Was hoping to get some photos of my kids colorguard competition over the next few days but according to the rules my 6D/70-200 is too "proffessional". Any suggestions on gear (for future events) that would comply to the posted rules (copied and pasted below) would be greatly appreciated!!

RULES:

"As safety is paramount to all performers, any type of flash photography is strictly prohibited. Family, friends and fans may take still photos of WGI events for personal use only. The images may not be sold or otherwise distributed or publicly displayed without the written permission of Winter Guard International. WGI defines public display as a web site, printed publication or physical location where the public at large can gain access to one or more images of a WGI participating group in performance.

Small, non-professional, single frame "point & shoot" cameras are allowed into all venues. However, use of "Professional Cameras" are prohibited at all WGI events, unless the user has appropriate media credentials and prior written approval from Winter Guard International. Any camera that has a detachable lens or lens that extends to four (4) or more inches is considered a "Professional Camera" and thus prohibited.

Tripods or other similar equipment that may obstruct the view or path of travel of others in the stands are also not allowed.

WGI media credentials are restricted to recognized local and national media. Only WGI will issue credentials to working media pursuant to WGI’s media credentialing policies."

I would get Lumix LX100 from BH.
https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com ...lx100_digital_camer​a.html

It is advanced P&S with OK low light capabilities and image stabilizing. Just check if it is not too long with lens fully extracted. Many DSLR folks like this camera.

Or check Fuji X line. Small cameras, smaller primes and good low ISO capabilities.

I would check into those super zoom bridge cameras.. there are several on the market that might fit the bill.

I have a Fuji XT-2. Put the Vertical Battery Grip on it with the 100-400 lens and I get kicked out of places. Take the grip off and put the 28 mm pancake on it and I take pictures wherever I want. Including places I am not allowed to as no one even notices I have a camera.

Your smart phone will likely solve your problem though some of the new ones do quite well.

I would tell the event organisers to take a hike and withdraw my child from the competition, citing their nonsensical 'rules' as the reason why.

Alveric wrote in post #18321332
I would tell the event organisers to take a hike and withdraw my child from the competition, citing their nonsensical 'rules' as the reason why.

I'm sure the kid and all their teammates would love that...

However talking to a large enough group of parents about it, and getting a majority on board for being able to use reasonable camera gear as a parent or dropping support of the event may have an actual useful impact on things.

Winter Guard is big in Texas. Down here, if you're in the stands, I believe you have the freedom to shoot with whatever you please, provided there is no flash, for obvious reasons. A lone parent won't have much pull, but I would think this would be a rule change that most parents and school staff could get behind.

I see it going like this:

"Excuse me sir, you have a professional looking camera there"

Ok.

"Sir, we have rules"

Ok.

"Sir, you can't use that here"

Ok.

Alveric wrote in post #18321332
I would tell the event organisers to take a hike and withdraw my child from the competition, citing their nonsensical 'rules' as the reason why.

Recommending the nuclear option is so easy when it isn't your kid who will suffer.

Is this really a safety issue or is it an attempt to protect a contract between a venue or organization and a photography business selling photos of your kids. Sometime this is connected to a kickback agreement. If you are not allowed to take decent photos then you are more apt to buy theirs. I have seen this done at school activities.

Consider a SX60HS. It is a bridge camera with a pretty substantial zoom capability. It is light and unobtrusive and the lens retracts almost flush with the body. It is my 12 yo son's camera and he is able to carry it all day without fatigue because it is so light. The picture quality from it is quite good, and the zoom capability is something you would appreciate when using it from the stands.

From my Olympus film days, I have a 28-200mm superzoom which is 3.5" long...I have an OM-to-EF adapter so I can use it on my Canon dSLR. As a 7:1 zoom it may no be up to the same quality as a Canon 3:1 zoom, but it meets the qualifications to get your gear into the place. I did that when a friend had has 60th b'day party at a MLB stadium during a game, and similar restrictions on lens length were enforced coming into the ballpark.

I forgot to mention that the SX60HS and its predecessor, the SX50HS, are one of the few bridge cameras with RAW capability, so it makes it convenient for post-processing.

I ran into the same thing when my son was in HS band and they were competing in a contest put on by a group called Bands of America (BOA). First we had to pay $25/person to watch our own child perform, but I was sent packing with my "professional" Digital Rebel (the original 300D) and a Sigma 100-300 POS that I got for free and wasn't worth the money.

After the competition, the photographer was doing group photos and didn't allow any cameras other than his own. His mistake, though, was that the photo was being taken right next to a public street, so I parked my truck and stood up in the bed and took several photos. He told me I had to stop and I told him to pound sand.

I printed copies and gave them to parents that wanted them. The price of the official photo was $50/print.

The entire reason you can't take a "professional" camera into one of these events is so that someone can make even more money off of you because they know that parents will spend silly money for those photos. Those contests are not for the kids, they are for the organizations. And those organizations are money making operations.

Tim

Not to be too pedantic, but...

Isn't really an accurate thread title, just using your preferred gear is what is against the rules.

I have to +1 Orogeny on this one, its just a money grab by the organizers.

As long as you are taking the pictures "for personal use only", as stated in the second sentence of the first paragraph, they shouldn't bar any equipment as long as it doesn't interfere with others (such as a tripod).