Infrared questions - seeking knowledge/understanding (Page 2): If you are going to buy a new camera just for B&W and infrared, a converted camera is one option. But consider a...

gompfer

If you are going to buy a new camera just for B&W and infrared, a converted camera is one option. But consider a mirrorless camera and add an infrared filter to the camera. This way you can shoot standard B&W as well as a variety of infrared filters at different light frequencies. The mirrorless cameras with allow you to see your subject(WYSIWYG)to focus and then shoot. I would at least compare the two options.

photodoc16

IAMIMDOC,
I am puzzled that after using LifePixel's website you are still confused. The site is a monument to IR information. I also chatted with a rep who was very helpful and answered all of my questions. I am no imaging genius but then, IR is not rocket science. Everything you asked about is covered on the website and also by the reps if needed. The hard part is the post processing of the information, meaning that you need the proper post processing software. This too is not difficult especially if you have Photoshop or even Elements if you download Elements+.
Try Life Pixel again because I do not know of any other comprehensive source.
Photodoc16

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

gompfer wrote:

If you are going to buy a new camera just for B&W and infrared, a converted camera is one option. But consider a mirrorless camera and add an infrared filter to the camera. This way you can shoot standard B&W as well as a variety of infrared filters at different light frequencies. The mirrorless cameras with allow you to see your subject(WYSIWYG)to focus and then shoot. I would at least compare the two options.

Do mirrorless cameras not have an internal filter that blocks infrared light, like most DSLRs do? If so, using it without the conversion which removes this filter, will result in very long exposure times with an IR lens filter.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

"This focus shift issue does not affect compact cameras and live view focusing, which focuses with the imaging sensor directly."
https://kolarivision.com/articles/problem-with-ir/

Larger aperture openings help eliminate hotspots, so limiting the ISO can cause the lens to open wider reducing hotspot problems.
"To minimize IR hotspots, shoot with a wider aperture and wider lens." A lot of info in this site:
https://maxmax.com/maincamerapage/infrared-cameras/ir-techniques

gompfer

I use the R72 filter from Hoya with no problem. I use an ISO setting of 1000-1600 with an aperture of f8 to f11. I use a tripod just make sure the camera stays steady but it should be fast enough to hand hold. If it is too slow to hand hold, use ISO 1600 at f5.6 or faster. I use it on a fujifilm X-T2 with good results. I recommend a tripod and cable release for the best results

photodoc16

And what editing software do you use?
Photodoc16

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

JohnSwanda wrote:

Do mirrorless cameras not have an internal filter that blocks infrared light, like most DSLRs do? If so, using it without the conversion which removes this filter, will result in very long exposure times with an IR lens filter.

Yes, they have an internal IR filter that would have to be removed. And then you add the filter of choice.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

dpullum wrote:

John, Please educate me.... Is the "internal enhanced" a full spectra? If so, how do you do IR B&W without adding a filter such as the 720nm. Do you just take a result and use a BW software conversion? and how do you take a realistic color? Examples?

If he is using internal enhanced, he can still convert an image to B&W. But the B&W is only going to be based upon the internal enhanced filter. Thus the user would miss out on the more dramatic B&W effects that a longer wavelength filter could provide.