Image Sensor Sensitivity (ISO)

Many, if not most, latent print examiners use an ISO (image sensor sensitivity) setting of 100, 200 or even 400 for capturing latent impressions on a copy stand in the lab.  The brighter the light, the lower the ISO setting. 

Because of the increased sensitivity (bit depth) of some digital cameras, latent print examiners like to use an ISO setting of 400 with “available light”.  But, because of the sensitivity of the sensor, the color (white balance) can be affected by the amount of ambient light coming from a fluorescent light fixture, a window, etc.  Using the wrong ISO setting with ambient light can significantly impact the white balance (color) of the image.