Infrared capable DSLR cameras: I have read a little about IR and would like to "dip my toe in the waters". I'd appreciate any insight as to cameras in the 8 to 12 megapixel range that...

jmccl Loc: Western Shore of Utah Lake

I have read a little about IR and would like to "dip my toe in the waters". I'd appreciate any insight as to cameras in the 8 to 12 megapixel range that have the capacity to record the near IR without the need to perform surgery on the camera to remove any internal IR blocking filter. For example, I've read that the Minolta DiIMAGE 7 will capture the IR and a photographer at a local show says a Nikon D70 with no internal modifications works well. But these are in the 5-6 MP range. Some of what I've read indicates that manufactures incorporate firmware that prevents capturing the near IR. I can't afford to "buy and try" all the possible cameras, so I'd appreciate any insight.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

i do not know of any currently being manufactured dslr's with a built in IR function. there are ir lens filters you can get or you may have to go with camera surgery on a used dslr.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

this space for rent

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

whoops triple posted.

snowbear

Some interesting reading:
http://dpfwiw.com/ir.htm#handle

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Hay, surgery can be fun! Canon G2 is well covered in the net regarding conversion steps... I would add that using aquaregia to remove the "mirror" from the hot mirror is a simplifying technique... have not tried it but my chemists training says it should work. I converted a G2 and it is a great way to go.. enough meg pix.. enough for 8x10. Low cost filters on ebay and the tube extension are on ebay.

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

jmccl wrote:

I have read a little about IR and would like to &q... (show quote)

We just had two Nikon D80's converted by LifePixel....it ran 300 each and they were converted using the 17x80 dx lens. It takes about 2 weeks from the time you send it to have it back in your hands. They came highly recommended and we are pleased. Before you jump, go to their site....watch their tutorials and you will be equipped to make an informed decision.

http://www.lifepixel.com/?gclid=CLf65OvohLACFQcEnQodaFlGkw

Pay particular attention to the type of filter you wish to add....this is a huge difference maker.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jmccl wrote:

I have read a little about IR and would like to "dip my toe in the waters". I'd appreciate any insight as to cameras in the 8 to 12 megapixel range that have the capacity to record the near IR without the need to perform surgery on the camera to remove any internal IR blocking filter.

I have read that you can test a camera's sensitivity to IR by shining a TV IR remote at the lens and clicking the shutter. If something shows up, the camera sees IR.

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

jerryc41 wrote:

jmccl wrote:

I have read a little about IR and would like to "dip my toe in the waters". I'd appreciate any insight as to cameras in the 8 to 12 megapixel range that have the capacity to record the near IR without the need to perform surgery on the camera to remove any internal IR blocking filter.

I have read that you can test a camera's sensitivity to IR by shining a TV IR remote at the lens and clicking the shutter. If something shows up, the camera sees IR.

You can....and it is a good idea to do that. However, if you are going to spend the money, and your camera is not on the list provided by the conversion, I would call or email the company before I shipped.

CooledgeR Loc: Sunny (Hot) Arizona

jmccl wrote:

I have read a little about IR and would like to &q... (show quote)

Although no longer manufactured, a FUJI IS-Pro, 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera, with Nikon F Lens Mount, can still be found. Google it. It is one of the few truly IR ready cameras ever offered. Originally sold for $2.6K. Looks and works like a D200. With a UV/IR Cut filter, it takes great visual light pictures as well.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

CooledgeR wrote:

quote=jmccl I have read a little about IR and wou... (show quote)

ebay probably has IR cameras - converted or the Fuji.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

jmccl wrote:

I have read a little about IR and would like to "dip my toe in the waters". I can't afford to ... appreciate any insight.

Two key things "dip toe" and "afford".... so let us give sweet and simple. Check with TV ... yep that is IR.. see image... good. what size filter do you use... go to ebay and buy a 650 um go low cost... take shot on tripod at noon when the IR is bright. Trees, Water with veggies, portrait..fire... etc...

Then and only then follow the "lets spend his money" advice. Yes, you can have the camera converted professionally, but something limply like the G-2 will cost you about $60 on Ebay ... conversion is simple step by step photos,,, and you have a converted camera that you will not use very often and have little money invested... IR is fun for a while... so do not convert a good hi $ camera when you say "affordable."

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

You should be able to get your camera converted.
About £100 in UK.
If you just want to "dip your toes", convert a film camera to IR. Although I believe one or two EOS cameras could use IR film.

saycheese Loc: By the Big Lake in West Michigan

Hi...eBay has a number of already-converted p&s cameras.At times they also have higher-end DSLR cameras that have been converted.There are any number of companies you can find when you google"converting cameras to IR." They charge anywhere from 100 to 400 bucks or more depending on the camera.I am going to try my Hoya IR filter and see what happens.
Good luck in your quest!

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I would say wait and get a camera converted. I have a nikon D70 converted by life pixel read their website, Lots of good info also look at infraredatelier.com. Deborah Sandidge wrote the book -Digital Infrared Photography-read it.
I'm going to buy a 4/3 digital camera by Olympus. With Nikon and Canon cameras you need to use their software to correctly interpret their raw files.
I love IR and shoot more IR than color.
Good Luck