A barcode reader may be configured to capture at least one test image of at least a portion of a barcode. The at least one test image may include a plurality of window images. Each window image may be smaller than a full photo sensor array image. Illumination for each window image may be provided by a distinct one of the plurality of illumination systems. The barcode reader may also be configured to determine a selected illumination system. The selected illumination system may be the illumination system that yielded a window image having highest quality among the plurality of window images. The barcode reader may also be configured to cause the photo sensor array to capture a subsequent image using the selected illumination system.