Anyone knows the restrictions of bringing a Video camera and Digital camera into the museums in Paris and Rome? Also, if you carry a backpack, do they ask you to leave at the entrance?
Thanks,
Obi Juan

Not all museums have the same rules but most don't allow flash photography. In parts of the Vatican museum you can use flash and video but in the Sistine Chapel you aren't allowed to take any pictures or video. Each museum will have rules posted.

ttt.

As ky says,

Most places will let you use a camera without a tripod or flash.

Some places don't permit cameras.

They have the rules posted at the entrance.

Many museums will not allow you to bring in a backpack or even a large tote bag - but it varies between museums and can change based on local or worldwide security concerns. Check each museum web site for latest details.

If they don't let you bring backpacks can you leave it at the entrance?
Thanks,

I visited the Louvre a few weeks ago and there were digital cameras galore especially by Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. They request flashes not be used but everyone was flashing away anyway. And you didn't have to check in your backpack.

The places that won't let you bring in backpacks will typically allow you to check them - but if there are special security issues at any time that may change.

(Change is the key - I've gone into the British Museum with a large tote with no problems and at other times had to check it and walk in with just my wallet in a pocket.)

That's really odd, francophile, because I've had to check my backpack every time I've gone to the Musée D'Orsay and Louvre in Paris, and there are signs everywhere saying you cannot use a flash (but no specific signs about using a video camera that I can remember).

I would never use a flash to photograph a picture if asked not to - it damages the paint over time. That's selfish and thoughtless.

And I'd never take a videocamera to Europe - too many people looking to rip them off and too heavy to carry and too much bother in general. Why not just enjoy the moment instead of capturing it on film?

Maybe it was an odd day, I don't know, but it happened.