Q: DSLRs on a plane/NTSB paranoia

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around concerns and experiences related to traveling with DSLR cameras on US airlines, particularly regarding security procedures and potential damage from X-ray scanning. Participants share their personal experiences, concerns about security personnel, and the handling of camera equipment during flights.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about potential damage to the camera sensor from X-ray scanning, suggesting that turning off the camera and removing the battery may mitigate risks.
  • Another participant shares their experience of hand-carrying their DSLR and accessories without issues, emphasizing a preference against checking in camera gear due to concerns about handling.
  • A third participant references TSA guidelines stating that security equipment does not affect processed images or film but notes the lack of information regarding CCD/CMOS damage.
  • One participant confidently states they have carried multiple camera lenses and accessories through security without problems, advocating for always keeping camera gear onboard.
  • A participant shares an anecdote about taking photos during a flight investigation, suggesting that there can be valuable information visible from the window, contrary to another participant's expectation of not taking photos during the flight.
  • Another participant recounts a recent experience of taking photos at a dock and an encounter with security, illustrating the potential for confrontations when photographing sensitive areas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share similar views on the importance of carrying camera gear onboard rather than checking it, but there remains uncertainty and differing opinions regarding the potential risks of X-ray scanning and the behavior of security personnel.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of concern about the effects of X-ray scanning on camera sensors, with some seeking more definitive information that is not readily available. The discussion reflects a mix of personal anecdotes and concerns about security protocols.

Who May Find This Useful

Travelers with DSLR cameras, photography enthusiasts, and individuals interested in airline security procedures may find this discussion relevant.

Andy Resnick
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I'm attending a conference in Nashville, TN in a few months and would like to take my camera and 15mm lens along- has anyone recently dealt with US airline 'security'? I guess I have 2 concerns (probably both unfounded):

1) potential X-ray scanning damage to the camera sensor. I figure if the camera is off and the battery is out, there shouldn't be a problem. Even so...
2) overzealous security wankers who think they are breaking up a major espionage ring.

Any pro/con regarding carry-on vs. checked is helpful as well. I don't expect to take photos out of the window during the flight...
 
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I don't fly often, last time a few months ago. But I also hand carry my DSLR + lens + flash with me, and never have a problem. I will never store them in my luggage and check in, who know how they are going to handle that.

As for demage from scanning, I really have no idea if that would, and I would also like to know if that's possible.
 
Thanks-

the TSA put this out:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1035.shtm

'None of the security equipment - neither the machines used for checked baggage nor those used for carry-on baggage - will affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed - slides, videos, photo compact discs or picture memory cards.'

but doesn't mention CCD/CMOS damage. There's a lot of supposition/opinions out there, but I couldn't find any real information either way.
 
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Not an issue. I carry a DSLR, 17-35, 28-70, 80-200, 10.5 fisheye, flashes, extra batteries, flash cards, etc., in a Lowepro Micro Trekker without any problems. Just run it through the x-ray machine, with your other carry-on luggage.

Always carry your camera gear onboard the plane. I would never check it.
 
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Andy Resnick said:
I don't expect to take photos out of the window during the flight...

Why not? We once were investigating the cause of an in-flight engine shutdown, and we got some valuable information from a passenger who was smart enough to realize that what they could see through the window was "interesting", took some pictures of it, and told the cabin crew about them.

Though with luck your flight won't be quite so "interesting" as that :smile:
 
Thanks for the comments, guys. In related news...

The blades for a new windmill were recently delivered to Cleveland:

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/04/lincoln_electrics_wind_turbine.html

and since the weather was nice today, I thought I'd go snap a few shots at the dock. Here's the best shot I got:

[PLAIN]http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5585/dsc7031a.jpg

Not that great, maybe I can fix it with post-processing. I was holding the camera up and over the chain link fence, poking the lens in between rows of razor wire, guessing on getting the blade centered. Each blade is about 60 feet long, and I was about 30 feet away.

Anyhow, some Fatty McFatty rent-a-cop came a-huffing and a-puffing at me, yelling about how I was in trouble, so I turned and started taking pictures of *her*, mostly because I was in a foul mood to begin with. She stopped dead in her tracks- had no clue what to do. Then I left.

Heh- if some TSA goof starts up, I'll tell them I'm under contract to observe the engines for defects during flight (thanks, AlephZero) :) Once (pre-9/11) I scared the x-ray baggage check people by pulling out my NASA badge and told them they were mishandling sensitive flight hardware and were liable for damages.
 
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