Louise Frost
Louise uses some highly specialised kit in her job recording forensic evidence
1 Nikon D7100 kit
(£970, $1400)
What’s it for? Avon and Somerset Constabulary recently upgraded its Crime Scene Investigator camera kits from the D200 to the D7100. They’re lighter and more compact, plus we now have the ability to record HD video of a scene.
Plus points The greater ISO range and VR in the 18105mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens has given us improved results in low-light conditions.
Minus marks We miss having a solid screen protector fitted.
Nikon D300s kIT (UV Modified)
2
£2524, $4280
What’s it for? Reflective ultraviolet imaging is used to show detail in photos of injuries like bruising and bite marks, as the UV light can penetrate deeper into the skin. It’s often used along with the Metz flash in post-mortem examinations.
Plus points It’s a UVdedicated kit, which makes it simple to set up and use.
Minus marks The light source must be very close to the subject, so only small areas can be covered.
3 Metz CT76 MZ -5 UV
(£750, $1260)
What’s it for? This flash has been modified to fire through a UV filter, and teams up with the UV D-SLR for injury images. The Stroboframe holds the flash inverted, as close to the subject as possible.
Plus points The Metz has a powerful output, which is needed to get light through the dense UV filters.
Minus marks The illumination range is very short, so you must be close to the subject and you get fall-off around the edges.
Nikon AF -S 60mm f/2.8 Macro
4
(£370, $500)
What’s it for? Finger marks that we can’t recover with lifting methods or enhance with powders need to be photographed and scaled, and this lens gives us sharp images with good ridge detail.
Plus points It is also useful for close-up images of injuries, jewellery, tool marks and so on.
Minus marks The usual macro woes: shallow depth of field, and getting good lighting in the right places.
Manfrotto 303SPH QTVR head
5
(£390, $630)
What’s it for? Capturing 360-degree images of a crime scene to create virtual tours for investigators and for court presentations.
Plus points Easy to change the rotation clicks from 4, 6, 8 etc. It can be calibrated to find the nodal point of your lens.
Minus marks The bracket creeps into the frame when using the Sigma 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye. It can be tricky to lock movements when doing nadir (floor) shots.