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The Kuwait Times Newspaper has rescinded this story.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?
I’m not completely up on my Muslim tradition, but isn’t photography forbidden? I think that is why you tend to see ornate design instead of paintings and portraits in Muslim culture. Let that thought settle in a bit. My (our) vocation is against God. What does that make me (us). Would life be better without visual art of people? Again, I’m not the expert here on this religious and cultural stuff. Please correct me if you know your chops here (nicely).
Is the differentiation between the big body (D)SLR and “point and shoots” any different at MSG, the ACC, Yankee Stadium, or U2 concerts?
m-
Seriously why so shocked? Have you not been harassed by firemen, police and security guards for taking photographs, right here in good ole “I have my rights” USA, yet? I have. Heard it all too, from the sublimely stupid to the down right threatening. And at serious news worthy events. It’s strictly paranoia and it’s also crept into American culture like a disease. Fear that an image will turn into an embarrassing moment on Internet, crippled by an overpopulated lawyer driven lawsuit happy sub-economy.
I suspect this is more about security than anything else. You can pack a lot of plastic explosive into a full size camera body and 200mm f/2 lens.
I think its because of the whole gps system stuff, I bet you kuwait does not have the 360 drivearound google maping. I did not check but I bet 20 bucks they do not.