How to Convert a Camera to Infrared

Infrared photos show green foliage fluorescing bright white.

The sensor that records images on your digital camera is sensitive to infrared radiation. You can convert your camera to take infrared pictures with a simple filter. Infrared filters block out visible light so the infrared light can be recorded. You can take digital still as well as video images with a digital camera.

Things You'll Need

• Digital camera
• Infrared filter
• Two-sided tape
• Tripod

Instructions

1. 

   Remote controls use infrared signals.

   Check if your camera detects infrared with a TV remote. Turn your camera on, point it at the front end of a TV remote control and press any button on the remote. You will see the infrared signal from the remote as a white or pink flash on your camera's display screen.

2. 

   Infrared filters appear completely black.

   Get an infrared filter for your camera. Near-infrared filters block light less than about 720 nm (wavelength). More intense infrared filters block light below 800 to 850 nm. Measure the diameter of your lens and get an infrared filter the same outside diameter if possible. Infrared filters built for camcorders are about the right size for compact digital cameras (about 30 mm diameter).

3. 

   Blue skies look almost black in infrared photos.

   Attach the filter to the front of the lens housing. Use double-sided tape to attach the filter so it doesn't fall off if the lens retracts. Keep the tape from in front of the lens glass element. You can also use removable glue like contact cement, or the special removable putty used to stick up posters.

4. 

   Use photo processing software to add false colors.

   Test an exposure. On a bright sunny day, see if you get an image on the viewing screen with the filter on the lens. In color mode, the image will appear pink or purplish. Switch to black-and-white mode for a clearer picture if desired. Try taking a picture on automatic exposure. If this works, you can continue taking pictures using automatic exposure.

5. 

   Many infrared camcorders can be converted to infrared.

   Adjust the exposure. If the pictures are coming out too dark, set the exposure for backlighting or intentional overexposure if you have that option on your camera. This will force the camera to take a longer exposure and will lighten up your pictures. You can also adjust the sensitivity of some digital cameras by changing the ISO value. Higher ISO values like 800 or 1600 may give better exposures.

6. 

   If your filter is too small or placed too far in front of the lens, you will get vignetting.

   Use nighttime exposure. If your photos are still too dark, try using a nighttime exposure if your camera has that option. You will need to have the camera perfectly still because the camera will take an exposure for eight seconds or more. If this option does not give a light enough exposure, you should either try another camera or attempt removing the infrared-blocking filter that is installed internally over the CCD that collects the image.

Tips & Warnings

• A cheap alternative to an infrared filter is an over-exposed and developed frame of 35 mm photo film. This can be cut and taped in front of a compact digital camera lens.

• Most current digital cameras, particularly camcorders, have internal infrared-blocking filters because infrared light "sees through" some artificial fabrics and plastics. If you are getting a new camera and you want to experiment with infrared photography, test the camera with a TV remote to be sure it can take infrared pictures.

References

• dpfwiw: Infrared basics for digital photographers