If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, what value is video? A photo captures a moment of time but records little or no context. A video is a contextual record of the event, both media relate to the point of view. Multiple cameras, either still or video can flesh out the context of a three-dimensional space. The ability of digital cameras to capture either photographs or act as a video recorder improves the utility of the instrument for documenting crime scenes and producing surveillance footage.
Differences or Similarities Between Intelligence VS Evidence
Intelligence is the gathering and analysis of information to further and aid the operation. Evidence is information gathered for submission in court in a forensically sound means and method. There can be a cross-over, but there exists at some point a line between information, intelligence and evidence.
Video Surveillance Systems
The photograph remains the principle method to document crime scenes and provides visual evidence captured during a surveillance. Video is a principle tool used for security operations. Few establishments exist that do not include surveillance video, even the convenience markets have at least two and up to four. Large retail outlets have multiple cameras. The casino industry has surveillance video suites that resemble NASA’s mission control during a rocket launch, multiple cameras and recording devices.
Video Analysis
But the modern digital image can be manipulated to the point that there is a need for experts that certify photographs as genuine and not altered. With analog, meaning non-digital like VHS and Beta tape formats electronic enhancement was possible, but the TV and movies aside a digital recording cannot be enhanced, you have what you have, nothing less and noting more. Yes, the brightness, contrast and color can be manipulated and to an extent you can zoom in, but eventually image will pixelate to an unusable degree.
From 35mm Slides to Digital Photos
Standard framing is based on the diagonal of the imaging media, film or chip. For 35mm cameras it was around 50 to 55mm lens. Digital cameras sport smaller frame charge coupled devices (CCD), i.e. the chip, with ½ inch diagonal making the 50mm lens a 2x magnified image. Some magnification on digital cameras are recorded as meta-data, providing things like date, time, zoom and exposure data and is recorded as part of the image, making documentation much easier. The modern single lens reflex (SLR) digital camera can handle interchangeable lens and record both photographs and video in high definition. One of the defects of digital photography is that it doesn’t handle shadow detail as well as film does. The advantage is that you can shoot some 1000’s of frames to document a crime scene incurring little or no cost, recording and storage media expenses being the only restriction.
Admissibility of Digital Photographs in Court
It took a while for the courts to accept color photographs as evidence, particularly in homicide cases. But you can shoot color and still produce monochrome prints so long as the process is documented. The folder with mug shots for photo lineups can now be printed on a single sheet of paper. Surveillance recorders document the actions of employees and patrons alike aiding and documenting theft events or violence. Ever note that most cameras in convenience stores have a camera recording the cashiers activities.
Private Investigator & Security Services in Greater Miami, Sunny Isles, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Weston, Plantation City & Miami Gardens Florida
Digital cameras have produced the ideal tool for law enforcement and security, after all, you’re only need is your smart phone. Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL offers expert surveillance services. Contact us to learn more today.
