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Resolved Question

Lori Grunin's comment about legal restrictions

by Sep 16, 2011 7:29AM PDT

At http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/sony-alpha-nex-5n/4505-6501_7-34999110.html?tag=nl.e404#reviewPage1

The reviewer writes:"I shot up to the full possible clip length indoors--for legal reasons, it (like all cameras) maxes out at just under 30 minutes"What exactly does this mean? There's a *law* that controls how long you can operate a camera continuously?

A reference link would be appropriate when making such a statement. In its absence, does anyone know what she's talking about? Is it U.S. specific or a common legal infringement globally?

Discussion is locked

paper_boy has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
6 Posts
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Best Answer

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Taxes
by Sep 16, 2011 8:41AM PDT

As far as I know, the 30 minute limitation applies only to cameras imported to Europe. It is a tax law restriction.

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I thought it was a tax dodge.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 17, 2011 2:22AM PDT

Cameras with 30+ minute capability are subject to another tax. Not a legal issue.
Bob

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So... there really are other cameras that last longer
by paper_boy Sep 18, 2011 10:59AM PDT

I appreciate the answers about Euro taxes. Odd stuff that.

But I am taking the answer to also mean that even in Europe there are
cameras that actually can operate without "max[ing] out at just under 30
minutes."

This seems implied since there would be no need for additional tax if there were no cameras that actually qualified for the tax.

On the other hand anyone who often uses a still shot camera for 30
minute video clips would probably do better to get a camcorder that
takes stills Grin

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European Cameras
by PistonCupChampion Sep 18, 2011 11:23AM PDT

Presumably, cameras sold by European manufacturers such as Agfa, Leica, and Rollei would not have the 30 minute restriction, even if their cameras were made in Asia (Leica's C, D, and V-LUX cameras are rebadged Panasonics), although I do not know if that is indeed fact.

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Answer
Inherently confusing
by Sep 22, 2011 2:39AM PDT

If it makes no sense at all and its only consistency is its randomness, it's more than likely something to do with government taxation.

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Answer
Tax Laws Change in 2007 in Europe
by Forum moderator Sep 22, 2011 4:00AM PDT
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