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Infrared?[]

Would it be possible to take infrared pictures with (in my case) an S3 IS? I've only done very basic reading on this subject (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/infrared_photography) and it would appear that the camera has a physical IR filter to block IR (it would otherwise confuse the sensor, cause false colours, screw up the autofocus etc.) This is something I'd like to play with, though. Does anyone know if it's possible for a normal human being to modify a Canon to take IR? As I say, if it's a hardware filter then it involves opening the camera. All comments appreciated. ryan.elt@gmail.com

Any camera can be made IR compatible. Either by using IR filters alone and using very long shutter-speeds, or by using filters in conjunction with a camera in which its physical infrared filter has been removed by dismantling the camera. Something like CHDK would have zero control over either of these things. If you risk dismantling your camera to replace the IR filter with clear glass, be sure to document it in photos so that others may be able to do so one day. When using IR filters with an S3 IS be sure to use manual focus. Try to focus on something very bright in your field of view. You will find that manual focus for something at infinity in IR will be nearer to 20 inches or so. I don't remember exactly what it was on mine, been a while since I played with it, I just recall that I was astounded on how close I had to focus for something that far. Your best bet is to just get an older Sony F7xx, F8xx or newer Sony H9 camera for IR use. Using a wratten green + infrared filter sets your daylight infrared levels just perfect for working within these camera's "NightShot" limited shutter speed ranges. Personally I wouldn't risk destroying an S3, instead I would buy a used Sony F717 or F818 for a couple hundred dollars.
Haven't tried this myself, but found a few URLs with pointers on how to do it: http://geektechnique.org/projectlab/254/ http://www.hoagieshouse.com/IR/ http://www.metacafe.com/watch/385098/transform_your_webcam_into_an_infrared_cam/
I haven't tried it either (yet), but here is one is specific for the Powershot A530/A540: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=251630
It probably is more or less the same for all the 500's cameras. -- 82.215.30.65 19:05, 8 May 2008 (UTC)
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