After some advice, I've opted to pull this question out into its own topic in the forum... (I had originally posted this question, with a few others, in response to someone else's post).

My question is about cameras - do the touristy spots in Turkey make you pay extra to bring in your camera? I've heard of some places in other parts of the world making people pay a LOT extra because they claim that the camera looks 'professional' (even if it isn't). My camera looks professional to some folks, but is definitely just a hobby camera.

This page suggests that some places in Turkey do charge a photo/video fee for personal/non-commercial photos: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/d...hotoVideo.html

Has anybody experienced this? Do you remember where and how much you were charged?

Thanks for your help!

None that I remember. There are some sights that I had second thoughts about using a camera, like inside Blue Mosque and the nearby shrine with graves of prophets. And don't take pictures of embassies ( a story there!)

We just came back from a 10-day trip to Istanbul and Cappadocia, and I used a Canon DSLR with a decent-sized lens for most of the trip (purely for hobby; I am nowhere near a pro but do prefer using a DSLR). I never had to pay a fee to use the camera anywhere, and I don't really recall too many places that had restrictions on taking photos--although some prohibited using a flash. I was always careful to look for signs or ask if there were any questions about what was appropriate. I did take a tripod but barely used it. Have fun!

You will not be allowed to take photos at places which have a security requirement, jewelry section of Topkapi palace possibly, military areas, etc. and no flash will be allowed where the displays should be protected from strong light.

As far as i know, there are no locations which require payment for the use of a camera, whether it is professional or amateur.

I never saw anywhere that you had to pay for a camera use... however there are definitively places where you cant take pics! or a flash!