newbie question

[redstone]

with IR filters, can normal digicams shoot IR?

And would it be different from IR capable cameras?

[Francis247]

Originally Posted by redstone with IR filters, can normal digicams shoot IR? And would it be different from IR capable cameras?

Hi there,

I am still learning more about IR Photography but just to share some thoughts here.

To answer your question,
you need to check if your camera is capable of doing IR first before buying the filter. Not every digicams can do IR if I am not wrong. If your camera is not able to do detect the IR wavelength, I guess that is pretty much the end of story.

IR capable cameras have sensors (CCD or CMOS) that are able to detect and capture those IR wavelength, so you buy the IR filter to filter off all the colour wavelength and only permits IR wavelength to enter to the sensor.

To check if your digi-cam is IR capable, first, you can check out this thread by Max 2.8 on the remote control test to see if you camera is capable of doing IR. If your camera is able to see the remote's bulb lighted (light pink/purplish), then your digicam is able to do IR shoot. If not, your camera is not capable of doing IR, so it is the end of story I believe.

If your camera is able to see the lighted remote's bulb, then you can consider buying an IR filter to venture out. A 52mm Hoya R72 is about $35 IIRC, but it also depends if your camera has those filter screw threads in front or you can do it by handheld the filter in front of the camera.

Check out this thread by Pablo on the list of camera capable of doing IR. Cheerz.

[ark19]

Originally Posted by redstone with IR filters, can normal digicams shoot IR? And would it be different from IR capable cameras?

Hi Redstone, by IR capable camera, are you referring to thermal IR cameras?
If so, it's different, IR photography here refers to the near-Infrared spectrum.

Also, the remote control test that Francis247 mentioned is not fool-proof.
It'll be best to test the digicam with an IR filter to see the effect.
That's why we encourage newcomers to join the IR outings so that they have a chance to try the IR filters first

[redstone]

My camera can detect IR of remote.

[Francis247]

Originally Posted by ark19 Hi Redstone, by IR capable camera, are you referring to thermal IR cameras? If so, it's different, IR photography here refers to the near-Infrared spectrum. Also, the remote control test that Francis247 mentioned is not fool-proof. It'll be best to test the digicam with an IR filter to see the effect. That's why we encourage newcomers to join the IR outings so that they have a chance to try the IR filters first

Hi ark,

Thanks for clarifying. The last time I try it on my prosumer Pentax Optio MX, I can see the Lighted Remote control light, so I got myself a 52mm R72 to start off with. Come to think of it, I do agree with you that the remote control test is not a fool-proof method, I believe it depends very much on the wavelength of the remote control and also the sensitivity of the sensor in the camera.

Just for discussion purpose, is there any other tests or methods that we can use to detect if the camera is capable of doing IR.

I think that inviting newcomers who are interested in IR to join the outing is a good idea as not only can they loan the filter to test out but also they can learn about IR photography.

[Francis247]

Originally Posted by redstone My camera can detect IR of remote.

Good to hear that.

Now you can buy an IR filter to test out. There are quite a few brands around I believe, the most commonly used is the Hoya R72 and also Cokin P007. Can anyone help to verify if I am right? Is there any other recommended brand?

[redstone]

I'll go ask the shop if I could try out an IR filter.

[photoexpress]

Originally Posted by redstone I'll go ask the shop if I could try out an IR filter.

Join our next IR outing and you can borrow from anyone of us and test out the IR filter on the day. If you like it, then buy one.

Cheers! Bobby