Tennessee Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Which type of camera setting is recommended for low light conditions in surveillance work?

1. ISO speed of 100 or 200

2. ISO speed of 3200 or 6400

3. Infrared only

4. Automatic settings with flash

The correct answer is: ISO speed of 3200 or 6400

Using an ISO speed of 3200 or 6400 is highly recommended for low light conditions in surveillance work due to the following reasons: In low light environments, a higher ISO setting allows the camera to capture more light, making it possible to see details that would otherwise be lost in darkness. ISO settings of 3200 or 6400 enhance the camera's sensitivity to light, which is crucial when conducting surveillance where clarity and detail are paramount. This is especially useful for security purposes where identifying a subject is essential, and good image quality can be the difference between successful identification or not. In contrast, lower ISO settings like 100 or 200 would not provide adequate exposure in low light, resulting in dark and unclear images. Infrared cameras are effective in complete darkness but could also be limited in their ability to provide color images or operate effectively across different lighting scenarios without proper illumination. Automatic settings with flash can disrupt covert surveillance, as flashing lights might alert the subjects being observed and draw attention away from the investigator’s presence. Thus, selecting a high ISO setting proves beneficial for capturing clear images in challenging lighting conditions typical of surveillance tasks.