Digital BW, The Print

--- In DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com, "yaakovsinclair" <sinclair@...> wrote:
>
> I'm considering getting my Canon adapted by Lifepixel to be infrared
> sensitive.
> They remove the factory filter in front of the sensor which stops IR
> getting through.
>   This allows the full spectrum of to be read by the sensor.
>   My question is -  could I do the filtering in photoshop afterwards to
> achieve the effect of an opaque IR filter or would I need to use an
> opaque IR filter in the field. (This would make shooting much easier as
> I wouldn't have to use a tripod and shoot 'blind')
> This is probably not the best forum to ask this question, but it's
> certainly a black and white question -- ( even if the answer may not be
> b and w...)
> BTW -- is there another forum that would suit this question better?
> Many thanks to all in advance
> Yaakov Asher Sinclair
> Visit my website <http://seasonsofthemoon.com>

Yaakov,

One more thought.  LifePixel also has an option to simply remove the IR blocking filter from your sensor without adding a separate IR pass filter.  This allows ALL wavelengths of light to reach the sensor, which is usually not desired.  But, this option allows you to use any of the IR filters on the market to vary your results.  This offers the maximum flexibility and control, but of course, requires you to purchase filters for your various lenses.  Check the cost of individual filters before going down this road.  Some are rather expensive.  

With this option and an external filter, your exposures will still be pretty fast and you won't generally need a tripod.  Super long exposures are usually due to having an IR blocking filter on you sensor AND an IR Pass filter on the lens, each blocking substantial portions of the visible and IR spectrum.

And don't assume IR capability you will be able to record heat.  The sensors in digital cameras only respond to the "near infrared" spectrum and are nowhere near the heat end of the spectrum.  That requires a special camera and sensor.  

Lou