Infrared conversion

[abp_19]

I've just recently read about converting cameras to infrared on these threads. Which Canon DSLR is best for conversion - XT, 10D, 20D? If I find a camera that has already been converted, what "nm" should I look for? I'm basically looking at it for landscape shots - I'm a novice, but I love to take good quality pictures. Would a P&S be better?

[Hangbot]

go to http://lifepixel.com/

I am think about doing it to my 300D, so I'm sure they do it to XT, 10D,...

[jblaschke]

None of those cameras make a "better" conversion than the other. Once converted, it functions just like a normal camera, only the images are IR. The higher quality the camera to begin with, the higher quality of images you'll end up with (user skill level applicable, of course). So a 40D would produce potentially higher quality images than a 30D, and a 30D moreso than a 20D. Do you have any IR experience using a filter? You might test the waters with that first before jumping into the considerable expense of an extra body plus the conversion costs.

720nm is the general cut off for basic near-IR filters. The Hoya R72 is sort of the default standard, but there are deeper IR filters in the 900 range that are popular at the high end of IR shooting as well.

[Mark_Cohran]

I had my 20D converted not too long ago. It was a choice between the 20D and the 10D, and I choice the 20D because of it's inherent advantages over the 10D (faster startup, better focusing, higher resolution). I'm using the 10D for my "at risk" camera.

As noted above, Lifepixel will convert most DSLRs, but they also convert P&S cameras. I really enjoy using my converted camera.

[Mark_Cohran]

Oh, and welcome to POTN by the way. It's a great place to learn.

[CyberDyneSystems]

If the cost is not prohibitive, the 20D has many advantages over the 10D. As Mark says, it makes for a better shooting experience.
One more thing I'd add, is IR can be noisy, and the 20D is better at dealing with noise than the 10D.

I use a converted D60 whcih is slow slow slooooooooooow. (and noisy)
So shooting IR for me is a very different experience compared to a 20D or 1D.

[jblaschke]

Oh, and FYI, once you've got your camera converted (or pick up a filter) you need to pay extra attention to the lenses you use for IR shooting. Quite a few will give you hot spots because of the way they focus the IR wavelengths. Here's a list of suitable and non-suitable lenses for the EOS mount:

http://heim.ifi.uio.no/~gisle/photo/ir.html#lenses (http://heim.ifi.uio.no/%7Egisle/photo/ir.html#lenses)

[JCheungPhoto]

glad to see a 17-40 will be fine, but how about the 135L?

[CyberDyneSystems]

POTN's own EF LEns FAQ;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3190759#post3190759

135mm f/2 is fine.

[abp_19]

Thanks for the help so far! I did find out that all of my lenses are on the "hot spot" list, so that would definitely be an added expense as well. I was reading a few other threads discussing the difficulty with the IR filter. Any suggestions there?

[scorpio_e]

Why not do it though software?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2048/2758058935_0e6390518a_o.jpg

[GetOnMyLevel]

IR gives me somewhat creepy vibes for some reason haha.
Like I was watching van helsing or something.

[Mark_Cohran]

Why not do it though software?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2048/2758058935_0e6390518a_o.jpg

It's not the same. IR can actually produce more detail in an image due to the lack of scattering - and your effect above, isn't the same as what I would get out of the IR converted camera.

[scorpio_e]

It's not the same. IR can actually produce more detail in an image due to the lack of scattering - and your effect above, isn't the same as what I would get out of the IR converted camera.

Agreed. I would guess you really have to be into IR.
Small veins can be seen. Eyes look spooky.You need a special filter.exposure times are longer than normal.Images may have strange color and tonal balance out of the camera,



Software get you pretty close though;)

[PlayersZ28]

Many cameras will produce good IR images. Depends on what you want to spend. You can go from a G3 for ~250$ to a 5D for ~2000$. You may want to try a P&S first and if you like it then sell it and convert a higher end camera. If you are paying someone to do the work on a DSLR then the cost of the conversion will be a big factor and unless it's a 40D or 5D it'll likely cost more than you paid for the camera.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Why not do it though software?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2048/2758058935_0e6390518a_o.jpg

Nice shot, but the answer is because a software conversion doesn't look REMOTELY like real infraRed digital.
Yours is actually a perfect example of an image that bears no resemblance to IR photography.
With IR, the sky holds little to no IR "heat" with the exception of clouds. Because of the lack of IR heat, a blank sky will never "blow out" with IR, it is in fact always dark.

In addition, if one uses a "Converted Camera" like the ones the OP is asking about, you don't have to deal with funky filter, or super long exposure times. You get to shoot WYSWIG just like a normal DSRL, exposure times are only very slightly longer than normal (like 1-2 stops depending on your camera)
And the "strange" colors and tonal balance is what we are looking for in the first place. If we wanted normal color we wouldn't be shooting IR.

Seriously, it's not remotely close via software.

[scorpio_e]

This is a tough crowd;) but VERY knowledgeable...

[CyberDyneSystems]

:lol:

I'm not tough, I'm just drawn that way..

If your interested, here's some IR shots taken with a converted D60,.. the vast majority were hand held, ISO 200-400, at very "normal" shutter speeds.

http://cyberdynesystemsimaging.fotopic.net/c593654.html

You really can't this look, either the color or the B&W with software.

[scorpio_e]

VERY IMPRESSIVE Cyberdyne.

I can see why people are passionate about IR. Very well done

Thanks for sharing

[Innocence]

CyberDyne, they're so beautiful.

I always thought photography is art but this is more art like. It's so surreal, it's brilliant. I will most definitely consider this!!