Disneyland is attempting to ban some cameras

[deletedpenguin]

First off, a detachable lens does NOT mean it's a zoom lens. My favourite lens, (a detachable lens) is my wide angle 10-20mm. Keep in mind for reference, the human eye sees at approx 50mm.

Second, I've taken my 70-200 f/2.8 into the parks before with no issues, so this must be a recent development. I agree, I don't see this rule hanging around too long. Sure, if you're going around just taking shots of people (ie. not in your group) then you may get questioned, but that's something that needs to be addressed on a case by case basis. Don't limit everyone from documenting their holiday, just because they're worried about paparazzi.

If it is because of sagging sales of their Photopasses, then so be it. It's a business decision at that point, and if that's the case, they need to be honest about it. Even then, I can't imagine how much of a difference that'd make in the grand scheme of things. I say Disney needs to let it slide, and find another way to gougue our pocketbooks.

 

[bumbershoot]

Personally, i rather not see super big lense for a few reasons, i believe it invades many people's privacy. I know, it sounds stupid but i hate it when people take like really really close pictures of me and then i find it out on the internet. It really sucks.

Who are you that people are taking really really close pictures of you and then you find it on the internet?

He's a cast member, and for quite awhile there was a "find albort" game with Dis'ers (with, I assume, his consent). Now that he's moved to a different position that makes him much more difficult to find, we here have given up finding him, but I assume when people were trying to find him (the cool Dis'er that works at DLR!) that someone somewhere took a pic of him and posted it. Sorry that happened, Albort.

I think some of this could maybe be with paparazzi entering the parks? I know I read about Lindsey Lohan and Samantha Ronson visiting the parks and a whole slew of paparazzi followed them a caused a bit of a scene in the parks. If they restrict those crazy lenses, they might deter them a bit more?

That is *exactly* what I thought. Every so often I peruse perezhilton dot com (I'm so ashamed), and I think it was there that I saw a pic of LL and SR at the Woody's RoundUp area. I could imagine that someone with a heavy duty zoom caught that pic, b/c they weren't posing for the person that took that particular picture (looking a different way). I also imagine that the paparazzi who take such shots do really stupid things to try to get those shots, and if one of them fell or got hurt in some way, they might try to make it Disney's fault...



Glad I have the little Canon S3 that is like a "play" professional camera, LOL....looks "real" but is really just a p&s.

 

[JennCa]

I'm shocked! Our whole family has high end Nikons with multiple lenses, attachments, etc. Some people use them professionally, but for my hubby and mother in law it's just a hobby and taking photos on our family vacations are a must!

Disney has to be crazy! If it has something to do with Miley or some other celebrity we would skip those days, my hubby just wants the photos of us.

I will call about this to verify before we go on a visit next. It will be jsut myself and my daughter in Nov so it's Photopass for us, but after that, it would be all of us.

Jenn

 

[NostalgicDad]

First off, a detachable lens does NOT mean it's a zoom lens. My favourite lens, (a detachable lens) is my wide angle 10-20mm. Keep in mind for reference, the human eye sees at approx 50mm.

Second, I've taken my 70-200 f/2.8 into the parks before with no issues, so this must be a recent development. I agree, I don't see this rule hanging around too long. Sure, if you're going around just taking shots of people (ie. not in your group) then you may get questioned, but that's something that needs to be addressed on a case by case basis. Don't limit everyone from documenting their holiday, just because they're worried about paparazzi.

If it is because of sagging sales of their Photopasses, then so be it. It's a business decision at that point, and if that's the case, they need to be honest about it. Even then, I can't imagine how much of a difference that'd make in the grand scheme of things. I say Disney needs to let it slide, and find another way to gougue our pocketbooks.

And, to add to what deletedpenguin has said......What if I take this lens to the park? The 300mm f/2.8 is a telephoto, not a zoom. Are they going to ban that? What if it was mounted to a "non-pro" body? There are a lot of powerful telephoto lenses that do not "zoom". If Disney is going to put new rules into effect in addition to what has already been defined, they'll certainly need to be detailed in what is and what isn't allowed. And hopefully, their security staff will be educated in those rules.

 

[civileng68]

Well, I'll put my reply in on this one.

I am NOT a professional photographer. I DO NOT make ANY money shooting, even if for serious amateur stuff. I have NEVER been hired to take photos and have NEVER submitted my photos for sale for any reason.

I shoot with a Nikon D300 as the OP does. I also use the EXACT same VR lense. It is not a giant lense as I agree with the OP.

In my siggy you can see my site where I post my photos.

My camera is NOT a pro camera. I REPEAT, NOT A PRO CAMERA! There is a difference! It's not Megapixels but sensor size. I assure you, Megapixels are no better than the size of the sensor so you may have two 12 MP cameras and one is pro and one is not. Trust me, there's a huge difference, and a cost difference of around $3,000.

I have my camera because I LOVE taking beautiful photos. It's a hobby and for me, it's lasting memories. I use it primarily for my family. I love having great photos and most point and shoots simply cannot obtain, such as I used today for my son's 1 year birthday. It's a memory you can never get back and I frankly consider nearly every Disney trip much the same and love to share my experience with others.

I sure hope this isnt something Disney plans to continue and though I DO NOT know the reasons and I'm sure I COULD VERY WELL be wrong, I wonder if it has something to do with celebs. I've NEVER had this problem at WDW, and I visit REGULARLY as an AP holder.

I have a feeling this has alot to do with the Paparazzi and frankly I'd like to see someone "get rid" of those guys. They are becoming a nuisance not to just celebs but to society and they will end up causing things like this to take place. Frankly for this to stop, we need to ALL stop visiting TMZ's page. We do nothing but embolden them. Example: I once met Pierce Brosnan in Malibu several years back, talked to him, got an autograph and pic. This was before Paparazzi got real popular. I seriously bet today, I'd NEVER get that opportunity because the moment they saw me with my D300, I'd be labeled Paparazzi.

I hope Disney isn't conceding to the Paparazzi but true enough, they can enter the parks and take pics and I'm sure Disney doesnt want that madness spilling into their parks, which I think it already is.

I already notice when in LA that I get funny looks in Malibu (when visiting) from some, when I walk around with my camera. They're wrong, but I know what they're thinking and I HATE that stigma that those paparazzi morons have put on photography loving individuals such as myself.

 

[tinkermell]

This sounds like alot to do about nothing.

As far as PhotoPass suffering? Maybe...................but not from these folks.

It seems like the photographers who have the tripods and lenses, are taking picutures of the fireworks, castle, Matterhorn, attractions, and so on. Not people. I love to look at the beautiful pictures DISers have taken of the parks.

Disney needs to realize that these gorgeous pictures only inspire us (or at least me), to go again and again, to spend more of our money. If they are not careful, they will be cutting off their noses to spite themselves.

 

[CrazyDuck]

First off, a detachable lens does NOT mean it's a zoom lens. My favourite lens, (a detachable lens) is my wide angle 10-20mm. Keep in mind for reference, the human eye sees at approx 50mm.

Technically speaking that IS a zoom lense! A true non zoom lense would be something like a fixed 35mm lense. With these fixed lenses to frame a shot correctly would have to actually use your feet to zoom in and out!

 

[deletedpenguin]

Technically speaking that IS a zoom lense! A true non zoom lense would be something like a fixed 35mm lense. With these fixed lenses to frame a shot correctly would have to actually use your feet to zoom in and out!

This is true, my apologies. I suppose the point I was trying to make is that it doesn't have to be a zoom for it to be detachable. I've had people ask me what kind of detail I can see with my huge lens (my 24-70 has a 82mm filter), thinking I could probably see their pores.

 

[CrazyDuck]

This is true, my apologies. I suppose the point I was trying to make is that it doesn't have to be a zoom for it to be detachable. I've had people ask me what kind of detail I can see with my huge lens (my 24-70 has a 82mm filter), thinking I could probably see their pores.

peoples are dum! I think if they are trying to keep paparazzi out then they should ban people travelling alone with SLR's or video cameras. Seriously though, if you are going to the park by yourself what to you need a camera for anyways? And how many paparazzi actually travel with their families?

 

[EnnEss]

Technically speaking that IS a zoom lense! A true non zoom lense would be something like a fixed 35mm lense. With these fixed lenses to frame a shot correctly would have to actually use your feet to zoom in and out!

No its not. You're arguing semantics. Many lenses that detach do not have the same magnification of point and shoot lenses. If you'd read the original post quoted, it read that disney was banning zoom lenses. Then someone asked whats that determined by. Then the completely wrong response was, if its detachable its a zoom lense. Something with a max zoom of 20mm (they exist) or even 50mm, is hardly a zoom considering it doesnt match what you see, its not 'zooming' anything, its see more but smaller.

Anyways, its crazy if they're banning them. I had heard about the tripod thing before, and if it really is security issue, its ridiculous. Not being american i marvel at the gun prevelance there, which is fine, its how your country is, but Disney does no screening for guns despite this. If you dont carry it in a bag, you could bring one in quite easily. Im not concerned about this, I dont care. But if they do screen for tripods for that reason, thats crazy. Maybe they feel people with tripods get in the way? I dont know. I'd use photopass though if they had some more photographers, not at jsut the three or four PAINFULLY obvious places.

 

[CrazyDuck]

No its not. You're arguing semantics. Many lenses that detach do not have the same magnification of point and shoot lenses. If you'd read the original post quoted, it read that disney was banning zoom lenses. Then someone asked whats that determined by. Then the completely wrong response was, if its detachable its a zoom lense. Something with a max zoom of 20mm (they exist) or even 50mm, is hardly a zoom considering it doesnt match what you see, its not 'zooming' anything, its see more but smaller.

I was just making the point that you all seem to be using the worng wording in your conversations. The original poster said that they are banning "Zoom" lenses. I'm pretty sure the word that he actually meant to use was "Telephoto" lenses, because "Zoom" lenses is too broad a description. My favorite lense is actually a Nikon 14-24mm wide "zoom" lense. It would be interesting to know if Disney has a set of specifications that they use to define "professional" gear? SLR/P&S, full frame/non full frame, 120mm/200mm/300mm, VR/non-VR etc....

 

[KimAshton]

peoples are dum! I think if they are trying to keep paparazzi out then they should ban people travelling alone with SLR's or video cameras. Seriously though, if you are going to the park by yourself what to you need a camera for anyways? And how many paparazzi actually travel with their families?

I am going by myself and I like to take pictures of the castle etc. Just cause we go by ourselves people would label us paparazzi that is a little unfair.

 

[NostalgicDad]

I think if they are trying to keep paparazzi out then they should ban people travelling alone with SLR's or video cameras. Seriously though, if you are going to the park by yourself what to you need a camera for anyways?

Uh, I've been to the park by myself with the sole intention of taking pictures. During a business trip to the LA area last February, I had a free day. I spent 12 hours in the park with just me, my camera, my 18-50mm and 70-300mm lenses, and as well as my tripod. I rode Soarin' once and that was the only ride I got on. I had another business trip in June and did the same thing all over again. If I recall, I took a round about 700-800 pictures in one day. It was a magical day!

 

[wazowskiLOVER:)]

Uh, I've been to the park by myself with the sole intention of taking pictures. During a business trip to the LA area last February, I had a free day. I spent 12 hours in the park with just me, my camera, my 18-50mm and 70-300mm lenses, and as well as my tripod. I rode Soarin' once and that was the only ride I got on. I had another business trip in June and did the same thing all over again. If I recall, I took a round about 700-800 pictures in one day. It was a magical day!

I would to do the same thing if I had the opportunity !!! This whole idea is completely insane. I hope this thread gets seen by someone who is influental to this rule because it is absolutely absurd.

 

[Vala]

I have an update - directly from Disney - and unfortunately they are serious about this idea.

I called Guest Relations and was informed that Disney has banned all telephoto lenses because they are considered "paparazzi" now. Their exact words.

I asked for a list what exactly was "paparazi" and was bumped to phone number 741 781 6600. Supposedly they knew. Anybody has a clue who I spoke with? They didn't introduce themselves and nothing.

Conveniently they also dropped my call no less than three times before I finally yelled at someone long enough who was forced to deal with me then. I normally don't yell, but I honestly have had it now. 25 minutes of overseas calling do not come cheap.

The woman I spoke to kept repeating that professional cameras were not allowed and telephoto lenses never were. I wonder how on earth I got my SLR into the parks for the last two years. Yes, this is what I told her. Then she kept suggesting I'd buy a disposable camera instead, this would work "just as well" and they "were not that expensive". Yeah, she was serious about that.

I now have another number 714 781 4500 that supposedly has a list of what is allowed and what not. Of course nobody's answering there at the moment.

EDITED: Finally got through and what did they do? Bumped me to Guest Relations again...

EDIT 2: Guest Relations tried putting me through to about 20 numbers, nobody answered. They told me to call again at 10 AM Pacific Time and ask for Public Relations.

Looks like they decided to impose a rule but kind of forgot to iron out the details.

 

[Canyon girl]

I got through to the 4500 #. It is media relations. Of course, no one available to take my call except the person answering phones who doesn't know of any camera policy changes. She transferred me to the black hole of guest relations and terminal hold. Good luck to the next person who calls!



EDIT: Got through to Guest Relations. Their word was that detachable "telephoto" lenses were not allowed.

 

[Vala]

Media relations supposedly becomes available when the park opens. I have my timer set and will call back immediately when the clock hits 10 AM.

I'm really, really mad now. Scr*w my phone bill.

EDIT: Got through to Guest Relations. Their word was that detachable "telephoto" lenses were not allowed.

See, and I was told no telephoto lenses at all by the first person I spoke to. But nobody has a definition of what exactly counts as telephoto lens.

 

[mystic_path]

This is absoloutly insane.... I am soooooooo not bringing in a disposable camera like someone mentioned above that Disney relations told them to do. If they tell me I am only going to be able to bring in a disposable camera, as much as I love Disneyland, I probably and unfortunately will most of my respect for how Disney parks are run. But until they pan things out to clarify whats actually going on, there's not much to worry about.

 

[Canyon girl]

It is really strange! They really ought to have definitions before they start a new policy. As I have stated before, I just got a new Nikon. It is a point and shoot. No detachable lenses, but it has an 18x optical zoom. How are they going to handle the newer point and shoot zooms. I am camera illiterate, so I really don't know the difference between zoom and telephoto.

 

[mystic_path]

I think the telephoto lense is the detachable lense cameras... I could be wrong on this point, but what I have looked up so far thats what it seems. I have a detachable lense, but my camera wont work unless the lense is attached. I only paid like $600 for this camera so its not like the highest quality professional camera, but its the only one I have and I refuse to be told that I cant take pictures of my family having fun in a place we paid a lot of money to have fun in.