Disneyland is attempting to ban some cameras

[Vala]

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.

No, not necessarily.

My lens is detachable and does count as "zoom lens" per the manufacturer's website. They have a completely separate category for telephoto lenses.

I'm in the same situation: my camera won't work without lense, and also it's the only one I have. And I bet we are not the only ones.

They're not even making the new rule public. Telling people at security is definitely too late.

 

[Davids-Coco]

Well here is the wiki on what is considered "telephoto": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephoto_lens

Here's an interesting quote from the first part: "A regular lens of a focal length that is longer than what is considered a normal lens is not necessarily a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens has to incorporate a special lens group known as a telephoto group (see below);"

I wonder if we got turned away at security and showed them a definition of their policy, then they would change their mind. My DH and I would be pissed if our D80 was an issue.

 

[Vala]

Okay, that would mean I don't have a telephoto lens going from that. If I understand things correctly that is. Still the lens is bigger than usual and it's bound to cause trouble because of that.

I can see some real fun for some security people who have to make the call. Maybe we should all bring printouts from Wikipedia. I'm seriously considering printing out the info from the manufacturer's website.

 

[Davids-Coco]

Okay, that would mean I don't have a telephoto lens going from that. If I understand things correctly that is. Still the lens is bigger than usual and it's bound to cause trouble because of that.

I can see some real fun for some security people who have to make the call. Maybe we should all bring printouts from Wikipedia. I'm seriously considering printing out the info from the manufacturer's website.

I was thinking the exact same thing...
but for those calling, maybe these definitions will help them!!

 

[todzwife]

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.

ITA!! Argh. I have a Nikon D40. I guess I'll slap the kit lens back on it and hope I can get through.

 

[mystic_path]

Well here is the wiki on what is considered "telephoto": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephoto_lens

Here's an interesting quote from the first part: "A regular lens of a focal length that is longer than what is considered a normal lens is not necessarily a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens has to incorporate a special lens group known as a telephoto group (see below);"

I wonder if we got turned away at security and showed them a definition of their policy, then they would change their mind. My DH and I would be pissed if our D80 was an issue.

Ok excellent thanks That actually makes me feel a bit better.. I feel a bit of hope arising...

 

[Albort]

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.

It never happened, the DISboard members are more kinder asking for my permission for posting. BUT, i said it because i actually found VERY high quality pictures of my fellow Co-Workers and they were like, Man, that does not sound too good.

I dont know if anyone is trying to find me anymore or not. Ive been found once in my new role one day, was quite odd. She wasnt too happy because i guess she was getting difference answers. The question kinda popped up later after ive talked to her.

but i think a lot has to do with celebrities as well. I would be quite annoyed to have someone follow me at Disneyland on vacation with people with big lense camera taking pictures of me throughout the day. Im guessing it could be just an excuse to ban it all together but who knows. but all i want to say is Disney has reasons behind everything even if the reasons are dumb.

 

[Vala]

This is getting ridiculous.

I finally got through to the media people and was told "We can't help you if you're not with the media."

Now I'm on hold again and the guy is trying to talk to "the photography people".

EDIT: He says he has no idea about a policy change, nobody knows anything. I would only be stopped if the security considered my equipment "professional". What exactly is "professional" is apparently completely in the eye of the beholder. He suggested "to put your camera in a bag and I can't tell you anymore than that."

 

[Canyon girl]

Albort, do think Disney has specific guidelines, or is it anything that is detachable?

 

[Vala]

At the suggestion of the media person I called Guest Relations again. The CM I spoke to put me on hold again and came back with the surprising news that nobody was aware of a policy change. She suggested I'd call Park Information, said she'd provide me with a number and then hung up on me!

I googled the number for Park Information and they only were able to tell me that I might be stopped with professional equipment. When I asked for their definition of "professional equipment" the answer was: "I can't tell you that, that depends on the security person." When I told them: "That means I take my camera, hide it and pray?" the CM I spoke to actually told me "Yes, ma'am."

Albort, I think the majority is not doubting Disney's reasons.
At least what I am upset about is that I've asked like a dozen people and got different pieces of information every time, and if that rule has really been implemented nobody put much thought into it.

 

[Davids-Coco]

Albort, I think the majority is not doubting Disney's reasons.
At least what I am upset about is that I've asked like a dozen people and got pieces of information every time, and if that rule has really been implemented nobody put much thought into it.

I agree. I can completely understand professional telephoto lenses, which can be quite large anyway. I just want to use my consumer level D80 with standard lens without being hassled, kwim? I shouldn't be punished for having a nice (non-pro) camera.

I just want clear clarification. And that doesn't seem to exist.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

i dont think any of those ppl you are calling knows anything...

 

[Vala]

i dont think any of those ppl you are calling knows anything...

Yeah, I agree with that, Jade.

I've been bounced all across Disneyland so far as it seems and nobody has definite info.

 

[BillSears]

My opinion on this is that it's all up to the security guard who is doing the search. Some guards take all rules very seriously and others are willing to overlook things that are debatable. You probably got a guard who remembered that professional camera equipment is not allowed and he doesn't know much about cameras so he decided anything that has a removable lens must be a professional camera since it's not a point and shoot.

So it wasn't a policy change. It probably isn't the official policy. Instead it's a guard with an attitude who feels that they are going to enforce all of the rules no matter what.

In the future I'd ask to see a supervisor and explain very calmly and nicely that your camera isn't professional grade.

 

[Davids-Coco]

you think they wouldn't think you were a pro if you pack the quick user guide?? lol

 

[Vala]

Or maybe take a test picture with the lens cap on.

 

[scooter15]

So it wasn't a policy change. It probably isn't the official policy. Instead it's a guard with an attitude who feels that they are going to enforce all of the rules no matter what.

Policy has always been there but the enforcement is now stepping up. I'm trying to find out if my 18-200mm would be allowed. Its a decent lens but definitely not "professional" quality.

 

[civileng68]

Ok, back with another respone (you can see my original at the bottom of page 3 in this thread).

I believe much of this revolves around the fact that Disneyland is just outside of Los Angeles/Hollywood/Malibu and see's it's fair share of celebrities on any given day. I've seen celebs at WDW and never saw a paparazzi, but I believe that's because paparazzi would be wasting much of their time trying to track celebs in WDW.

At DLR though it can be a daily occurrance. Frankly, I as an amateur photographer with a Nikon D300 agree with them that SOMETHING has to be done about the paparazzi. I know most celeb are asking for it, even though they get upset (they really do need the paparazzi in many cases), but, DlR is a business entity and when they do this in the parks, they are doing it on private property. I think it hurts Disney if celebs stop going to the parks. I think it's great for Disney when celebs go on shows like Jay Leno and talk about their vacation at Disneyland. If that were to stop due to paparazzi, from a business perspective, that would be unacceptable.

Just last week pics of Lindsay Lohan surfaced from California Adventure. THIS is what has to STOP! I know they are celebs but seriously, the circus that follows paparazzi these days is out of hand.

First: Disney needs to devise a creative way to handle this. What is happening is, a small percentage of people are ruining it for all of us, and any of us who visit sites like TMZ are part of the problem. Every time you hit their site, it makes them money through ads and keeps their mission going forward.

I just wish they could think of a way that didnt punish all of us who love the place, find it beautiful and like to take the high qauality memories with us. HOWEVER, I DO NOT BLAME THEIR REASONING!!!!!! Frankly, forget the celebs, I'M SICK OF SEEING THE PAPARAZZI! They have caused celebrities to hate any of us who even so dare to ASK for a photo!, not to mention there's no way they could say "yes" because there'd be 50 other morons around us trying to snap away and ask mocking questions.

I think this could be satisfied by engaging a rule that does not allow any person to purposely take photos of othr individuals as the main subject in a photo. As with eveything security could monitor the situation and if an issue arises, it could be dealt with. I know this has holes in it, but I'm just thinking off the cuff. Im sure if I were in a board meeting with bright people something could be devised.

HOWEVER, as someone who is in management, I can say this. Where Disney is failing horribly here is, sending mixed signals. Anyone in business or marketing knows that when you release something you must have everyone trained and everyone must be relaying the same message. This is a failure and needs to be dealt with.

Lastly I'll smply repeat, I'm disappointed because I'm going next month and now won't be able to take my D300. However, I completely understand the reasoning and agree with it. I simply wish a different solution could be reached.

 

[bzss7x]

I was there last week with my Canon Digital Rebel xTi with 18-55 and 70-300 IS lenses. They looked in my camera bag upon park entry, but never said anything. Last year, I brought the same camera and lenses to the College BCS National Champ game and was denied entry at first. I went to other gates and at the third gate I was let in. I'd say try it and if they said anything, go to another security point (Grand Californian gate maybe).

 

[todzwife]

Policy has always been there but the enforcement is now stepping up. I'm trying to find out if my 18-200mm would be allowed. Its a decent lens but definitely not "professional" quality.

Please let me know...I was considering renting that lense for the trip but if it's not allowed I"ll stick w/ my little 18-55 kit lens