top of page

Cameras
 

Here are some cameras that I have used to shoot infrared photography

​

1. Fuji X100 + 720nm IR Filter - Handheld

It's quite rare, but some cameras are so sensitive to infrared (without conversion) that they can be used to shoot handheld IR with a simple 720nm filter added to the lens. The Fuji X100 is such a camera. On a sunny day it's possible to get results at 1/15th, f/2, iso 1600 which is usable in a pinch for hand-held shooting. I'm not sure about the later models, but if I manage to test them I will report back. This provides a little colour separation with the 720nm filter, although you're probably better off just desaturating it to pure B&W I feel, but here's what I got, so you can make up your own mind...

​

​

Fuji X100 (Non-Converted) + 720nm IR Filter

2.5s, f/5.6, iso 200

​

Due to the rangefinder style of the Fuji X100's viewfinder both the optical and electronic views work when the infrared filter is attached to the lens. The lens is good for infrared but not perfect, it will produce a hotspot in tricky, high contrast scenes with a flat dark centre.

​

Pros

  • No conversion needed (if you have an Fuji X100)

  • Focusing works accurately (because mirrorless)

  • Both viewfinders work with IR filter attached

​

Cons

  • Poor exposure & noise values (hand-held)

  • 720nm IR doesn't have much colour separation

  • Smaller apertures require long exposures

  • Slight hotspot (doesn't show up often)

​

2. Sony RX1 - Converted to Full Spectrum

This lovely little full frame camera has a stunning 35mm f/2 lens which is pretty great for infrared too. Although it requires conversion to shoot infrared of any kind I definitely recommend this procedure since the colours looked completely unchanged when using a Kolari Hot Mirror. It weighs less than 500g with a filter, has a metal filter thread so is easy to change filters. It's even easier with a magnetic filter system, it just didn't allow for the lens hood to fit over the top, which was a shame. 

​

​

Sony RX1 (Converted)

Hot Mirror & IR Chrom filters @ f/9, iso 100

​

I love the 35mm focal length for travel and general photography. Finding one of these lenses with auto focus that's good for infrared is extremely difficult, so having a high quality one in a compact camera with a full frame sensor is a mini miracle. Unfortunately this camera has an internal LED that fogs the frame on longer exposures, so anything longer than 10 seconds at iso100 or 1/15th at iso3200 will start to become an issue.

​

Pros

  • Small and Light

  • Full frame compact

  • Reasonably priced 

  • Sharp and fast 35mm lens

  • Great image quality

  • Metal filter Thread

​

Cons

  • EVF is extra and bulky

  • Battery life is poor

  • Menus are old and horrible

  • No good for long exposures after conversion

​

3. Sony A7 - Converted to Full Spectrum

This affordable full frame interchangeable lens mirrorless camera is a great option for full spectrum conversion. It weighs less than 500g without a lens. Although it has access to a lot native AF lenses now the only one of those I would truly recommend for high contrast B&W IR is the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8. For everything else either shoot IR Chrome, or stick with adapting cheap vintage lenses.

​

​

Sony A7 (Converted) + Zeiss 55mm

Various Filters @ f/11, iso 100

​

If you're looking for a lightweight and affordable full frame mirrorless camera for full spectrum conversion this is still a great option a decade later. It's lighter than the new compact A7C models, while having a better EVF and doesn't suffer from IR banding.

​

Pros

  • Afordable

  • Light weight

  • High IQ in Colour & IR

  • Built in EVF

  • 3 Custom WB settings for different Wavelengths

  • Cheaply adapting better IR lenses

​

Cons

  • Requires conversion

  • Poor battery life

  • No image stabilization

  • Will make you want lots of lenses and filters

​

bottom of page