The “Break it Down” Blog

Grant Gochnauer sends in news that the Beijing Olympic Committee is putting the kibosh on any attendees bringing “professional camera equipment” into the games unless they have a Press pass to do so.

The real sticking point is that what constitutes “professional camera equipment” hasn’t been spelled out anywhere… the assumption up to this point is that they mean DSLRs and massive lenses. But what about some higher-end point-and-shoots that look like DSLRs or offer lens attachments? I have to guess these are going to get nixed as well.

This move doesn’t seem too surprising as broadcast companies bid millions to get rights to cover the Olympics, it doesn’t help them if Joe-Average-User is shooting high-def material that is on-par or better and posting it to SmugMug or YouTube for everyone to enjoy (as opposed to watching their broadcast station in HD).

Just the man sticking it to competition cause they can I guess.

Thanks CNET!