DSLR at Reading Festival

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IckyThump

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One of my favourite bands will make an appearance at this festival this year (The Raconteurs :D) And I'll be seeing them, I think they will come on while it's still quite light. Hopefully, I'll be at the front. This will be my first time with the DSLR at a show.

so my questions are

What type of settings will I need on my camera so that they do not blur when they move? (Canon 400D)

What other type of settings will I need?

Is it best to shoot in RAW or JPEG at shows? (considering the fact I will take around 200-300 and only keep the good ones)

How hard is it to get a press-pass without being part of the press? I saw a guy at another show with just an average digital camera, probably no more than 7MP :D haha.. noway was he part of any press!

and if anyone else is going this year.. would you recommend buying one of the official lockers? (£15 for the weekend) I'm not really sure because I read the T&C and it said something about 'use at your own risk' which makes me question how good they are.

Thanks a lot.
 
will you get in with a DSLR? - they do check bags going into the main arena, and even if you get past the checks, security may stop you...
 
they probbaly say ' at own risk to cover them selves' even if they were fort knox
 
sportysnaps said:
will you get in with a DSLR? - they do check bags going into the main arena, and even if you get past the checks, security may stop you...
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yeah, You're allowed, only thing you're not allow is video/audio recording equipment.
 
I'd ask before taking a DSLR, some festivals are very strict about DSLRs and will only allow them in if you have a press pass.

Not sure about Reading, but I know that a few UK festivals will only allow compacts in.

I'm gonna be seing the Racontuers at Benicassim festival in Spain this year, Benicassim also prohibits DSLRs to my frustration.

You can't just apply for a press pass like a ticket. Infact you yourself can't apply, you have to get the agency/paper/magazine/company that you work for to apply, and they have to prove what kinds of publications your photos will be in. Some festivals are stricter than others on this issue so sometimes you might be able to blag your way in. From the festival's viewpoint - they want to make sure that they give these (often free of charge) accreddited passes to people who will ensure that it pays off for the festival (i.e. gets it advertised).

As for the lockers - i'm sure they are safe, but they will put up a disclaimer like that so that if your locker does get broken into and your stuff stolen, they are not held responsible. Those disclaimers are nothing to do with how safe/unsafe said locker is, it's just their way to cover them on the legal side of things.
 
yeah you're deffo allowed them :)


so if I managed to get say a local news paper to take me up for the weekend, it'd be possible to get a pass?
 
Probably but won't they have there own photographers and will you be up to the standard, have you done anything like it before?
 
im off to the download festival this year (far more metal) and they clearly state on the website no cameras with interchangable lenses can be used so im going to take my old bridge camera with me like i did last year :)

i wouldnt bother trying to take an slr unless u got permission first hiking back to the tent/car to put it away when your not allowed in with it would be a pain
 
Nah, you're defo allowed them, I've had it confirmed on the forum over there.

4. The following items may not be brought in to the venue: Illegal Substances, Portable Laser Equipment and Pens, Unauthorised Professional Film or Video Equipment, Audio Recorders, Air Horns, Spray Cans, Fireworks and Flares. All Items will be confiscated.

so should be fine.

visualisetheworld said:
Probably but won't they have there own photographers and will you be up to the standard, have you done anything like it before?
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sadly not as I haven't really had a chance to yet :(
 
I'm so envious of you guys that have got in with your DSLRs.
I have been to V, Reading and Download (a few times over the last 4 years) and not once have I got in with mine.
I even got turned away at reading when I had a Kodak P880 because it looked like a "professional" camera in the eyes of security! :razz:
 
I know the forum said so, but you know what forums can be like for rumour and false info ;)

But their site also says
Yes you can take into the arena and use a camera, as long as it is not a Professional one!
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Now I know you'll say a 400D isn't a professional camera (but it looks mightly close), and if you start sticking big glass on the front for range, try having that argument with a security guy who's having a bad day.
 
I would check and get it in writing along with contact numbers for the day of the person giving you the ok to take the camera. Hawker's right, a security guard won't get into a discussion about it, he'll simply say no, end of. So unless you can produce a letter and get the right person on the phone you'll could well find that particular donut is missing its jam :(
 
IckyThump said:
Nah, you're defo allowed them, I've had it confirmed on the forum over there.

4. The following items may not be brought in to the venue: Illegal Substances, Portable Laser Equipment and Pens, Unauthorised Professional Film or Video Equipment, Audio Recorders, Air Horns, Spray Cans, Fireworks and Flares. All Items will be confiscated.
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I would think twice about it - most security people consider any DSLR "professional", even though some of them cost less than some of the better compacts....
 
Hawker said:
I know the forum said so, but you know what forums can be like for rumour and false info ;)

But their site also says

Now I know you'll say a 400D isn't a professional camera (but it looks mightly close), and if you start sticking big glass on the front for range, try having that argument with a security guy who's having a bad day.
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It might not be classed as pro in our eyes, but to promoters and venues (it's them that sets the policy - just the security guys have to carry it out), if is capable of using interchangeable lenses. It is then considered of a professional type. It is not allowed. I have beed advising Betty about this as well for her trip to the MEN to see The Police.
DO NOT TAKE A DSLR / SLR to a gig like this or to most major venues as you will be disapointed.
Trust me I have been working in the security industry for nearly 20 years. I often have to deal with the tog's at the major festivals like Download, V etc and at gigs in europe. The restriction is the same.
 
my advice would be to leave anything expensive or important at home and go and enjoy yourself!
you cant jump in the mosh pit or stage dive with a fat DSLR hanging around your neck
 
Unless you have the magic press pass around your neck/band on wrist they will not let you through. Even if you were lucky enough to get it into the arena would you feel comfortable walking round with ££££'s of kit round you neck from some miscreant to try and 'Borrow'

Just go an enjoy the music and the atmosphere :)
 
Diabolos137 said:
Unless you have the magic press pass around your neck/band on wrist they will not let you through. Even if you were lucky enough to get it into the arena would you feel comfortable walking round with ££££'s of kit round you neck from some miscreant to try and 'Borrow'
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at a festival? which ones have you attended :lol: ive never felt like this but I guess thats why I just goto the smaller stuff :)
 
Hawker said:
I know the forum said so, but you know what forums can be like for rumour and false info ;)

But their site also says

Now I know you'll say a 400D isn't a professional camera (but it looks mightly close), and if you start sticking big glass on the front for range, try having that argument with a security guy who's having a bad day.
Click to expand...

To the uneducated Security gaurd who may bounce at some chavy fun bar on a Friday night. Any DSLR is going to look professional to them.
I always wrap in tin foil and put in with my food in a ruck sack. Or I wear combats and put the componants of mt DSLR ( 400D ) into the side leg pockets.
This is because security manily ( are may only be allowed to ) search bags not the individual !
 
Tysonator said:
This is because security manily ( are may only be allowed to ) search bags not the individual !
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Depends on the condistion of entry of the venue and what was set by the promoter.

If a search will possibly take place they can search both peronal belonings as well as the person themselves.
 
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