U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

CSI Cameras of Today

NCJ Number
224058
Journal
Forensic Magazine Volume: 4 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2007/January 2008 Pages: 16,18,20,21
Author(s)
Caroleann Fusco
Date Published
December 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article presents a brief overview of camera technology availability to assist today’s forensic photographer in the field of crime scene investigations.
Abstract
With rapid development in the technology field, there are three choices today in the current camera market and product availability: film, point-and-shoot digital cameras, and digital SLR cameras. However, because film is becoming increasingly unavailable, the choices are reduced to digital point-and-shoot or DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflect) cameras. A camera used for forensic imaging should have the ability to be versatile in all possible applications. Using a DSLR camera offers the ability to change lenses based on the situation to allow the capturing of the best possible image. With all the developments in digital photography, it is clear that a DSLR camera is a versatile yet affordable piece of equipment that will allow the department to continue their fight against crime. The DSLR’s exceptional capabilities are examined in the areas of flexibility, lens use, focus systems, ruggedness, resolution, sensors, optical viewfinder, file formats, and costs. This article provides an overview of today’s camera technology for use by forensic photographers in crime scene investigations.