Camera gear allowed?

frank
December 13, 2008, 01:57 AM posted in General Discussion

Hiya, kids! Got a quick question regarding my upcoming move and I was hoping someone here might have some experience in these matters.

I spoke to a visa agent today who counseled me to NOT list my occupation as "writer, journalist, or filmmaker." She said They wouldn't like that. Listing myself as a graphic artist seemed to be okay, but the others were right out.

I asked her about my film equipment and she said she *thought* it should be okay, but wasn't sure. So what happens if she's wrong? She asked me what type of camera it was, if it was very large, and while it's not huge, it is a professional camera. The tripod is a good 40-50 pounds, too.

Anyone have any clue about the restrictions on these things? I don't want my livelihood confiscated at the airport!

Thanks!

Frank

Profile picture
calkins
December 13, 2008, 02:16 AM

Frank, I'm not exactly sure about what equipment you can/can't bring in, but I'm fairly confident you can bring any type of gear you want.

I do know the weight restrictions on luggage for an international flight to China.  You're allowed:

(2) checked bags, each weighing a maximum of 50 lbs.

(1) carry-on weighing a maximum of 40 lbs.

It sucks, and I feel your pain - I left a ton of my photography equipment in Chicago and miss a lot of it.  But it is sometimes fun being forced to go back to the "basics."  You can pay additional weight fees, but they're pretty hefty.

Another option of course is to have it shipped to you, but as we both know, shipping your babies is never an easy thing to do, and it's very expensive.

So you may want to weigh the difference in cost of paying the extra airline weight vs. the cost (and fear) of shipping.

Disclaimer:  If you haven't already, check with your airline to see if your weight restrictions are different than what I flew (China Airlines).  I wouldn't want you to get to the airport and you have to unload one of your babies!

Profile picture
changye
December 13, 2008, 02:39 AM

If you would like to take photos of something politically sensitive in China, I recommend you take measures for just in case. The odds are low, but they might confiscate your films, or memory cards (?), at the airport when you leave China.

Profile picture
light487
December 13, 2008, 03:02 AM

Hehe.. I'm taking some junkie tourist cameras with me. I can fit both of them into each pocket of my trousers! haha.. :) But yeh.. my sister-in-law is a profession photographer, so I know how much equipment she has even when she is just going out for a fun shoot..

 

Profile picture
bababardwan
December 13, 2008, 03:35 AM

Frank,

I would have thought you could contact the Chinese embassy in Washington [website here ] and run it past them.If they approve ,then I would ask if they would be happy to put it in writing so you could take a copy of that with you.Good luck mate.

Profile picture
frank
December 13, 2008, 04:12 AM

Calkins - Thanks for the info! I'll definite check with the airline when planning what to bring over. I just checked the weight on my tripod bag and it's much less than I thought. Obviously, I'll want the camera itself to be on the plane with me. This is not a piece of luggage I'm willing to trust to the belly of the beast.

changye - I'm not worried about what happens when I *leave* the country, I'm worried about them letting in the equipment in the first place! Haha! But thanks!

light487 - Yeah, and multiply that by two for film and video stuff. I can do a "run and gun" shoot with just two bags, but the camera bag is easily four or five times the size of my still camera bag.

bababardwan - Great idea! I wonder if I have to call the one in Houston, since I'm in Florida. Either way, I'll give them a call first thing Monday morning. Thanks!

Profile picture
panda2 / Panda Beer
December 13, 2008, 07:57 AM

Just do not take photos of any government building or official business,
or their people.
They have eased up on tourists and possessions brought into the country

stick with the graphic artist you should be okay.
 Else you will have visa problems.
Officially expensive items brought into China must be declared, but not enforced!!

 It pays to get a customs export (departure) document from home country
to  prove that it is your equipment. This also covers you on your return home to avoid duty on the goods. If they are worth a lot of $$$$$

Profile picture
frank
December 13, 2008, 08:17 AM

panda2 - Ohhhh, never even thought of that! How does one obtain one of those? Thanks for the input!