Bizarre News: Kuwait Bans DSLR Cameras

engadget no dslrThe 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The Kuwait Times Newspaper has rescinded this story.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.
___________

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?

Related Posts

78 replies on:
Bizarre News: Kuwait Bans DSLR Cameras

  1. What about google maps or google street view? Hasn’t google already listed every nook and cranny, even in that part of the world?
    Kuwait 1.04 Beta needs a rapid upgrade to Kuwait 2.0 …

  2. My guess would be their fear of lenses being hollowed out and made into pipe bombs or the fact that their have been several US spies arrested in recent history close to the 7 active US Millitary Bases located in Kuwait.

  3. Pingback: Verbot von DSLR-Cams - 12273 - Digitalkamera

  4. Maybe the powers that be in Kuwait have realized the negative affect that digital SLR’s have on expectations and standards of the photography industry. If Islamic leaders were concerned about photographs of themselves and people of importance being hung on walls and posted on forums and blogs around the world; Why wouldn’t they ban ALL digital camera devices?

    2. Valeriy, I wouldn’t want to have to explain the difference to a police officer that is charged with enforcing this law. A some of the Sony Cybershots also have barrel lenses but don’t have interchangability. I don’t think the policeman is going to pull out a list of specifically banned model numbers.

Comments are closed.