Infrared video and photography

September 30, 2013

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Infrared photography the camera's sensor is sensitive to infrared light. Most camera's have an infrared blocker filter that filters out the infrared light so it only lets the visible light we see with our eyes through. The following are three ways to achieve infrared photography or real-time video work.

Infrared Effect

The fake infrared effect in photoshop. The cheapest option with the most limitations as it is not true infrared and only works well with bright blue skys on sunny days. It also lacks constency as settings would be different for each image. For a tutorial on this please click here

Infrared Filter

The affordable version with a few limitations. Most cameras often had infrared blockers, so an infrared filter and long exposures are needed to allow infrared light to get to the sensor. Hoya R72 is a good choice.

The limitations are:

Long exposures are necessary, leading to motion blur and noise. Any video capture is unattainable because of the need for long shutter exposures.
IR filter is too dark to to attain focus or view in live mode, so you need to focus, and set-up composition before you attach IR filter to lens.
Some lenses also have a "hot spot" in the centre which can ruin a shot. Info on what lenses are suitable for Infrared work are listed here.

Check out this in-depth tutorials:

Setting up and capturing with a IR Filter - https://photo.tutsplus.com/tutorials/shooting/an-in-depth-guide-to-infrared-photography-setup-and-capture
Processing - https://photo.tutsplus.com/tutorials/post-processing/an-in-depth-guide-to-infrared-photography-processing

Infrared Camera Conversion

The most expensive but has the least limitations. Most cameras have an infrared blocker over the sensor which needs to be removed and replaced with an IR filter that removes visible light. Many lenses which did display a "hotspot" (see above) cease to do so, and become perfectly usable for infrared photography.

The result is that you can use it like a normal camera, the sensor just captures the infrared wave length of light. You can also use infrared video mode.

There are a few limitations:

Metering works but is not always accurate because of the difference between visible and infrared reflection - https://www.jimchenphoto.com/digitalirfaq.html
Your camera will only capture infrared light.

Which filters to use?

Different filters have different effects. Check out the explanation of filter choices as well as the video here - https://www.lifepixel.com/infrared-filters-choices

Which Cameras to use?

Also there is the type of camera to consider. Check out this explanation of advantages and disadvantages of different types of cameras - https://www.lifepixel.com/camera-considerations

Do it yourself:

https://petapixel.com/2013/09/27/diy-turn-old-nikon-d80-permanent-ir-camera-four-easy-steps/
https://www.lifepixel.com/tutorials/infrared-diy-tutorials
The Sigma SD14, SD15 and SD1 has an IR/UV blocking filter that can be removed/installed without tools. The result is a very sensitive digital IR camera. You will need an IR filter to filter through the infrared light. The SD14 is the most affordable option, you can pick them up for £200/$300 second-hand on eBay. There is not live view mode or video mode on any of these, which is a problem as the IR filters will block the visible light so you need to focus and set-up composition before you attach the IR filter to the lens. Check out this tutorial on working with the these cameras with the IR filter taken out:
1. https://blog.sigmaphoto.com/2012/sigma-sd1-and-sd15-for-digital-infrared-photography-by-jack-howard/
2. https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/forums/thread1892.htm