IR Filter and IR Camera Light Question

[DCSmith1989]

hello, new guy here.

I'm actually into video production, but i know that photography is more involved with the subject im talking about.

I have a Sony DCR SX85 Camcorder. Like most of the newer Sony Cameras, there is no longer a NightShot mode

So I'm looking into IR illumination for filming in low light/complete darkness.

Although my camera doesnt have a NightShot Mode, its still IR Sensitive. So Im thinking I could use a IR Filter along with a IR camera light to allow me to film in low light/complete darkness. Does anyone know if this will work? I have a feeling it MIGHT but I'm not entirely sure.

 

[ann]

If I am understanding what you want to do, it would be like moving around in the dark using night googles, what your suggesting with the filter is not going to provide that type of image.

The IR filter used in normal IR work blocks out all but IR spectrum. The result unless you have a camera that has been converted will not be visiable (at least not for normal viewing until converted with software.

 

[DCSmith1989]

No lol that's not what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to find out if I can use an IR filter and a IR light to illuminate in low-light/complete darkness.

Think of it as me using a regular camera light to light up a dark room, that's what I'm looking to achieve, but with an IR filter and light if possible.

 

[DCSmith1989]

IR Pass filter I should say.

 

[usayit]

IR pass filter simply filters out visible light spectrum... nothing more. Its still up to the camera itself to process the information received. If it doesn't properly handle IR spectrum or if there is a IR cut filter sitting on its sensor, it just won't happen

 

[DCSmith1989]

been doing some research for the past couple of hours. it seems as if it is possible based on what im reading from a company that makes IR lenses apparently:

"[FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]The X-Nite (IR) filters are great for viewing under complete darkness if you have an infrared illuminator. Blocking visible light enables you to achieve correct focus since infrared light and visible light have different focusing characteristics." - [/FONT]http://www.maxmax.com/axnitefilters.htm

guess i'll just have to give it a try and see what happens. It'll help if someone can try this for me before i go off and buy stuff lol.

All i need to know is if you put a IR Pass Filter on a IR Sensitive Camera and use a IR Light, will it allow you to see in complete darkness. im kinda surprised I havent heard or seen anyone try this yet while looking on Google and YouTube, or its been attempted but failed.

 

[ann]

maxmax is a good company and in fact my converted camera for IR is from them. If they say it would work then I would tend to believe them.

Otherwise, never heard of doing this, but good luck.

 

[DCSmith1989]

Thanks Ann. I'll keep everyone posted I guess

 

[Garbz]

Ok just a note:

If the camera is already IR sensitive then you do NOT need a filter. A simple IR illuminator will do the job. The filters normally block visible light to allow IR shots during the day. That is kind of pointless if there's no visible light.

If the camrea ISN'T sensitive enough to work with the IR illuminator in the dark by itself (likely) then no filter can help you. Quite the opposite, in fact as there's a filter on the sensor which needs to be removed.

One way or the other it doesn't sound like you want a filter, just an IR illuminator, and if that doesn't work someone to convert your camera to increase its IR sensitivity.

 

[DCSmith1989]

Although a camera may be IR sensitive, it doesn't meant it can use IR as a light source on it's own. I've seen people buy IR illuminators and the camera can see that the IR illuminator is turned on when you point it directly at the camera, but it won't be able to see the the IR light rays being cast on the subject.

I think I'll shoot an email out to maxmax and see what they have to say about this

 

[usayit]

but it won't be able to see the the IR light rays being cast on the subject.

Doesn't this depend on the subject itself? and the sensitivity of the camera? For example, plants reflect IR much more than a solid brick wall.

Night vision googles for example not only use the Near IR range but they also magnify the intensity.


Anyway to hook up a night vision scope to the camera?

 

[DCSmith1989]

Lol if I had the money to use night vision i would.

In other news, talked to the president of maxmax. He says my idea would work, but in need to remove the internal IR blocker on the camera. Said they can do it for me for about 750 bucks! Holy crap lol.

Too much time and money would go onto kidding the cam. So I'll be better off buying a nvg kit for my camera instead

 

[Garbz]

How good are you at disassembling electronics? Because it's really quite easy to do with steady hands and a small screwdriver.

 

[DCSmith1989]

I'm decent but Ive never taken apart a cam

 

[Garbz]

If you don't have too high a value for your camera then give it a go. You need to get the coating off the filter on the sensor and you can do that with a fine cutting compound. If you want to know roughly what you're in for this is my disassembly of a point and shoot: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/beyond-basics/225746-how-ir-modify-old-camera.html