tonybear

I understand that DSLR/MILC conversions for infrared photography are fairly commonplace these days. But I am wondering if there any HOGGERS out there who may have forayed into converting older MiniDV style camcorders that record on tape, using the IR conversion process, filters/etc. I have seen the work of newer MILC photo enthusiasts who have converted their cameras to record in infrared, and the videos occasionally produced are wondrous. I was just wondering if any of you intrepid video photographers have ventured to have older CAMCORDERS converted for the infra-red capture process, and using the HDV/tape video format, in particular. Thanks for your input.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've never tried what you want to do. One of the things that comes up in video forums is the difficulty of getting older MiniDV/tape based video files from the camera to newer computers. The don't have "firewire" and newer software can struggle with the older digital codecs. So, before you spend money converting an old camcorder, be sure the rest of the workflow will function.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

If the video camera has a CCD sensor you might try IR by placing a IR passing filter, say 667 to 720 nm so you can see a faint image for aiming and focusing, over your lens.

Before I had a DSLR converted to full time IR I was able to do it with say a 750, 780, 800, 850, 900nm over the lens. But the viewfinder is black to the human eye so you have to pre-focus and use the IR mark on old school lenses before placing the filter. I got a few really nice images that way.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I DIY converted a Nikon-1-J1 to IR. This camera will take video... so I would have no need to work with an old tape video, your post question, nor would you considering many video-capable cameras can be DIY converted to IR.

Will my IR converted Nikon1 J1 take Video? Yes, "Nikon 1 J1 has some impressive movie recording capabilities, again, we have not seen anything like this on any of the Nikon cameras previously. Full 1080p HD mode (H.264 compression codec in MOV file format) can be recorded at 30 fps and 1080i at 60 fps, while smaller 720 HD movies can be recorded at 60 fps as well. "
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-1-j1/3

Thank you Tony for the prompt to try IR video with my converted Nikon 1 J1.

JBRIII

ghost stop sells video cameras which can see UV and IR, add filter and your set to go. There are instructions on the Web somewhere for UV conversion of video cameras, IR should be similar. They are now located in VA if you are near by.