Infrared photography

I will probably get a Hoya R72 filter next week, i know you need to compose the shot first then screw on the filter. Due to the long exposure, will I need a cable release?

Use a timer and a tripod

A lockable cable release will work just fine.

Mark

There is more to it on a digital than putting on a filter. I don't think your 30D will shoot IR. I searched all over to find out how to do it, but all my research led me to believe it wasn't possible with the 30D. As I understand it, you can test the cameras IR ability by taking a shot of the sensor end of a tv remote while pushing a button on the remote. If the sensor has the capapbility to capture IR, it will capture a red dot from the IR that the remote is sending. I would love to find out I am wrong, because I love shooting IR with my film camera.

thats not accurate - a 30D can certeinly take IR images - I've seen photos taken with it.
I\ll try and find some (I saw it in the EXIF).

Raymond Lin,
You don't need a cable release, like phylet said you can use timer with a tripod, however a cable release is convenient. Oh keep in mind you need to adjust your focus for IR light as a sharp focus subject without the filter will not be in focus with the filter. I have a quick web page with basics on how I do it here

daclozer,
I believe you can take IR photos with a 30D, I have been able to get good IR shots with my 10D and 5D. You are right in being able to try to see, go into a dark room (lights off) set a long exposure with high ISO and take a photo while aiming a TV remote at the lens and pressing a button. You should see a light coming from it.

While on the subject, was wondering if the XT can do it. I have seen some really great pics done in IR. Thanks for looking

I am certainly not an expert and really could find no info on IR with a 30D. Please if someone has the info let us know. I read that the camera had to be put into black and white mode, that it would not work in color also. I would love to be able to shoot IR with my 30D.

I have tried that. 30D with a Hoya R72 filter.

It sucked.

My shutter speeds were all at least 30seconds, and they didn't come out all that great. I'm on the hunt for a REAL IR converted cam.

I read an article somewhere about a guy who can convert a 10d into an IR camera, but it ruins the camera for anything else...

Webphantom wrote in post #2362975
While on the subject, was wondering if the XT can do it. I have seen some really great pics done in IR. Thanks for looking

http://www.deviantart.​com/deviation/32886770​/
http://www.deviantart.​com/deviation/35495500​/
http://www.deviantart.​com/deviation/20195440​/
http://www.deviantart.​com/deviation/20672132​/

And many more...

Most digital cameras have a filter in front of the sensor bolcking IR. One reason your shutter speeds are so long. To do IR well, you'd have to remove it.

Here is one shot with a 20D

http://www.deviantart.​com/deviation/42976795​/

That cmera was modified and had the ir filter removed, which makes it pretty much useless for anything else but IR photography. There is an article about it on shutterbug.com. There are some of the Minolta Dimage cameras that will do incredible IR out of the box. The Dimage 7 is the best one to use for IR, they go for around $200 used. Here is a gallery of IR pics taken with the Dimage 7

http://www.pbase.com/z​ylen/infrared

If your referring to the link I posted, the camera is not modified in any way. Just a 20D and Hoya R72.