Spectators watching the Beijing Olympics Games will not be allowed to carry ?professional? camera gear into the stadium with them, according to strict rules laid down by organisers.
Such cameras are banned alongside guns, grenades, gunpowder and explosives.
However, the definition of what classes as ?professional equipment? has not been made clear in the list of ?prohibited items? for the general public.
At the time of writing, organisers had yet to respond to our enquiry regarding the ban.
Among those angered by the move is photographer Zach Honig who warned in a blog: ?If you?re attending the Olympics without press credentials be sure to leave your SLR at home and carry a small point-and-shoot camera to avoid refused entry.?
Officials have told him that SLR cameras and lenses ?will not be permitted beyond security checkpoints? because such equipment blocks the views of other spectators.
Under separate House Rules governing Olympic events, organisers state that the public cannot bring camera tripods, long-handled umbrellas or wireless equipment.
Picture: It is not clear whether enthusiast-level cameras, such as the Nikon D80 pictured here, will be classed as ‘professional equipment’ for purposes of the ban