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The Kuwait Times Newspaper has rescinded this story.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?
Just been told the same by a friend.
By all accounts it’s a poor tabloid paper.
Looks like there are some investigations going ahead.
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/British_Government_investigates_Kuwait_DSLR_ban_news_303957.html
Shot on a DSLR in Kuwait:
http://vimeo.com/16582398
And what about film camera ? 😀
After we saved their ass from Iraq, they should be thankful for our American style of freedom of press and drop this erroneous law. Really, if a man wants to carry his Hasselblad and 47′ Octabank around, well dag nabbit he should be able to.
Here is the original article as it appeared on 20 November 2010 http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MzAwMTg4ODg1
Not sure when this “ban” was put into effect and the whole photography community here is questioning it. I photographed the Redbull Flugtag event http://astonphotography.blogspot.com/2010/11/2nd-annual-redbull-flugtag-in-kuwait.html
at the Marina Mall in Kuwait and if you look at the crowd you will see cameras everywhere and how will they enforce this law?