Infra red. Filter vs. modded camera

[thirdkid]

Just wondering if there are any differences with an infra red filter that fits over the lens to a modified slr camera.

Are there any visual differences. Because it would kill me to ruin an slr camera when u can buy a filter for less than $100-200

[Cory Varcoe]

Well i have both and i love my 10D-IR, thinking of getting my 40D converted :p But in saying that both have their pros and cons

Filter Pros :
You dont have to sacrifice a camera
Adapters for any lens
VERY Long exposure times (this only aplies to canon cameras as they have a better built in IR filters than nikon, not sure about anyother brands sorry)

Filter cons :
Filter is impossible to see through so you have to apply the same techniques for long exposure photography with regards to composition & exposure.
VERY Long exposure times (see above)
Only works on certain lens without flare etc
I got very bad fringing when using on a wide angle lens.

Converted Camera Pros :

You can use it like a normal camera. No need to use a tripod. More versitile for portraits by that i mean its acturally usable lol.
You can add ND filter to slow the shutter (reduce effect eg my 10stop filter becomes a 2 or 3 roughly)
Full control of apeture, you can still hand hold at f22
You can use any lens you want
You can make up cool abbreviated names for it like 10D-IR or IR10D :cool:

Converted Camera Cons :
$$

um

$$

but seriously i can't really fault my 10D-IR

So i guess i'm that as a canon user having full control over every setting like a normal camera is a huge bonus and opens up a lot more shooting options wildlife for instance.

If i can get my 40D converted i'll sell my 10D... ;)

[talan]

Semi on topic, but can someone explain to me what the beauty of infra red photography is?

[cortisolman]

The tree's leaves are white. Maybe it's like snow? I like IR.

[Cory Varcoe]

Here is a few examples of mine (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34999025@N05/sets/72157623917434039/)
I haven't uploaded many to flickr sorry.

Basically with IR photography you are seeing a different spectrim of light which is why IR has such a different look to visible light photograhy. As Cortisolman pointed out, trees, grass etc become white and the sky is very dark. Peoples eyes, unless over exposed, become black pools. It's great for contrasty skies. Generanly man made objects dont differ too much, i say that very loosely lol

[StanW]

You'll have to see some work before you can decide what you think of it. Try your local library, or search on the Net. I've used film for scenic work and portraits, and I like the effect.

[fokker]

Semi on topic, but can someone explain to me what the beauty of infra red photography is?

It can see through clothes :cool:

[talan]

It can see through clothes :cool:
I'm sold!

[StanW]

Fokker, if you're serious, that's another urban myth. The same tale was told about early electronic flashes and nylon blouses.

[fokker]

Well can't say I've tried it myself but there seems to be a lot of information out there that claims it to be legit. I'd post a picture to illustrate my point, but the only ones I can seem to find are of boobies :envy: funny that.

[thirdkid]

Cory Varco. Thanks for the info. Im really keen on doing an IR conversion but right now only have one dslr. If you are selling your 10d i may be keen for it instead of buying a filter or doing the conversion myself (if it can be diy'd). And im liking that cool name 10d-IR haha

Really liking the IR effect. Treid it on PS but not really the same effect tho.

[Cory Varcoe]

No worries! PM me if you are interested.

Haha fokker i can assure you it is a myth, otherwise i wouldn't be sitting behind my computer at the moment ;) hahaha

[StanW]

I'd suspect that those pictures owe their success to translucent fabric.