The Kuwait Times, Gizmodo and Engadget have reported that the government of Kuwait has outlawed DSLR cameras.
“The Ministries of Information, Social Affairs and Finance (hello, 1984!) have collectively decided to ban the use of the chunky shooters in public places, except where it can be shown that it’s for journalistic purposes.” – Engadget.
—UPDATE—-
The Kuwait Times Newspaper has rescinded this story. Go figure.
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This ban reportedly affects tourists too, so if you’re headed to Kuwait for some relaxing time over the holidays, come prepared. I understand that compacts and camera phones have not been banned, so you can still get the shot…-ish.
I’ve read all I can on the topic this morning, but for the life of me I’m having trouble understanding. Why they hatin’ on the interchangable lenses? What about micro 4/3? Can anybody out there shed some light on this bizarre state of affairs for me?
What is the main reason for issuing a ban and why only on DSLRs? There is something missing. Don’t you think?
I mean a piece of information.
Haven’t got a clue. Strangest thing I’ve heard today!!!
I’ve been puzzling too. It’s basically ignorance, and I mean that in the genuine sense. If anyone actually considered this legislation, they’d see how pointless it is on so many levels.
1) People who want to quietly take shots for bad purposes don’t use big cameras in the first place.
2) DSLRs aren’t exactly the only option.
3) 35mm, anyone?
It’s a bit like banning fruit because tomatos are sometimes rotten.
I hear DSLR’s steal souls in Kuwait…
I’m not sure if your comment was serious or not…but either way it’s valid. i have heard about some cultures that are scared of being photographed because they say it steals your soul. I don’t know if Kuwait believes though. Probably not.
you put a D on SLR… 😉
Yes Chase, Austin is right. You put a D on SLR after publishing a blog saying we should drop the Digital from photography 🙂
He also said how you can get the shot-ish when he goes on about vision before gear and also with his best camera app
another jealous customer i see..
Hey geniuses, he didn’t write the law.
Kuwait has banned “digital single lens reflex cameras” thus he wrote DSLR. In this instance, the law doesn’t refer to all SLRs only DSLRs – for some bizarre reason.
nonetheless, classy of you guys to jump down his throat about that
Correct you are, Nick.
Although, I was not jumping down his throat, nor am I jealous. It was just an observation I thought would be funny to point out, That’s all. 🙂
Cheers!
Where have all your sense your humor gone, my friend?!
D is Digital
Digital SLR