Canon EOS 5D Infrared (IR) conversion service

Manufacturer: Canon

Price: $450.00

Canon EOS 5D Infrared (IR) conversion service

Note: the sample image above was taken with a Digital Rebel, not an EOS 5D.

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Digital photography has transformed the industry. Instant feedback, editing on the fly, the benefits are bountiful. One of the lesser-known benefits of digital photography is the near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity inherent in CCD and CMOS digital sensors. In fact, these sensors can record light well outside the visible spectrum - but since this fact interferes with normal, 'natural color' photography, digital cameras are manufactured with a filter installed to block the infrared (IR) light from reaching the sensor. This is variously referred to as a hot mirror or low-pass filter.
Now if you want to record infrared images, you'd need some way to remove that 'low-pass' filter, and ideally replace it with one that does the opposite - blocks visible light, and allows the striking infrared to pass unhindered to the sensor. This service does exactly that to your Canon EOS 5D, transforming it into a Digital Infrared powerhouse.
Those familiar with the Infrared R-72 filters of the past, as used with infrared film, will remember that they are nearly opaque to our eyes, making composition very difficult. But when it is mounted directly onto the CMOS sensor, behind the reflex mirror, it filters the final image, but not the image you see in the viewfinder, so composition is completely natural! And there is no need to buy these costly filters to fit each of your lenses - since it's installed in the camera body, you don't need a single one!
For those interested in the numbers: most human eyes can see wavelengths from about 380nm~750nm or so, and that's the range that the camera records normally. After conversion, the camera will record from about 720nm~1100nm or so. The low end of that range is determined by the filter we install - the standard is Schott RG715 glass, equivalent to Hoya R72 or Wratten 89. The upper end is limited by the CMOS sensor, which is made of silicon, and silicon is transparent to wavelengths longer than 1100nm. Please note that this service allows you to record reflected IR, but thermal imaging records emitted IR, which is much longer wavelength (closer to 30,000~80,000nm), so this camera is not suitable for thermal imaging purposes. We can also use other filters - a more extreme effect is created with R87, starting around 870nm, or we can use optical-grade clear glass, allowing you to capture everything from about 340nm to 1100nm - this is popular with astronomical photographers, as it allows a variety of different filters to be used in the telescope system for greater versatility. For specialized filters, please contact us before purchasing service.
Photography in the IR range has a broad range of applications - many wedding and portrait professionals utilize the unique skin tones and foliage effects to add value to their repertoire. Landscape photographers take advantage of transformed landscapes, and astronomers can capture images impossible to record with off-the-shelf EOS 5D (or any other Digital SLR!)
Our special price includes all parts and labor to make this transformation. Please note that this conversion will make your EOS 5D a full-time infrared camera.
Typical shutter speeds are similar to an unaltered camera, and can be hand-held quite easily.
If you've already bought another camera, and don't like the idea of selling your EOS 5D for a fraction of what you paid for it, consider converting it to Infrared - you can still use all your existing lenses and accessories.

AF performance varies from lens to lens, because each lens focuses IR light differently. Most people find that any focus discrepancies are solved either by stopping down, or by sharpening in Photoshop.

The same service is also available for a variety of other models - please contact us for availability and pricing information.

Please note that this service will void any remaining Canon warranty.

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