Video Camera vs. camera in the museums

Generally no camera means no cameras. period. Sometimes you will see no flash, which obviously means you can take pictures but no flash. Next question is how rigid is the enforcement? It varies and I seen flashes in area where flash was prohibited and I have seen cameras taken away -- twice.

When you enter the museum, point to your video camera and say something like: "Video okay?" They will quickly let you know whether video is permitted. "My understanding of the no camera rule is that the flash can damage the artwork." The reason you've given is one of at least two reasons that have been suggested here, in prior discussions, for the "no camera" rule that some museums have. The 2nd reason suggested here in the past relates to museums protecting the legal rights they have to visual representations of the artwork they own. Another way this has been expressed is: this is what they do to encourage the purchase of the museum's books and photos of their artwork. I don't know whether anyone here claims to know whether these are the actual reasons, since this would be difficult for a member of the public to ascertain. If the 2nd reason has any validity, it would tend to explain why video cameras would not be allowed. But why wouldn't it suffice for them to ban tripods (which virtually all museums prohibit), which is how professional quality photos would be taken. On this subject, we have more questions than answers. It's been difficult for people posting here to learn in advance, on museum websites, what the rules are. But once you get to the museum, you're able to find out, right away, what their rule is on video cameras.

Kelly, I vaguely recall that where there are signs prohibiting photography, a logo of a video Camera is shown along with those of "still" Cameras. I'm heading back to Europe in a few weeks, so I'll pay particular attention to the signs that are posted regarding Cameras, so I can pass that information on to others here. As Kent said, the best policy is to ask.

Everywhere I've been if they don't allow photos they won't allow video. If it's just no flash then video is ok. Signs will vary. Some will have pictures and text (in just Italian, in Italian/English or in several languages) some just text and some just pictures. Usually will be posted at the entranced to the sight BUT sometimes not. Enforcement is spotty but usually even if there are people enforcing it if you don't use a flash you can get away with a few shots. To the poster who saw cameras taken away: Do you mean they made the people check their cameras in a room or something or actually took them?

I have been to places that permitted still photos but not videos, though I really don't remember if it was in Italy. At the Vatican museums, cameras are allowed, but not in the Sistine Chapel. I was told that was part of the agreement with the company that paid for the restorations, that they would have sole rights to reproduce the images for x number of years.

A number of years we were in Monaco when a group of Am teenagers were horsing around taking pictures by holding the camera under a jacket and shooting from the waist in an area clearly marked "No Photos" in English. A few minutes later the police can along, spun the teenager around who had been taking the pictures, grabbed the camera from his jacket, broken the back open, removed the film, exposed it, twisted the back off the camera and dumped everything at his feet without saying a word, and then just walked on. The other time was in a church in Italy, don't remember exactly where, when a matronly looking woman walked up to someone who had been shooting a lot of flash pictures and demand the camera, took it, walked to the back of the church. There was a certain amount of protesingt but you do not argue a lot with stout, Italian mothers. Have no idea what happened to the camera because we moved in the opposite direction. I don't know if it is an American tourist trait for some who think the rules apply only to the other tourists. But I do think there are some who always think that there must be a way around the edge of rules. If there is a sign that says, no photos, respect it. Don't ask if it only applies to Cannon cameras.

Frank, "A few minutes later the police can along, spun the teenager around who had been taking the pictures, grabbed the camera from his jacket, broken the back open, removed the film, exposed it, twisted the back off the camera and dumped everything at his feet without saying a word, and then just walked on." This is exactly why I always follow the rules on photography when travelling, especially in Italy! It's possible that those disregarding clearly posted signs could face only a humiliating ejection from the Museum, but it's also possible they could face the scenarios you've described. One example of this type of situation comes to mind. On my last visit to the Duomo in Milan, there were clearly posted "No Photo" signs at the entrance. The entrance was manned by three security personnel - Carabinieri, Polizia di Stato and Italian Army (wearing Camo). They were VERY specific about photos and I agreed not to take any. However, when I got inside it was like a rock concert, with flashes firing everywhere. I stopped a Priest and tried to ask about this disparity, but unfortunately I wasn't able to communicate effectively with my limited Italian. He looked at the "scofflaws" taking photos, shrugged his shoulders and walked away. Enforcement seems to be a bit sporadic, but I'd rather be "safe than sorry". Cheers!