And We're Off To The Races - Kentucky Derby Bans Interchangeable Lens Cameras in Name of Security

Ok this is my first post (right place?) and if someone beat me to this, mods please remove but I just heard a snip-it of this on CNN so I looked for a Source

I guess now the tightening gets tighter. Is this the next big event to occur in the US? Hope there aren't any 'drills' scheduled for Kentucky.

New Rules:

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, security is on the rise at most public events. Many of the new rules make some degree of sense, like banning coolers and purses larger than 12-inches, and increased electronic wand checks at gates to the venue. But one new regulation seems to make no sense at all. As reported by USA Today

This includes:

That's right, no camcorders, no tripods, and no cameras that have detachable lenses. The Kentucky Derby website confirms this, along with grills, thermoses, duffel bags, wagons, and more. Most of these bans are on objects that could either be used to carry an explosive device, would interfere with other patrons (like umbrellas) or that the Derby wants to control (like alcohol). So why in the world are cameras banned?

And finally why would they do that when:

This seems particularly bizarre given that the reason why law enforcement officials were able to identify the suspects in the Boston Bombings so quickly was because of the huge number of cameras that recorded so much of what happened on that day.

These cameras would capture the clearest images possible, iphones and the like are just too grainy.

Your thoughts...

This seems particularly bizarre given that the reason why law enforcement officials were able to identify the suspects in the Boston Bombings so quickly was because of the huge number of cameras that recorded so much of what happened on that day.

Maybe they want only their "Official" photographs to be released to the public and nothing else that might raise questions as to the "Official" incident reports/Story?

ETA: I don't think I's be going anywhere near the races anytime soon.

Peace

I understand all the caution but you are right about the pictures helping out last time. They must be stepping up the security a whole heck of a lot to start covering all these events that will be happening around the country. Plus all these venues must be upgrading all of thier security cameras. Just my thoughts.

reply to post by jude11


I agree and people that own these cameras usually know how to use them. Images are of a higher pixel quality and will show things that are indisputable.

the people help with ground zero footage; i think law enforcement is happy with the video's and photo's.. but im confident the goverment has enough surveillance drones in the air and Big Brother cameras active during a big event like in Boston..

Pure insanity. Perhaps it is because photographers who use dslr's usually carry a large camera bags? However if someone is suspicious it takes about a second to see if a camera/lens are legit.

and this, Source

Maj. Kelly Jones encouraged racing fans to alert officers of any suspicious-looking items left unattended. He says the Boston Marathon bombings have reminded people to "have a heightened sense of awareness."

You better take your stuff with you if you leave your spot cause you might be in trouble when you get back. So much for putting a bag on your chair to save it for your self or multiple ones for friends coming later. Not trying to make light of this it is serious but really where has our innocence gone. Sad, really sad.

That is a strange one and might be due to the fact that most that carry a DSLR carry a bag. I dont think its based on the ability to capture a "better" photograph as Ive see what an Iphone camera can do.

The idea of baning DSLRs is also strange due to the fact that there are many "Bridge" cameras that are on a par with the pro dslrs..

Another aspect to consider is the fact that a DSLR has so much more to control than an iphone or standard point and shoot camera. A bad photographer isnt guaranteed a good photograph using an expensive DSLR, there is actually more chance of that bad photographer capturing a better photograph using the point and shoot.

Respects

Your thoughts...

Can't get any more asinine that banning interchangeable lens cameras.

When it comes to "security" never underestimate their capacity for stupidity.

America is so ban happy it's just pathetic.

Just last weekend, we had Thunder Over Louisville here to kick off Derby. It is the largest fireworks show in North America, and we had an estimated 750k to one million people packed into a few square miles. That would have been a great opportunity for terrorists, but then again maybe they were a little intimidated by the fact that the bombs we were setting off for fun were much bigger than theirs.

Funny, they don't seem eager to attack the heartland, or the south.

Solution.....Check ebay and find a fuji s950 or s960 and take that Can be found for as little as £100 and will do the same if not a better job in the hands of an amateur than a dslr and it comes with a 28-300 fujinon lens....sorted It looks like a dslr but has a fixed lens...so is within the rules.

Respects

I will be at Churchill Downs on Friday May 3rd for Oaks, and Saturday May 4th for the Kentucky Derby. This makes me very nervous. I will definitely let you know if something weird happens. I pray it doesn't. I kind of like my life. :/

I am working selling Mint Julips (to earn extra money on top of my full time job) and have for a couple years. This year the list of items we are allowed to bring in with us is actually larger. In years past everything we brought (snacks, drinks, etc) had to be in a clear gallon size zip lock bag. This year we can bring backpacks with anything we want and will need during our shift. I thought it was strange that our restrictions were less as employees.

Now I am really going hmmmmm

Nice to hear from folks who plan to attend and I hope you all have an enjoyable unevenful event. I have never been, just found the article interesting and it just brings to light another loss of our innocence not only in America but everywhere. Stay safe

reply to post by whatnext21


Well, hold on just a minute guys, and gals... I can kinda see where they are coming from... You see, THEY have no way of knowing if you are screwing on a lens to your camera, or A ROCKET LAUNCHER!!!!!!... See what I mean? It's the last thing you'd expect so nobody would ever see it coming!! I'm glad we have wise people in charge to have the foresight to prevent such a disaster... USA! USA! USA!

Either that or they realize that with high quality images, we the people might be able to get a clue as to what's going on. They don't like it when we find out things they don't want us to know...or especially if we find something before They do, and make them look foolish...

That rep in NH probably had a few medical experts watch the footage and give their analysis...