sony f717 (which has a bigger lens, but it is still not an slr).

[tipsy]

Any SLR is in their eyes professional camera. That means nothing big, bulky, and expensive lookin'

x

[jschro]

Thanks for the quick replies. I just wrote a letter that I'm mailing to them today. here's a copy of the actual letter. I will post any response I get from them.

"To Whom It May Concern:

I just purchased two general admission tickets to see the Foo Fighters on February 25 at Allstate Arena. I called the phone number listed on your website to ask about the camera policy at the arena. I was told that no professional cameras are allowed. That may mean different things to different people so I wanted to clear up any confusion in advance. I am by no means a professional photographer; I shoot for my own enjoyment. I use two cameras, a Canon XT and a Canon 30D, neither of which are considered professional cameras amongst photographers. They are entry level and mid level DSLRs. I would really love to bring one or the other. I would be using a small fixed length lens such as a 50mm prime with no zooming capabilities. I don’t intend on bringing any extra lenses or any big white lens that would appear professional or any big flash unit for that matter. Would this be acceptable or will I have problems getting in with that camera? If I showed up with it and security wouldn’t let the camera in is there a secure location that I could lock up my camera? I do not intend to sell any images, only to capture a moment that will commemorate me seeing my favorite band.

I know that there is a certain stigma with DSLRs but in all actuality there will be people there with compact digitals with zooming capabilities and megapixel counts that far exceed what I would like to bring.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my letter, and I look forward to your response."

[thelightofsound]

i don't think you are going to get much of a response here. and i would bet that whomever does give you a response will have no connections to the person making the calls at the door when you walk in.

good luck though. i bought a g9 for these situations. but there is no point and shoot that compares to the iso of an slr.

[bndgrl]

I plan on going to the Foo Fighters concert in February in Illinois. I saw a restriction on the website saying no cameras or recording devices. I called there 10 minutes ago to ask what their policy on cameras was for that concert. The guy told me that no professional cameras are allowed, but disposable and digitals are allowed. Soooo, am I going to be able to get a 30D in there or would I be safer with my XT? I plan on using a prime like the 50 1.4 or 85 1.8 so I'm not lugging in a big white lens. I'm hoping someone here has experience with this particular venue and can share some insight. (I think it used to be called the Rosemont)

I've tried to take my XT into a couple of shows and they are always deemed "professional." Unless you have media credentials, the person frisking you at the door is the one that's going to determine whether or not it's a "pro" camera and whether or not you can take it in. To most non-photogs, an XT looks like something a professional would use.

The best rule of thumb is, if it can't fit in your pocket, they probably aren't going to allow it.