Services

Infrared Modification

Guide to digital infrared (IR) photography

Imaging by Design is Camera Clinic's sister company 1300 72 10 70

Located at 56A Easey Street Collingwood.

Infrared modifications

720 NM Images

Introduction

Conventional (visible light) photography is the formation of images with light at wavelengths from 380nm to 750nm.

Infrared (IR), or more correctly known as near infrared (NIR), photography is the formation of images with humanly-invisible light at wavelengths from 750nm and above. Most IR photography involves wavelengths up to 1200nm. IR photography is done with a very dark (opaque-looking) IR-passing filter which could be made of glass or plastic.

Generally, there are 2 broad methods to produce IR images with digital cameras. First, the attachment of an IR-pass filter over the lens. Second, the attachment of an IR-pass filter replacing the imager (CCD/CMOS sensor) pass filter.

Sample images

Full Spectrum modifications: Ultraviolet Modifications

Quick link to order form Quick link to pricing

Infrared filter over imager - IR conversion

Attachment of IR-pass filter over the imager (by removing the cameras visible light filter) requires skillful camera dismantling and precise focus calibration. These procedures can only be performed by a qualified camera technician. Very often, focus calibration requires the use of proprietary service software available only at authorised service centers.

With an IR filter over the imager, IR photography is

faster and easier to do. Exposures are short (not requiring a tripod). Since the IR filter is attached over the imager, there is no viewfinder black-out with DSLR cameras, hence the feel of a normal (unmodified) camera. The occurrence of hot spots is unlikely, making many more lenses IR-compatible with DSLR cameras.

Starting Infrared photography with a dedicated digital camera

1. Obtain a digital camera to be modified into a dedicated IR camera. Most people use their old or backup digital cameras that are still in good working condition, Digital SLR or Compact camera. You will only have auto focus to a certain point on a SLR camera usually 35 mm to 50 mm then you have to manually focus. If you convert a mirrorless camera you will have the full use of the auto focus system

2. Print and complete this form send it with your digital camera. A qualified camera technicians with specialised tools and proprietary diagnostic/calibration will dismantle the camera in a specialised clean booth, the ban pass filter is removed and replaced with the dedicated IR filter. The auto exposure meter is altered to correctly respond to the same wavelength. Once the camera is assembled the focus is calibrated to best suite the main lens used with the camera.

3. When you receive your IR-modified and calibrated digital camera, you may shoot IR images almost as easily as normal conventional photography. Try Auto White Balance (AWB) first, or for better control over the results, use custom white balance (CWB) by measuring on a patch of grass/leaves or at the blue sky. Set the camera to black and white and away you go.

Advantages of a dedicated (IR-modified) digital camera

Increased transmission of infrared light on to the imager results in faster exposures and lowered ISO.

Fast exposure allows handheld photography and freezing of moving subjects. Fast exposures are also less susceptible to electronic noise.

Lowered ISO images are less vulnerable to electronic noise, hence resulting in smoother and higher definition images.

With a DSLR camera, composition and focus is possible through the viewfinder. There is no black-out due to an IR filter attached over the lens.

With only an IR-pass filter fitted, visible light is eliminated in the captured images; hence optical interference from visible light is absent. This can result in sharper (properly focused IR light) and stronger contrast images.

IR-modified cameras can be, and should be, focus calibrated for the IR spectrum since IR does not focus on the same focal point as visible light. Even in the visible light spectrum, red and blue do not focus on the same focal point.

If the digital camera was modified properly with focus calibrated for IR, there is no need to manually compensate the focus. (Only the lenses within the calibrated range)

Colours & white balance

Using Auto White Balance (AWB), some digital cameras may produce IR images with a strong yellowish/reddish/brownish colour cast known as false colour. This is due to the characteristics of the imager and processing algorithms. Post-processing in Adobe Photoshop (or similar) is required to remove/reduce this false colour effect. False colour can be removed/reduced by shooting images with Custom White Balance.

Using Custom White Balance (CWB) measured on sun-illuminated grass/leaves (a ubiquitous available midtone), IR images tend to appear more monochromatic.

When using the Colour mode, random spots of colour (colour artifacts) may occur in images. If the camera has Black-and-White mode, using this mode will eliminate colour artifacts, and may strengthen the monochromatic appearance in IR images.

Generally, there are 4 possible combinations of photographic modes to shoot infrared images.

Colour mode with AWB
Colour mode with CWB
B&W mode with AWB (unavailable on some cameras)
B&W mode with CWB (unavailable on some cameras)

More false colours can happen with other white balance settings such as Tungsten or Fluorescent.

Post-processing of Infrared images

1. Open your IR images in Adobe Photoshop. Click Image > Adjustments > Auto Contrast if your images are underexposed due to the filter.

2. Click Image > Adjustments > Channel Mixer. Select Red Channel in Channel Mixer, slide your Red percentage to 0% and Blue to 100%. Now select Blue Channel in Channel Mixer, slide your Blue percentage to 0% and Red to 100%. The basic process is done.

3. You can still further tweak the colours to your desired effect.

4. To enhance whites/highlights:
Click Image > Adjustments > Selective Colour. Select Neutrals. Slide the Black to a negative percentage to enhance whites/highlights. Experiment with the Method - Relative or Absolute.

5. To obtain a cyan-tint:
Click Image > Adjustments > Selective Colour. Select Black. Slide the Yellow to a positive percentage.

6. To obtain a yellow-tint:
Click Image > Adjustments > Selective Colour. Select Black. Slide the Cyan to a positive percentage.

The key to awesome Infrared images

IR photography opens an alternative realm to photography. Interesting, and different colours, are an expected and common effect with IR photography. Like special effects optical filters, IR photography can be considered a novelty. To obtain good IR images, recall the basics of photography. Find an interesting subject and compose your images well.

Camera that maintain blue in a custom white balance mode. (Seen in image below)

Modification Pricing

Pricing effective 1st May 2020

Wavelength sensitivity depends on the camera, typically:

Camera with out any modification 400nm to 750nm

Camera with full spectrum modification 280nm to 1100nm

Camera with IR only modification 700nm and above.

Compacts	$295.00
Mirrorless unit	$395.00
Consumer SLR	$495.00
Full frame SLR and Full Frame Mirorless	$595.00

Most cameras can be converted. The price includes a filter of your choice, fitting, calibration and focal adjustment to a lens and focal specification you choose.

Our qualified technicians will dismantle your camera in a clean booth and replace the band pass filter to the spectral response of choice the Auto focus and Auto exposure system is adjusted to match this response. Your camera is cleaned reassembled and tested.

A focal calibration will be carried out on your lens to allow your camera to auto focus to a certain point. To focus past that point you will have to manually focus.

The camera will have the metering adjusted accordingly.

To have your camera modify and enjoy the new would of near IR; print and complete the form below send a copy with your digital camera to Camera Clinic

Please call 1300 72 10 70 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check possible conversions.

Print and complete this form (IR Form PDF IR Form Word ) send it with your digital camera

Available filters and Infrared film stock comparisons

Most common filter used in SLR conversions is the Wratten 87 this gives best performance for digital cameras.

Filter choise

Full Spectrum (Clear Filter) options

Full Spectrum (Clear Filter) options for those interested in the UV, Visible and IR spectrums. The prices for these filter options, including installation service, are the same as the pricing table above. We can also special order most filter variation that you may need. Some of our customers have ordered special filters covering narrow or wide areas of the spectrum for specialty photography, including Astrophotography, Solar photography, Fireworks photography and others. Also, we are constantly testing conversions on models that are not listed below. If you are interested in having a camera model converted that is not listed above please contact us as we may be able to accommodate your needs.

Light spectral range, most full spectrum converted D-SLR cameras are sensitive from 250nm to 1100nm

Ultraviolet Spectrum Modifications

Now available UV sensitive camera modifications using the Baader UV filter or the Schott UG11filter available for most DSLR cameras or compacts. pricing same as IR.

UV camera Nikon D70, 30th f5.6 Normal visible light camera

Illumination UV-B fluorescent

Wavelength comparison table

Firmware

What is firmware and how do I use it?

The firmware is a set of operating instructions your camera requires to perform any of its functions. It resides in the EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or CPU (Central Processing Unit) on the main circuit in your camera. Mobile phones, DVD players and many other electronic equipment use a firmware instruction set.

A firmware file is unique to each model type and can be updated by uploading a more recent version.

Why would I update the firmware?

Improvements, most camera manufacturers rewrite the firmware to eliminate faults or improve colour and communication to computers and memory cards, some will include new features or change the menu language. These updated versions are available from the Manufactures web-page.

Not all cameras have firmware updates available. Those that do require close attention to the accompanying instructions.

There are two methods used to upload firmware, one: connect the camera to a computer via a USB and run the executable firmware file Two: copy the firmware.bin file to a memory card, insert the card in camera and follow instructions.

You can visit the service and Manufactures Support and Support section on their web-site, you will also find more information on changes relating to you camera.

If you are still unsure call the nearest Manufactures Authorised Service Centre they can do it for you. Check in the camera menu for the firmware version (check the instruction manual each unit is different). You may find you already have the latest firmware.

Date and Time Reseting

The date and time always resets when I change batteries in my camera. This is so frustrating what can be done about it?

All digital cameras have a calendar clock in-built. This generates the time and date that is embedded in every image at capture. In order not to reset this clock power must be maintained at all times to the circuit.

When you remove main batteries a back up battery or capacitor takes over power supply to the clock. Backup power can last 3 minuets to 3 weeks depending on your model. If your backup battery or capacitor is faulty expect about 30 seconds before reset, this part is replaceable however it is internal and can only be done at a qualified service center.

Where convenient use the AC power adaptor when changing batteries this way it won’t reset.

As a general rule internal Batteries and capacitors drop there capacity to hold charge by 12% every 12 months

Design & Manufacturing

Camera Clinic's sister company 1300 72 10 70.

Designing and manufacturing cameras for client’s individual and specific photographic needs.

Examples of some of these units for a select and diverse range of industries.

Zoos	Night imagery used for Zoos & Wild Life Sanctuaries.
	Recording animals behavioural patterns targeting breeding programs

Medical Imagery	Ophthalmology units for eye testing
	Skin cancer and mole mapping – Ultraviolet photography
	Dental records/file keeping
	Cosmetic Surgery procedures (before/after)

Time Lapse	Theme Park cameras; capturing images on theme park rides
	King Pin bowling - Melbourne
	The Edge Sky Deck Eureka Tower– Melbourne
	Chill Bar – Melbourne
	King Kong – Sky Deck Melbourne
	Bungee Swing – Queensland
	Boomerang Park – Queensland
	Architectural time lapse; capturing images of building projects
	Botany – capturing rare species of flora in bloom

Aircraft	Producing custom made camera housings to accommodate photographic
	units to fit particular aircraft wings to assist with photographing bush fire zones.
	Electricity companies checking power lines and geographical surveys
	Aerial photography

3 Dimensional	Cameras designed to sync together; producing 3 dimensional images.
	These units are in high demand in the mining industry.
	Also used for mapping, engineering and surveying.
	Police department; crime scenes.
	3D camera rigs bracketed to a transportable apparatus; recording images
	of horse’s hooves, for farriers to purpose make horse shoes for the
	horse racing industry

Hi Speed Sync	Modifying cameras to capture hi speed imagery; popular in advertising
	eg: Capturing split second water droplets or a balloon popping.

Remote Release	Extension of a remote release.
	Modifications to remote release units.

Insurance quotes

If you require an insurance quote on your equipment, please inform the reception staff or if you send the equipment in please inform us in your letter.

We will email a detailed report for you to submit to your insurance company. Images of the damage can be emailed if required.

If your insurance company requires any further technical information or an inspection of the damaged equipment this can be arranged.

Quote - Inspection fees

Quote fee is $49.50 one piece of equipment

Combination special: Camera and lens (only) the quote fee will be split between the two units. Each unit will be $24.75. The quote fee comes off the cost of the repair.

Additional piece of equipment is $49.50.

We do not quote under $150.00 per item. If the repair cost is under $150.00 the repair will be carried out and the quote fee will come off the cost of the repair. Film units are the exception.

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