PW4GDF

My Christmas present was an Infra Red Filter that I am having a lot of fun experimenting with. However I am sure I have a lot to learn and would be happy to discuss this. I am using the filter on a Canon Power Shot SX 20is.
Thanks in advance.
Wendy
Cocoa, Florida

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

Wendy,

Check out this thread:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-3448-1.html

It covers the basics and there are a bunch of IR photos there as well.

Have fun,

Eric

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

I've used the Hoya R72 filter. Its one of the best, but now I've sent my Nikon D70 to Lifepixel.com for conversion to let me shoot IR without the filter. Focusing is too difficult with IR filters because IR light focuses at a different point than visual light.

I choose a conversion for a camera body excusively for IR photography. Check out Lifepixel.com for other conversion options. Florida has lots of great green vegetation shots.

fotogk Loc: Tuftonboro, NH

You will enjoy IF Camera conversion I have used lifepixel twice great company. Here is a shot I did

catskill guy

Ive taken taken IR photos with several cameras over the years, beginning with an old HP five megapixel model, then an Olympus E-300, and most recently an Olympus E-5. I've used several IR filters - a Tiffany, a Hoya, and, most recently, an Opteka, which is very inexpensive, purchased because I misplaced the Hoya filter, which I still prefer over the other two. Here is one picture taken quite a few years ago with the now-antique Hewlett Packard camera fitted with the Hoya. I like this the best, but I have a number of others that I think are good as well, which I will upload on request.

Taken near Bear Mountain, NY State

catskill guy

Whoops - I meant Tiffen filter, not Tiffany.

PW4GDF

Thanks to all that replied, there are some great links, that I will study.
My big issue right now is noise, I know I have to find a way to set my camera up better (Canon Power Shot SX20is.)All of the images have it to a degree. I have heard I need a really long exposure time, right now the longest I have is one second.
But anyway I am excited about this forum!
I did create a bio - but I don't know where it is or how to find it - I also need time to explore the Ugly Hedgehog better!
Wendy
Cocoa, Florida

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

Wendy,

In my IR thread I list some older, inexpensive cameras that are sensitive to IR light and you can shoot IR handheld with low noise. Check and see if your camera has built in noise reduction, it will double your capture time, but cut down on noise a lot.

When I first started IR I had to use a tripod and had multi-second exposures. Now I do it handheld, way more user friendly.

Post some images soon,

Eric

PW4GDF

Hi Eric, thanks for the reply. On studying how my camera works, things I have never really gone into in great depth - I have learned that on time exposure over 2 seconds it will automatically compensate for noise reduction. But now how to find out the exposure time on a subject that will not move or be blown in the breeze...................?
Wendy,
Cocoa,
Florida

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

Wendy,

Practice, practice, practice with your UZI and learn IR handheld, then try it with your other camera.

Be forewarned, IR is so easy with the UZI, you may never go back to your Canon for IR.

Eric

PW4GDF

Be forewarned, IR is so easy with the UZI, you may never go back to your Canon for IR.

Thanks Eric, I will have to dig out the UZI and fire him up again, hoping that after a few years of retirement this will work, but, just curious, why do you think this camera makes it easier. I do not have a steady hand or balance. But I am willing to try anything. I am just so happy to have a new challenge.
Regards,
Wendy.
Cocoa, Florida

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

Wendy,

The UZI is very sensitive to IR, it has a weak built in IR filter; most visible light cameras have a built in IR filter or 'hot mirror' that is so strong you have exposure time in seconds rather than fractions of a second. The IS (image stabilized) lens (rumored to have been licensed from Canon), makes unsteady hands and balance a moot point; unless you are so unsteady falls are a real probability.

Most of my IR has been shot with an UZI, still my go-to IR camera, just remove the R72 filter and you have a 10X optical stabilized lens that shoots great visible light photos too. One camera, two different visions.

Revisit your own UZI photos and I think you will like what you see. Yes, they are only 2MP, but with a 10X zoom you should find composition easier than cameras with lesser zoom.

Shoot a few frames in a different camera where you compose the image, then attach the filter, then capture an image with several different shutter speeds looking for the correct exposure, as opposed to taking one photo, checking the LCD and reshooting if necessary and then ask me again about the UZI handheld advantage.

A few more IR photos from my UZI because, A Picture is Worth...

Eric

EdAnderson Loc: Hanover, PA

If you have other images similar to the example you posted, I won't care if you call the filter a tympanic, just post the pics. The one I see here is spectacular! Thanks!

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

I have no images to post and have never shot IR, but I have a friend who shot IR for forensics application most often on a crime scene, but other uses he showed me were treasure hunting old building. By taking images inside buildings you can see where they made repairs or other alterations of floors or walls. That was impressive to me, but he was very skilled with the use and application...I am not. L3

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

I have an open post for IR images listed in the first reply to Wendy's initial post. Please go there and post all you got, I would love to see them.

Eric