Here are a few cameras that will be adequate for the Crime Scene Photography Course. These are only a sample of cameras that can be used--there are many others. The most important things to consider are features and accessories.

Digital Cameras

CLICK HERE to see and compare the cameras listed below--including approximate prices.

• Sony Alpha A100K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (approximately $430)
• Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens (approximately $440)
• Olympus Evolt E420 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens (approximately $454)
• Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (approximately $500)
• Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (approximately $510)
• Olympus Evolt E520 10MP Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens (approximately $525)
• Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens (approximately $575)
• Pentax K200D 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Shake Reduction 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (approximately $586)
• Pentax K110D 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (approximately $600)
• Sony Alpha DSLRA300K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization with DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens (approximately $600)
• Canon Digital Rebel XTi 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (approximately $620)
• Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (approximately $655)
• Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens (approximately $793)
• Sony Alpha DSLRA350K 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot Image Stabilization DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens (approximately $800)

CLICK HERE to see and compare the cameras listed above--including approximate prices.

CLICK HERE for camera instruction books for most of the cameras listed above.

These are only a sample of cameras that can be used--there are many others. The most important things to consider are features and accessories.

DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURES REQUIRED FOR THIS COURSE
• Have a manual exposure mode*
• Have one or more of the following automatic modes: S, A, Tv, or Av
• Have a removable electronic flash with a remote cord**
• And you must provide high quality photographic prints for your notebook (you can print the yourself with a high quality printer or have them printed at a store)

Now, just a few other notes about digital cameras.

1. *Your camera must have a manual or "M" exposure setting. It should allow a "B" or "BULB" setting in the manual mode. Some digital cameras will allow their shutters to be open for as long as the shutter button is pressed while some have a maximum shutter time even in the "B" setting. Some digital cameras will have a maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds. For this course it is necessary to have the shutter open for at least 15 seconds (several minutes is best--but 15 seconds is the bare minimum) to do certain photographs that are required for your notebook. When you choose a digital camera for theis class make sure it has a "B" or at least a 15 second shutter speed.
2. **You may find a digital camera that meets these requirements except it does not have a removable flash capability--it only has a built-in flash. I will allow cameras with only a built-in flash but be aware that you will not be able to take the best evidence photographs. A removable flash is necessary for many evidence photographs.

Last updated: October 30, 2008