As Steve E. mentioned, I posted a longer reply to another posting on this same topic.
The Fuji S3 UVIR camera is a great camera and will enhance the capabilities of any forensic lab, crime scene unit or law enforcement agency, large or small.
As Steve found out in the class he recently took that I taught where the Fuji S3 UVIR camera was used extensively, it has more uses than even I imagined. The Fuji S3 UVIR will also allow a user to now apply IR & UV on scene which could never be done in a practical manner with IR film.
With a little bit of training, anyone can use this camera. It's not that much different from using a normal visible light camera except, it's sensitive to UV & IR and, you will need to use filters.
It was mentioned that only one filter (87) is all that may be needed.
I would recommend that all IR filters be purchased because there are far too many scenarios, colors, textures, dyes, etc., to encounter to say that either the 87, 87C, or 89B will work in most situations.
I have used all eight IR (18a, 70, 87, 87A, 87B, 87C, 88A, 89B) filters at one time or another. Many times I have used all of them frequently. If I knew exactly which ink pen a suspect used then I could say which filter would work everytime or, even most of the time. If I had that knowledge, then yes, I would say buy only the 87 or, the 89B.
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
I've read in some places that others are saying this camera is not for the beginner, or, even the moderately experienced photographer. If that were the case, then any DSLR falls into that same category. If you can't change the F/Stops, Shutter Speeds, or ISO settings, then you can't operate the Fuji S3 UVIR or any DSLR camera and someone may inply you are braindead, too. Which I would not imply if you are working in a forensic job description which I would think shows that you have already exhibited the ability to learn.
If you can do those tasks mentioned in the last paragraph with a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera then you can operate the Fuji S3 UVIR digital camera. Furthermore, if you know how to attach a filter, turn on a quartz light source and, push the shutter release button on a camera, then you can operate the Fuji S3 UVIR.
Were not talking rocket science here folks.
With some minor training and understanding, I do believe that the couple hundred intelligent Latent Examiners in this forum can figure how to use the Fuji S3 UVIR or any DSLR.
Whether a UVIR camera continues to be manufactured by Fuji, Canon, Nikon or some other camera manufacturer, having the capability to shoot in the UV or IR spectrums is now 1000 times easier than ever before. If you ever shot in those wavelengths with film, the techniques are the same, the equipment is the same (except the no film needed part), therefore, the argument I have read where you will now need filters to shoot in the IR with the Fuji S3 UVIR is a bunch of bunk. Filters were needed with IR & UV film photography and, will be needed with IR & UV digital photography.
I've been performing this type of photography for over 15 years and teaching it for the last eight. It is now easier to perform then ever and, don't let anyone lead you to believe otherwise. Just ask Steve E. or any of the hundreds of people I have trained over the years to perform UV or IR photography with film and, the few dozen I have now trained with the Fuji S3 UVIR. They will back that statement up easily and, I am willing to bet my entire salary on it.
If you need more assistance, feel free to contact me at anytime.
Mike Brooks