View Full Version : Going to the MEN arena... which camera...?
As some of you know, I am going to see The Police at the MEN arena in June (:woot:)
Ive just called them to ask about their camera policy. Apparently, anything over a 35mm is considered a professional camera :bang: So what do I do? Risk taking my 18-55mm and if I get told off, Ill say Ill keep it under 35mm? :lol:
What do you gruesome lot suggest? :D
I wouldn't risk it myself.
I've been to the MEN and I've seen people with 350's/Kit Lens etc, but other times I've seen them really strict.
P&S if you can get one.
NorthernNikon
20-05-2008, 09:58
I say, as I have said before, why waste the cost of a ticket looking through a viewfinder/at an LCD screen to get shots which won't be any good (and that's nothing to do with your photographic skills, but purely the nature of these things).
Leave your camera at home and enjoy the concert for what it is, or take your camera to record you being there with your friends for which a compact will suffice, but don't waste your time pointing it at the stage.
Jimmy_Lemon
20-05-2008, 09:58
Did they mean lens size? Wouldnt suprise me if they werent reading from some very old sheet refering to 35mm film :p
I'm thinking thats film size rather than focal length...
So by that reckoning Medium Format and above are professional.
Full Frame dSLRs - Canon 1Ds Mk III will be allowed and anything under that will be permitted.
I say, as I have said before, why waste the cost of a ticket looking through a viewfinder/at an LCD screen to get shots which won't be any good (and that's nothing to do with your photographic skills, but purely the nature of these things).
Leave your camera at home and enjoy the concert for what it is, or take your camera to record you being there with your friends for which a compact will suffice, but don't waste your time pointing it at the stage.
I understand what you're saying, but there is no chance in hell I am NOT taking a camera ;)
I cant believe my luck, having a band I have loved all my life, for them to reform? I NEED photos from this momentous event :D
Full Frame dSLRs - Canon 1Ds Mk III will be allowed and anything under that will be permitted.
If thats the case, how could I get this in writing?
superstat
20-05-2008, 10:05
Ask them?
But how can I explain to them what camera I have, and which ones are classed as pro cameras?
I want to take the 70-200mm :D
foodpoison
20-05-2008, 10:11
I understand what you're saying, but there is no chance in hell I am NOT taking a camera ;)
I cant believe my luck, having a band I have loved all my life, for them to reform? I NEED photos from this momentous event :D
Thats how I felt with Led Zeppelin.
I've loved them since I was little, and when I heard they were reforming, I HAD to get tickets, despite the steep £125 price tag.
I realised I had no chance when there were 20,000 tickets available and more than 20,000,000 applied. I still sat up until the early hours of the morning trying to register.
The tickets went on eBay from anywhere between £500 to £5000.
When I didn't get the tickets, I was completely devastated. I haven't listened to them since :(
You could always try a hybrid camera, or even a compact with high optical zoom.
The Sony H3 is around £175 and has 10x zoom and the Panasonic Lumix TZ3 or TZ5 both have 10x zoom.
You could buy the camera for the event from Jessops, and return it before the 28 days (exchange/returns policy) are up.
NorthernNikon
20-05-2008, 10:12
But how can I explain to them what camera I have, and which ones are classed as pro cameras?
I want to take the 70-200mm :D
They won't know and will almost invariably go with the conservative answer of no. Even if you had it in writing, you have to run the gauntlet of security both getting into the venue and while you're in there. Security staff aren't known for their brains so don't count on a letter on headed paper being sufficeint, and to honest I think you'll be lucky to find someone prepared to take time out to write you one. Why go to the effort when a simple 'no' takes half a second?
If you must take a camera, take a compact and take shots which will record the event not the performance.
At the Genesis concert I did at Twickenham last year, the gate guards considered that anything that had a lens that could be removed was a professional camera and they denied access to concert to the holder.
Question you must ask yourself is this:
If you turn up and they will not let the camera into the venue, what will you do?
Thats how I felt with Led Zeppelin...
Gutted :( My other half was buying the tickets for me, we wanted to see them in Birmingham, he called me the day they went on sale and told me they had all sold out :shake:
He then said we'll have to see them in Manchester instead cos they had some tickets left :woot::woot:
You could buy the camera for the event from Jessops, and return it before the 28 days (exchange/returns policy) are up.
Cheeky ;) Will they need an excuse? Simply, "I dont like it" wont do right? :D
If you turn up and they will not let the camera into the venue, what will you do?
Take it back to the hotel, its not far :)
Well, go for it then. If you have a "plan b", what have you to lose?
whiteflyer
20-05-2008, 11:14
I say, as I have said before, why waste the cost of a ticket looking through a viewfinder/at an LCD screen to get shots which won't be any good (and that's nothing to do with your photographic skills, but purely the nature of these things).
Leave your camera at home and enjoy the concert for what it is, or take your camera to record you being there with your friends for which a compact will suffice, but don't waste your time pointing it at the stage.
:agree:
If your at the back you'll need a EF500 mm lens + 2X extender :lol:
id go for a compact and not worry bout it. what would you do if you get through the door, then the security inside pulls you for it, 3 mins before they come on stage?
what about someone knocking it out of your hand???
so many things that could cause you grief, i would say p&s only.
Grrr, I am gonna need a new P+S then :D
a1ex2001
20-05-2008, 11:32
Cheeky ;) Will they need an excuse? Simply, "I dont like it" wont do right? :D
I know Argos do no quibbles money back for 28 days, I was going on a road trip and wanted some reasonable sounds in the car so purchased a £200 head unit and then took it back when we got home. The women asked what was wrong with it and I said I didn't like the sound it made, jobs a goodun money refunded. I felt like a bit of a pikey but it was well worth it really.
perhaps you can borrow one?
there was a few people on about swapping from a bridge to slr, perhaps find one and do a swap for the weekend so they can get a feel for a slr and you get a bridge.
A bridge to a security guard still looks like a pro camera though :(
arent they significantly smaller? and you cant remove the lens. but your right, prob best to go all the way back to p&s. has any family got a decent one?
My old bridge was about the same size as my 400D. It wont matter to a security guard that the lens wont detach, hell they wont even know what that means :D
Its ok, Ill sort something :thumbs:
BellyBoy
20-05-2008, 12:23
I have just been to the MEN on saturday to see Mark Knopfler who was brilliant!!
There was an announcement at least 3 times about the use of any camera or video equipment and anyone using them would be asked to leave.
I don't know if this is all acts or just a request from Mr Knopfler :shrug:
Although loads of people used them - mainly mobiles and one or two people were warned but the vast amount of people used them quite happily.
Just see what announcements are made when you're there :shrug:
Sounds like it was just your gig, as when I called, they didnt say cameras were forbidden :)
Geordi69
20-05-2008, 12:32
Basically, anything that is not a P&S. I would not risk taking with you. If you get stopped at the door, you will have the time to go back to the hotel and the time to stand waiting to get back in. Or they might take it of you, for you to collect from the customer services suite at the end of the show. Some on the doors are planks, but others know what they are looking for. I have worked gigs at the MEN arena since it opened (i work for the security co there and at other venues europe wide). My speciality was getting people with recording kit.
As many people have said, go and enjoy yourself.
If you want any further info, just PM me.
Thats fine thanks Geordi69, I prob wont risk it. Its a good excuse for a new P+S :D
dafmeister
20-05-2008, 21:29
[QUOTE=Betty;678506]My old bridge was about the same size as my 400D. It wont matter to a security guard that the lens wont detach, hell they wont even know what that means :D
Dont tar us all with the same brush please!!!:(
Oh come on, its a sweeping remark :D
So what would you do then? If I had my 400D with me and the kit lens, what would you say to me?
Also bear in mind that it's not always a decision made 100% by the MEN Arena. The rules regarding recording and photography equipment varies from band to band, some will tell the Arena that they don't want ANY photos taken (as if they can really enforce it anyway) and some won't care as much.
I would just take your 400D, it's small especially with the kit lens and you'd get some good shots if you managed to get it in.
Besides, what's the worst that could happen? You would have to check it in or take it back to your hotel...it's not like you won't see the gig.
You'd be gutted if you didn't try, and then saw someone inside waking around with a 400D. I know I would :)
NorthernNikon
21-05-2008, 07:24
Besides, what's the worst that could happen?
How about she manages to get it into the venue but is seen using it at the start of the gig and thrown out of the concert altogether?
or gets nudged in the crowd and it hits the floor smashing the camera and lens?
Geordi69
21-05-2008, 07:35
How about she manages to get it into the venue but is seen using it at the start of the gig and thrown out of the concert altogether?
:agree:
I have seen it done at MEN and other venues, it will be a case of you have ignored / broken the conditions of entry and they have the right to remove you from the site.
I have said in another post before, I have seen the bands personal security just grab kit off people and wreck it. They don't care, they are gennerally out of there in a couple of hours and it's left to the venue to take the flak.
I have said in another post before, I have seen the bands personal security just grab kit off people and wreck it. They don't care, they are gennerally out of there in a couple of hours and it's left to the venue to take the flak.
Holy crap :eek:
I have emailed them my enquiry, so will have something back in writing at least. I explained I have a "pro" camera as they call it, but the lens is under 35mm. I might have flummoxed them :D
magpieant
21-05-2008, 10:19
Aye aye,
Security at the MEN can be very harsh at times - personally I would not risk taking it and getting thrown out. After all, with every breath you take you will be wondering whether or not you will be stopped or thrown out.
Someone may nudge into you and then you would have to say "don't stand so close to me". If you got thrown out or your lens got damaged it really would sting and would be the king of pain!
The lens may be confiscated and if you have a good relationship with your lens, like I do, I can't stand losing you!
The again, you could try smuggling it in, in a bag wrapped around your finger. Maybe the bag will be invisible (sun) to security!!! You could suddenly produce the camera without anyone seeing inside the MEN. People would stop and stare, and say WOW - every little thing she does is magic!
But if you did get thrown out, with everyone else inside you would feel so lonely! You could stand outside and hum alongto the songs - de do do do de da da da ...maybe you could even talk to someone called Roxanne!
I saw the same concert in Boston last July and it was amazing. I really was walking on the moon after hearing it - take a basic point and shoot and then enjoy the gig for what it is!
Must dash now as i'm meant to be working and can't think of anymore police songs!!!!
Anth.
PS - should i have posted this message in a bottle ????
You sir, are a genius :lol:
:notworthy::notworthy::notworthy::notworthy:
magpieant
21-05-2008, 10:23
LOL - cheers.
Bet you my boss doesn't agree ;)
Anth.
Nope sorry I dissagree with those who quoted me...
Firstly, it's a Police gig, not a heavy metal concert. Sure people will be jumping around a bit, but it's not a huge camera made of delicate glass, it's a 400D - a fairly small, light DSLR. Just wrap the neckstrap around your wrist and you will be perfectly fine. Finding that you are in the middle of a crazy crowd of rebels who decide to jump around like head-bangers in a mosh pit, then just move to another part of the Arena, it's HUGE and has PLENTY of space for every kind of gig-goer.
Secondly, MEN staff won't notice you with a 400D, especailly if you are general standing. That area is so big that it's hard to pick someone out in the darkness with a 400D, and they don't have security personel patrolling the general standing area on the lookout for DSLRs.
If you were there with a 40D or 5D with a 70-200, i'd say definately don't risk it, but since it's a 400D and kit lens then i'd go for it.
If you feel like you'd be on edge throughout the whole gig, or are worried about it, then don't bother, just take a P&S, but I personally reckon it's worth the risk.
magpieant
21-05-2008, 19:36
Fair points above ..... BUT ....
They DO search bags on the way in (if you're unlucky). Also, they do patrol the seated area (not sure if you are standing or not).
Get a cheap camera and go for the music ... ;-)
Anth x
Ill be seated ;)
I am wondering if its worth the P+S with a movie mode instead? At least Ill have something to listen to rather than just pictures? :)
Oh if your seated then it's a bit more risky becuase your'e a bit more exposed so more likely to be spotted by security.
On the plus side there's alot less chance of it getting broken.
I reckon you should try and get it in, if you get turned away then just take it back to your hotel or whatever.
If you do get it in, keep it out of sight until the gig actually starts, then get it out. It gets really dark in the MEN Arena and you will just blend in with all the other people taking photos.
Yeah a P&S with movie mode is pretty good aswel, I got some awesome videos of Muse from Benicassim last year on mine.
take it, shove the body down the front of you trousers, shove the lens down your mates trousers, sorted
I took this on a compact at twickenham, I was pretty close to the front though
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v442/wack61/IMGP0131.jpg
Aaaggghhh! Cant decide now :D
I can always wrap the body (camera body ;)) in a jumper or something?
And the 70-200mm down the fellas trousers? Ooooh errrr missus :D:D
I woulden't take a 70-200, you will stick out like a sore thumb and probably be ejected from the Arena.
TomWilko
22-05-2008, 16:32
It's poorly lit (like all venues of that nature), and they are very strict on what you can take in. My advice - leave the camera at home.
And the 70-200mm down the fellas trousers? Ooooh errrr missus :D:D
I woulden't take a 70-200
It was a joke :lol:
Tysonator
22-05-2008, 20:21
Thing to bear in mind on these concerts, is that security staff can be some old man to a teenager, while the latter might not care what you bring in or decide to have attitude with you when you try to explain that your beloved DSLR is not a professional camera.
I have been to hundreds of gigs in my time, from local clubs & venue to open air concerts. Each have there own policy on what they think is professional camera.
I used to take a 110 compact point and shoot many years ago to Hammersmith Odeon, Town & Country club, & Marquee in London. As it was the easiest to sneak in to the venue.
I got some cracking shoots of the Scorpions at the Hammersmith Odeon as I was only 3 rows back from the stage.
Then when the V festivals started in Chelmsford I would sneak my SLR 35mm in with a 500mm mirror lens.
The last year I walked through the gate with my 400D DSLR with a 55-200mm lens on. Not questioned at all !
All I am saying is really is you can take a chance on the venue and be lucky. However I have been to Wembley Arena were security would confiscate almost any thing, including bottles of water !
The choice is yours, remember it could end in tears though !
Crap, no point taking it to the Foo gig in a fortnight then eh? :D
Cannot help with your problem, but enjoy the Police. Seen them last year in Cardiff, had great time and they where excellent
Thanks taxi, I am worried it will be postponed again though :(
Did they play all the oldies? :D
Thanks taxi, I am worried it will be postponed again though Did they play all the oldies? :D
They played all the oldies and was great to hear them. I was lucky last year as he had his voice back just in time. Whats the old saying 'lighten doesn't strike twice'. They'll be there and in excellent form :clap::clap:
oohweewee
22-05-2008, 21:15
From experience, the security are pretty ruthless; they'll take any objects they see to be 'banned' with no intention of returning them.
Wouldn't take the risk of even a small camera to be perfectly honest.
What a hassle! With the price of tickets for these gigs and REAL security concerns you would think these people would use common sense, otherwise they fall into the same category as scummy traffic wardens!
Hope you manage to get some decent shots whatever you decide to take and most of all enjoy the music!
Geordi69
23-05-2008, 07:12
What a hassle! With the price of tickets for these gigs and REAL security concerns you would think these people would use common sense, otherwise they fall into the same category as scummy traffic wardens!
You have no idea what you are on about.
The security act on behalf of the venue and the promoter of the shows. They set what is and is not allowed, not the security. A camera body that has the capability of changing lenses is classed as of a professional type. It does not make a difference if the camera is £300 or £6000 it is the style of camera.
Yep, and the thing is that even an entry-level camera like a 400D can easily take professional-grade photographs if used by a good photographer with good lenses.
From experience, the security are pretty ruthless; they'll take any objects they see to be 'banned' with no intention of returning them.
That's called theft, they have no right to take anything from you, they can refuse you entry but if they take your camera without your permission call the police
Oh I would never let them get away with that :D
No but they can put things away for you and forget they ever had them.
whitewash
27-05-2008, 10:38
I say, as I have said before, why waste the cost of a ticket looking through a viewfinder/at an LCD screen to get shots which won't be any good (and that's nothing to do with your photographic skills, but purely the nature of these things).
Leave your camera at home and enjoy the concert for what it is, or take your camera to record you being there with your friends for which a compact will suffice, but don't waste your time pointing it at the stage.
+1
i've been to the MEN 4 times and never been searched and the wifes bag which could hold a 400D and kit lens has never been searched. however, they do have signs saying no photograph equipment will be allowed in unless it's a small p&s
unless you're near the front a 18-55 lens isn't going to be much use. i'd just leave it at home and if you want some pics just nab them off the net
I honestly have no idea where we are seated, but I see your point :)
There's ALWAYS an opportunity to use any lens, wherever you are.
Especially at a gig like the Police, even a kit lens will get some good shots. You don't have to be using a telephoto to get amasing photos, nor do you have to be in the front row.
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