Surveillance Equip

[eyeful]

Hi,
I have just started my 1st module for my Cert III in Investigation Services and I am most enthusiastic about starting surveillance work within the Investigations industry.
I was wondering if I could trouble someone for a bit of advice on two subjects in regard to this matter.

Firstly...DSLR Cameras, Is it better to have your light meter averaged over the lens or just centre weighted? And day vs. night if there is a difference?

Secondly...The Vehicle, I was thinking of doing a full surveillance van deal in a plain white workers van with perimeter cameras the whole nine yards. However I have a feeling that is over the top. What make and model has proven to be the most useful in your experience?

[belle88]

Secondly...The Vehicle, I was thinking of doing a full surveillance van deal in a plain white workers van with perimeter cameras the whole nine yards. However I have a feeling that is over the top. What make and model has proven to be the most useful in your experience?

A van would be handy if you figure you are going to remain stationary for long periods of time. Which you generally are, however if your client is active and are driving a lot, you want something that blends in i.e. sedan or hatch back. Also the "take off" is the most crucial thing, you want a vehicle you can easily blend in with and is pretty quick to get ready and go. Van/ute would come in handy if you ever had to do a medical in the CBD areas tho...

[CapitalStudent]

Do a medical?

[Leadbootz]

Hi eyeful,

Regarding the surveillance van, there is no perfect vehicle as there is always a trade-off.  Where will the majority of your work be?  Like belle88 says, if your in the city a white van blends in great, but if you're out bush a ute or 4wd is better suited.  Hatchbacks and smaller vehicles are easier to park and are usually quicker off the mark.  Vans are great for comfort during long stationary sits.  4wds and vans provide extra height, which gives you a better field of vision, especially in car parks.  There are other things to consider like fuel/running costs, diesel vs petrol vs lpg; automatic vs manual transmission; engine size/power etc.  

So as you can see it's a case of horses for courses.  In a perfect world you would have several vehicles at your disposal to mix and match as the situation warrants.  When you get burnt in one car you can let the job cool for a week or two, then go back in the other and don't have to pass the job on to some other poor sucker.

As far as a DSLR, don't over think it! Insurance surveillance is about VIDEO, VIDEO and VIDEO.  The majority of modern video cameras have a descent photo mode, and in 99% of cases that will suffice.  If you have a DSLR already and want to put it to use, you'll be taking photos of Claimant's cars and their properties.  Many DSLRs become dust collectors and added weight to a kit bag.  Video stills are captured off the video with your computer or camera and incorporated into the report.  Granted, they are not of the quality of a 18Mp DSLR but as they are resized down to around 400x300 with 6 or 8 to an a A4 page, it doesn't make a very big difference in the appearance/quality.

Few investigators these days would bother to stop taking video; put the camera down; pick-up the DSLR;  take an ID photo of the Claimant; put the DSLR down; pick up the video camera and continue taking video.  That's how we did it 20 years ago.  It risks missing some sort of significant movement/activity on video for the sake of an ID shot.

Put your thought and money into your video gear as that will be the equipment you'll use every time you leave home.  A DSLR camera comes way down the already long list.

Also CapitalStudent,

Do a medical?  Conducting surveillance on the Claimant when he/she attends a scheduled medical appointment.  Often in the city CBD.

Leadbootz

[eyeful]

Thanks for your reply leadbootz, your info was a real eye opener, you read soo many books from all over and its not until you ask someone still in the biz that you get a straight out and out answer. I guess i will wait til i know exactley what field i can get work in and where before i make my final decision. Thanks also to belle88 your awesome

[belle88]

All good, keep up with the study and yell out if u need help

[eyeful]

Yelllllllllll, lol    Belle wondering if you can help me im trying to complete prac exercise 2, I have completed the whole module except for this. my problem is i cant find anymore than 2 real investigator forums in aus. Do they have to be aussie? I only ask cause an american site would hardley be relevent enough would it? What do you reckon?

Eyeful

[belle88]

been a while since I finished the stuff. PM me with the actual question and i'll help where I can.