Medium format digital cameras

[SConner]

Anybody in any lab out there using a medium format digital camera to capture developed latents? If so, what are you using, any disadvantages other than cost, of course?

[George Reis]

The Seattle Police Department was doing so, but I don't know if they still are. I'd be happy to give you contact info for their photographers if you want to contact me off-line (reis at imagingforensics.com).

I would think that the main downside to using these for latent prints is file size - this gives you slower uploading, downloading, transferring, opening, and saving. Additionally, it will cost more for storage. Imagine a 50 MP camera vs. a 10 MP camera for this application. Potentially you store the original raw file, then you will store your analysis copy of the file. This will be about 300 MB for the medium format camera and 60 MB for the 10 MP camera. On a case with a dozen or more prints, this adds up quickly.

Of course, the cost of the camera is also substantially more, which I think is what you were referring to in your post.

[SConner]

Thanks for the information George. I wouldn't expect it to be used on every case or every latent but on the occasion that you have a large palm or a good quality full sized shoe impression, for labs lucky enough to have grant funds or capital equipment funds to spend it might be a useful tool to have around.