joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Looking for an affordable way to get involved with IR photography. I have a Nikon D7100, a D50, and a Sony Next C3. Any idea would be appreciated. Any affordable IR cameras out there?

Valsmere Loc: New Jersey

I started messing around a little bit with IR. I went the filter route instead of dedicating a body. I figured it was cheaper an I'm sure there are limitations but I figured a little experimentation would be fun

petrochemist Loc: UK

Yes there are several older models. I don't think any of your current bodies are particularly suited to IR The old D70 was fairly IR sensitive without conversion (just about able to hand hold IR shots with a fast lens).

Some Sony models with 'Nightshot' the feature was unfortunately reduced in it's later incarnations. The DSC V1 I brought (an old point & shoot) only allows Nightshot with the aperture wide open uses high ISO & gives 7 wired green colour. It also refuses to take a picture if it senses a filter - Mine seemed intermittent till I found out screwing the filter in all the way stopped it working! My V1 only cost £15, but did need a filter mounting ring as well.

Several of the Sigma Foveon based DSLR models have a removable 'dust trap' that also works as the internal cut filter. On my SD14s this is a simple clip-in/out affair, but some other models made it need a screwdriver to remove. This works for pure monochrome IR, or using an X1 filter for aerochrome IR (IR showing as red, but the remainder of the visual looking fairly normal)
One of My SD14 bodies cost me £150 (with lenses batteries etc) the other (body only) was free :)

Neither of these are anything life recent technology dating from 2003 & 2006, but their images are still reasonable when printed to A4 or shared on the web!

Searching e-bay for pre-converted cameras can sometimes find bargains too. I eventually brought a full spectrum converted Panasonic GF2 this way (it cost me £150 in 2014). Unlike the SD14 it can be readily adapted to use most SLR/rangefinder lenses.

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Look at LifePixel for IR information
I tried the red IR filter rout and wasn’t totally happy
I went with IR conversion at LifePixel
That made a huge improvement

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

You need to buy a converted camera or convert a camera. I would convert a mirrorless camera. Ask at Lifepixel.com and Kolarivision.com what camera they recommend. You will not enjoy infrared by only using a filter. You have to use a tripod, set up your shot then attach the filter and take the shot.

petrochemist Loc: UK

Mirrorless is certainly the way to go, but before I had that option I have managed good handheld results with an unmodified camera - Even some that needed panoramic stitching. An example which was 3 or more handheld images taken with a Pentax K100d & 50mm/1.7:

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

LifePixel has a list of candidate cameras for conversion, both point and shoot, and bodies. They also have a number of available “already converted” cameras. My choice was to send in for conversion a Canon S100 P&S. A converted P&S is not ideal but is good way to get your feet wet.

ISO100 Loc: Richland City Indiana

I suggest: http://www.isaacszabo.com/infrared.html Infrared Conversion Service quote "Why pay $275-350 or more for an infrared conversion when you can get the exact same thing for $100 less? I offer professional camera conversions at affordable prices. Having converted well over a thousand cameras over the past decade, I have extensive knowledge and experience that allow me to employ the very best conversion techniques. I use premium Schott (Zeiss) optical glass filters, guarantee no sensor dust, and perform proper focus calibration. My customers can rest assured that they are receiving a conversion of the highest quality."

He has done 3 for me, and I have another going for conversion. Mine include 590nm, 650nm and 720nm. Never a problem with work or communication. And I save $100 on the conversion! Any thing else I can share with you don't hesitate.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Convert a good Point-N-Shoot that can shoot Raw to IR, (Life Pixel, 650nm Hyper Color). That's my advice. I did it and I love it.

JBRIII

Note, some cameras, including I believe some Canon mirrorless, leak IR from sources in the camera itself, and thus are poor choices for conversion.

petrochemist Loc: UK

I've not heard of it on Canon mirrorless, but have on Nikon DSLRs, and several of the Sony FF mirrorless
Fortunately the guy who converted my Sony A7ii (Alan Burch on the Isle of Wight) had come with a workaround, that total solves the issue.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

LifePixel charges $175 for a P&S conversion and $275 for a DSLR. There are occasional sales with $25 and higher dos punts. They converted my a Canon S100 for $125 including the 590 Super Color filter.

ecurb Loc: Metro Chicago Area

I still use my Kodak gel filter from the film era when I shot High Speed Infrared and Ektachrome Infrared films. What cost me twenty bucks back then is now a hundred and ten. My 87 filter blocks light below 780nm ( visible, near IR , and UV light ) so I shoot on a tripod. Zero expense as I still have my gel filter holders.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

“discounts” not “dos punts”

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Thank you! This guy sounds like he knows his stuff, and it is much more affordable. Time for my early Christmas present to myself!