Compact Digital Camera Conversion to Infrared - part 2 the infrared pass filter

[@thejacksons3019]

I realise this video is 10 years old now, but just converted an old TZ9 as per your videos and it works a treat. A few differences in internal design being a TZ9, but got there in the end. A good way of trying infrared photography without ‘breaking the bank’.

[@key2adventure]

Great thanks. I found the exact same camera in a trift store, and I am going to convert it. Useful video even so many years after.

[@jimphilpott902]

I followed you instructions and removed the IR filter from my old Lumix DMC-TZ3 and then added a receiver ring and IR pass filter on the lens. Love the results. Plan to get an IR illuminator to do a little night photography.

[@michaelbuckley8986]

These infrared shots are awesome.Beautiful soundtrack👍

[@oilpond]

Hi thanks for the vids. Is there no problems when the lens retracts and the covers want to shut?

[@TheGrumpypotter]

I was able to convert a Lumix DCM-ZS8 with the info from these videos. Mine had the internal filter attached with double sided tape to a thin plastic skirt around the sensor. It can be sliced through with a scalpel or razor blade and the filter removed. This may have put into my head the idea of using some very strong double sided tape to attach the 720n filter to the front of the lens assembly instead of using epoxy or glue. It works very well and I allows me to remove the filter at some point if I’d like to try another. I did get a sacrificial UV filter as suggested to mount first but it would have made a very noticeable circular vignette shadow around the frame.

[@psdaengr911]

I did this with newer P&S cameras whose lenses were smaller diameter and retracted into the body behind protective shutters. The adapter ring approach does't work well with these, it isn't easy to find IR blocking external filters that small or exposed film leader. I ended up using a cut thin film blue "plant" filter from publiclab org in place of the original IR filter (which was much harder to remove and replace than with the larger sensor camera in the example).

[@LuigiAsensio]

What size does the filter have to be where the IR filter is threaded, thanks for the help.

[@shaunmichael747]

Thanks Graham both parts of the conversion video were fantastic.Great advice presented in a calm and collective manner like all your videos.I think I will visit your web site for further info as well.Keep up the good work my friend.Regards Shaun

[@Femmpaws]

Thank you for taking the time to make these two videos they have helped me a lot and made things more understandable. I do like the idea of being able to switch the filters, that way you should be able to get a filter to block the IR and use the camera as a normal one when needed.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Hi Kriss, once the IR filter is removed from the sensor it becomes IR only and you lose the ability to shoot colour. There are now though some IR blocking filters available in 37mm which would restore the option to shoot full spectrum colour gain.

[@patpat5557]

@@GrahamHoughton12 have you tried using other filter like 550nm or 720nm?

[@billmerritt7199]

What an excellent video! Thank you very much. Wondering if you decided to modify the UV filter rings on your lathe before using the epoxy to the camera? Also would like to know what you would charge for the modification? I have an older Panasonic DMC-FH20 I am thinking of converting.

[@toussaintdominique4448]

Excellent video indeed. I'll try this with a tz10. Just wanted to know 3 things : 1) Are there any issues with the AF? 2) What are aproximately the exposure times for the images at the end of the video? 3) Due to my poor english I didn't understand how you removed the filter thread from the uv filter. Thanks a lot.

[@harryzero1566]

Thanks for showing this tutorial, I have this same camera and the filter ring to modify for the infrared pass filter. I feel confident I can emulate you, but I have one question and you half answered it right at the very end. To take infrared photos, at night, i will need an infrared illuminator won't I? It therefore follows that the scope of the illumination is dependent on the infrared out put, and with a back viewing screen, the illumination would need to be on constant to be able to compose a photo. I'm considering an L bracket (with an accessory shoe on top of the hand grip) attached to the camera's tripod socket, the infrared lamp could then be fixed on the hand grip. I suppose my field of focus and depth of field is then dependent on the infrared output and lens design of the infrared illuminator. Have you tried or know of any particular illuminators that are best suited to this project?

[@Ed1Ward]

Always wondered what would be seen at the other end of light spectrum, ie deep UV. only.

[@btno222]

There was another youtube-R who experimented with a iR-Security Camera, and he had taken out the iR-Filiment from the Camera Sensor and was able to get an X-Ray Camera that sees past Form-factors' of electronics! Have you tried pointing your Moded Camera at different boxes or electronics to see if it can see through a layer of plastic???

[@obroadieswimmer]

Thanks Graham. Liked & Subscribed. I'm going to convert my old Sony Cybershot for wide field astrophotograpy. It cost me $400 back in the day but it's been in a drawer for years since I got a dslr. It's next to worthless now but this should give it a new lease of life :)

[@dabble778]

Ollie Broadie I have a Sony Cybershot W630 that I am keen to convert to IR. Let me know how you get on with yours please? :-)

[@Old_Man_Jay]

Did you ever convert it to ir?? I have an old cybershot im considering doing this too. would like to know how'd it work for others...

[@Old_Man_Jay]

@@dabble778 Did you ever convert it to ir?? I have an old cybershot im considering doing this too. would like to know how'd it work for others...

[@obroadieswimmer]

@@Old_Man_Jay Hi. I couldn't do it with the Sony. I can't remember why. But I ended up buying an old Linux like this for about $10 from eBay and the conversion was easy. Some of my photos are on my Flickr account. I hope this helps.

[@kevinyouyube]

I've heard some clothes might appear transparent to infrared light. What is your experience about it?

[@jymz4941]

Hi Graham, looks like you're a Wiganner to me (or thereabouts) with the pics of the Chop house up Millgate, the parish church and Winter hill.

[@LeendertCordemans]

I think you have also to refocus point the camera, because the IR light has a different wave length relative to vissable light. Otherwise the you have onsharp images.

[@stevewooding]

Hi Graham. I've always linked infrared to night vision (focusing on heat rather than light). Have I got that wrong? None of your example photos seem to be taken at night so I'm wondering how the conversion would cope with night time photography without flash, taking photos of badgers in my garden for example. I think the example photos are pretty neat by the way.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Hi Stephen, there is often confusion between near infrared and far infrared. If you notice any of the wildlife programs which have IR shots they always have very large infrared illuminators - this could be tungsten halogen lights with a R72 filter which allows just the iR though to "light up" the scene with infrared. Of course the animals can't see it, only the IR sensitive camera. Heat sensitive cameras work at a different wavelength (far infrared) and don't need any illumination for them to work.

[@davefrancis2581]

Can I add a filter to the front of the lx5?

[@23-aa]

what wou.d be needed in addition to.a set such as these? ZOMEI 37mm IR Filter 680/720/760/850/950NM X-Ray Infrared Filter Set F/ Nikon Condition: NewNew PACKAGE INCLUDED A ring of some kind to mount them as swappable?

[@johnclarke1704]

Hi Graham. As usual, clear, concise and easy to follow. Thanks, ........ john

[@johnossi4234]

did you answer the question about if the modded camera properly and precisely focuses?

[@caladito]

I like very much your instructable. I ask: HDR photo plus IR pass filter? What do you think?

[@falkusfan]

Great video,I have just bought a Panasonic tz25 infared . I’m finding your videos easy to understand 👍

[@HelenaMikas]

some of these shots are spectacular....... I would have liked some taken in the dark great work as ever Graham

[@GrahamHoughton12]

It looks like footage taken by torch light and difficult to find something interesting enough to film in the dark. i love the daylight effects though.

[@HelenaMikas]

'rats' says she That's a pity However the day shows are superb One is very blusih even Tell you what would be great to test --- the sea -when smooth and when rough or te sea in dark

[@GrahamHoughton12]

HelenaMikas Sounds like an excuse to go to Blackpool to me! I'll see what I can sea!

[@HelenaMikas]

ha ha gotcha ... what a wonderful idea Graham :-)even at night when sun gone and darkish there is ordinary light so day and night shots would be amazing ........

[@kitesailor]

I converted two Panasonic cameras, a ZS7 and a ZS1. I am having troube with vignetting on the corners at the wide angle on ZS7 but it not on the ZS1. I cut down the rings that I epoxied to the lens barrels on both, it is nice and low profile. The IR 720 filter is a 'Green.L' . My thought is the vignetting must be coming from the metal filter ring. I am thinking that I may have to remove a couple of millimeters from it to solve the problem. Any thoughts?

[@geoffreyshea]

Great video! And this will presumably work for video mode as well? I've seen some IR videos online that seem to have some colour. Would this work with a partial IR blocking filter?

[@tilica5353]

Great work ,thank you for splendid fotos ,with great profesionalism.

[@lordisitmine1]

Creates stunning images, many thanks once again Graham.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

thank you, I like the dramatic effect it produces. In summer with more leaves on the trees it should be even better.

[@edwardsonlinemedia6209]

Just purchased a $5 camera to play with and do this conversion. Then if successful, I'll do a more expensive one. Thank you!

[@Estherdoherty1937]

Thanks Graham. Nicely explained.

[@macanalista]

Excellent photos and landscapes, thanks, was a interesting workshop talk and research

[@GrahamHoughton12]

thank you.

[@linedancer111]

Thanks for that, will have a go in the morning !

[@rlmichael1]

I am thinking about converting my Nikon coolpix s230 to permanent IR. Will this process work?

[@Alex-un5tl]

Hi Graham and everyone, thanks a lot for the tutorial, i did the same thing for my compact sony camera, but unfortunately i have a problem with autofocus now, the camera became farsighted. The landscape pictures now are a bit out of focus. How did you managed to fix that? Thank you for any help.

[@shoilishoili]

I I wont to make long range vision for the infrared filter what should I do and need yo make that please

[@cm1oltenia997]

Hi Graham! I wont make the pictures in the night( no blitz); mi cam is Fuji digital 16 mega pix. Help mi please!

[@matjohnson1179]

graham i wonder if you could make me one of this filters for the other filter to screw onto please get intouch thank you

[@visualadventures1998]

I've been intrested in converting a camera for a long time thanks for the video the lumix is my favorites compact camera. Did I miss something or how do you deal with the lens retracting back into the camera with the new filter ring on it does it not pose a problem In fitting and the front doors of the lens covers closing automatically

[@K47CB]

Very good job. Nice pictures. Can I do that on my TZ5 ? Thanks a lot.

[@MrStarwarp2000]

Thanks for the 2 great Videos, Graham. The Camera you used has DMC-TZ65 printed on it. I found one on Ebay UK for 6 pound (Still use that currency? (Not Euros)). Of the 2 links to Amazon for the filters: Which one did you cannibalise and glue on the camera? The first link or the second link?

[@danihrndzld]

Can you get false color with this method?

[@4naturelife]

Thanks alot for the 2 info videos, the infrared fotos look great. Just ordered a used TZ6 at a very good price, and look forward to try it.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

that should convert very nicely!

[@unlimitediq1894]

@@GrahamHoughton12 I converted my camera but my screen is black. It shows menus and stuff. Did I mess it up? Or do I need the IR Pass filter in order for this to work?

[@AirGunnerSA]

Hi Graham very nice video. i Have one question for you. If I want to use a digital compact camera at night with a infrared illuminator and I have removed the infrared filter inside of the camera, do i still need to use a infrared pass filter? Thanks Marno

[@GrahamHoughton12]

No you won't need to if the only light is from the IR illuminator. If there is any other ambient light which is visible light then this will also be seen hence the reason a IR pass filter is fitted to block any non IR light

[@GhostWritersParanormalPortal]

Graham, im curious if you have ever photographed anything in Infrared that seems to be paranormal in nature.. i have a knock off version of a GOPRO that i payed too much for that was modified for NV.. didnt know i could do it myself LOL lack of research.. but i dont have a good enough light source IR for outside.. for night time.. my camera is wide screen and the light source i do have puts a small circle of bright light in the center of screen.. drowning out anything im trying to capture, i can use it inside if i point the light source at the ceiling. but that does not work outside.. so, can u tell me a decently priced, or possible hack, homemade light source i could make that would work good with my camera? I am interested in the paranormal and have gotten some really cool things inside with it.. you seem to be very knowledgeable when it comes to cameras, i have something i would love you for you look at and let me know if it seems natural for night vision or if i captured something special.. it was an orb like light that went to the right, and then made a 90 degree turn toward the ground and then split into 2 or 3 lights.. at the same time i captured an evp recording of a female saying "the light is cindy" which validated it for me. i have had some others look at it that are familiar with NV and they said it didnt look like a camera artifact to them

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

Lovely video again Graham. I've got a little Fujifilm X-M1, I was going to flog on eBay, but now, I may have a better use for it. :-)

[@8snamor]

Hello Graham, First I want to thank you for the wonderful free book for the FZ200 :-) I only recently acquired the FZ200 and my only 'spare' camera is a Canon A630, so my question is; is it possible to do to the A630 what you have done to the Panasonic with the conversion to infrared?

[@GrahamHoughton12]

thanks for your comment. From the construction of the A630 I would say the camera will split in very much the same way. i do not know how the IR filter is positioned - either freely as in the Panasonic or attached somehow. It's a case of opening up to see. as its resale value is nominal it is worth a go.

[@ubuntugeek]

Can someone please help with settings for TZ7/ ZS3. I have converted the camera already and fitted filter. What white balance etc best to use. Thanks all

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Use AWB and shoot in the Mono mode for best effect.

[@PeterPete]

I can't understand this one graham - why are you installing an IR pass filter to the front of the lens when you've removed the IR blocking filter from inside the camera?? surely one only needs to do one or the other?

[@philkfoto]

Yes I have just wondered why this is but just seen the as to why in the text of part one. I have had a TZ18 for several years and it gets well used but did not want to change it to infrared. Now just bought a TZ8 and will try it out before buying a filter.

[@PeterPete]

@@philkfoto if one holds a blocking filter up to a remote control led 'light', the light goes out so the blocking filter does block IR 'light' yet some people just use an external visible light filter to only catch the IR yet the blocking filter is still inside the camera blocking IR, it really doesn't make any sense whatsoever, interesting how an IR blocking filter inside an old digi camera is red and green.

[@philkfoto]

@@PeterPete I have removed the blocking filter from the sensor and have added an infrared 720nm filter, it works a treat. If you leave the blocking filter in the camera and only use the infrared filter all you get is a red image. I tested out the remote control idea. With the camera intact it shows a dull red light, but now with the full set up it shows a very bright white light. So the camera now only sees infrared, nothing else.

[@PeterPete]

@@philkfoto tks for taking time to post - i still cannot understand why with the IR cut filter still installed in the camera and with the additional IR lens you get a red image? Surely the IR lens plus the cut filter installed should remove all red? Additionally, we can see the light on a remote through our panasonic but if we place a IR cut filter taken from another camera in front of the remote no light can be seen in the camera!

[@rensaudade]

Same question

[@QbrianT]

Is it worth trying a Hoya R72 on a FZ150 Graham? Great pictures as ever! Regards, Brian

[@toussaintdominique4448]

Excellent video. Works very well! Thanks.

[@okancelik1049]

Hello Graham, Do you think a 37mm to 30mm Step Down Ring can be glued to the cam using the flat side so that the 37mm IR filter can be mounted? In this case the 30mm diameter ring would be seen on the corners of the photo? Or can I just simply use a 37mm-37mm spacer ring?

[@HopesPhotos]

Okan Celik h

[@dadautube]

great job! very well explained ... any videos shot using this camera after conversion to IR?

[@GrahamHoughton12]

no I shoot only stills with it.

[@SharonHaber66]

Some images seem to have different color tones. Have you post processed any, or are these came strait from the camera?

[@GrahamHoughton12]

yes I experimented with different toning from blue to amber just to get an idea of what single and duo toning might do for the images.

[@gizto2t9]

Hi Graham, I have a TZ7 and wondered does the cameras lens still close properly when you turn off? Phil

[@GrahamHoughton12]

The lens still retracts leaving just the extra 4mm of filter remaining proud of the camera body.

[@brotherlouie7067]

With this camera, if you select B&W mode, do you still need to process your pictures in PS, other than adjusting contrast and sharpness and such? Thx

[@GrahamHoughton12]

No the B&W mode is my preferred mode anyway - you can immediately see the effects on the lcd screen. post processing - your right just add extra contrast and sharpness

[@feather.1111]

Eres un genio, gracias

[@snhunta]

thank you for sharing the knowledge

[@pinzgauernorcal]

is this the same setup for NDVI ?

[@QbrianT]

Hi Graham, Further to my request for information on the combination of a FZ150 and a Hoya R72 filter. I have read various reports on this and some say yes and some say no. As such I am reluctant to buy as yet and wonder if you have any advice on this. There must be quite a few FZ150 owners that would be interested. Apparently the FZ200 fitted with a Leica lens suffers from a centre hot spot. Regards, Brian

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Hi Brian. without removing the iR filter from the FZ150 (not an easy task to do!) the results will be poor and exposure times will be much longer. As the IR filter works by interference rejection of IR rather than absorption you will get these hot spots as the light is modified by the lens unequally across the focal plain. Without the added sensitivity to IR you will not see the vibrancy of the images nor will you be able to see anything on the LCD as the R72 will attenuated all the visible light leaving just the IR coming through and the IR blocking filter will further attenuate what IR component is left leaving little to display and will probably be unable to focus.

[@QbrianT]

Graham Houghton Hi Graham. Took your advice and now have a Lumix TZ6 converted as per your invaluable instructions. Camera and lens total cost £61. Many thanks, Brian

[@GrahamHoughton12]

QbrianT not bad for an infra red camera! just need some spring sunshine and new foliage to really show it off. Well done I take it you had no issues removing the IR filter?

[@QbrianT]

Graham Houghton I had a slight shock when I lifted the sensor, there was no rubber gasket and filter where it should have been. After a bit of head scratching I found it attached to the sensor. Have tried a few photos and I'm pleased with pictures with and without the IR filter. Have been searching for a 37mm IR blocker lens to see if it will convert the TZ6 back to a visible light camera and give me very versatile small camera.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

QbrianT A telescope IR blocking filter is available but it is only 30mm diameter so may vignette www.amazon.co.uk/Revelation-IR-Blocking-Filter-1-25/dp/B0039ZDYY2/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1391114777&sr=8-9&keywords=ir+filter i haven't seen any wider ones yet

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

Why color aren't there?? Removed it??

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Yes I shoot in the black and white mode. I prefer this look to the pink/magenta

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

Graham Houghton they actually look like something interesting. Thanks for your reply.

[@SharonHaber66]

Very cool pictures! I came across some video where he shows there are some still cameras who do capable of taking infra red shots, without conversion. It is called: "Color Infrared Photography Tutorial (IR)" by Photo Extremist. Put it in the search space.

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

You can take infrared pictures even if the blocking filter is still in place but you'll be looking at long exposures so a tripod will be needed. Use a 720Nm or 850Nm infrared filter on the front of the lens. One advantage of this method is lovely looking motion blur of clouds, water, foliage in the wind - quite magical. When you've finished just remove the filter and the camera will work as normal.

[@foil5]

THANK YOU!

[@gdb2db]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@chestermaharaj3646]

thanks for sharing,great!!

[@Iveraghboy]

How different the world would appear to us if we could only see it in the IR spectrum.

[@Impostertot]

Thanks Mr Houghton. I have the same camera and successfully converted it. I wonder if you would have time to revisit this topic and discuss the processing part of the resulting images. You skipped over this in your video above. There are some challenges which I face. The images recorded are in jpeg only and not raw format. Other videos that I have looked up discuss making a camera profile in LR but this necessitates using raw files to do so. I am having difficulty getting the right look of my IR images. Can you do a quick run through on how you achieved this for your images? Are camera profiles needed? Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for considering.

[@parthapratimroy1569]

Hello, sir you important videos should have caption in English