Abstract <p>This paper reflects new experimental results that describe the processes of deformation and fracture of composites with significant structural heterogeneity with concentrators. A large-scale approach to the development of the method of digital image correlation (DIC) under complex modes of external influences is proposed. A number of methods of fixation of recorded data under cyclic impacts are considered. The peculiarities of each of the presented methods of data fixation depending on the main purpose of the research on the basis of static and cyclic tests of carbon fiber reinforced plastic specimens are outlined. Recommendations on the use of the “analog capture” and “flex capture” options of the “Vic Snap” program are presented. The recommendations are valid for solving problems related to the analysis of regularities of deformation and fracture of objects with structural heterogeneity made of polymer composite materials under different modes of external loading. This study reflects the main methodological peculiarities that occur when working with the VIC-3D noncontact optical video system and the method of correlation of digital images on polymer composite materials. Deformations at the structural and macroscopic levels are compared. Recommendations on the selection of post-treatment parameters, namely, the step in the calculation by the DIC method, are proposed. A method of reducing the edge effect during uniaxial tensile testing of specimens with a concentrator is proposed. As a result of these studies, it becomes possible to obtain new experimental data on the processes of defect development and macroscopic fracture zones in the hole region, while avoiding the influence of the edge zone.</p>