x10 - infrared?

hi,

anyone know if x10 is capable of infrared photography? whether with the appropriate IR or red filter (and some post)?
just wondering....

stephen
--
Stephen Liu Photography
http://stephenliuphoto.blogspot.com

I cannot answer for the X10 specifically, BUT I have used IR filters on DSLRs. The filter is pretty much opaque. Exposure took on average 30 seconds in daylight with my filter. There was no metering, AF etc. Had to compose on a tripod and then put the filter on. It was trial and error from there. It made for very interesting results shooting water.

I am going to guess you in theory could do IR with this camera, but it wouldn't be ideal. I have not received my X10 yet, it's in transit from Amazon as I type this.

On a side note: I converted my old retired Nikon D70 to infrared and it is GREAT. Autofocus and even metering work. Exposure is very similar to using it before the conversion. In all practicality it acts just like a normal camera, but only captures IR. Sorry, I know this isnt a practical investment for some, but it is an idea. They can be had cheap, and the cheap lenses actually work better than my pro glass for IR work.

I'll be interested to see if anyone has tried IR with the X10 also.
Cheers!
-Brandon

I haven't tried it on my x10, I think you might get a pleasant surprise with infrared on the x10 Brandon.

max metz said:

I haven't tried it on my x10, I think you might get a pleasant surprise with infrared on the x10 Brandon.

Click to expand...

which filter(s) do you use?

or can photoshop extract infrared info without a filter?

bwana, I haven't used an infra red filter on the x10, having had the camera less than a week and I don't think you could Photoshop the effect. If the camera optics are good enough, which they certianly are on the x10, then I always buy heliopan or b+w filters which can often be bought cheaply new on eBay.

I have a heliopan 52mm linear polarizer which I will try and a b+w 52mm UV filter because of the high summer ultra violet light here in Australia. The only other filter I may try in the future is a Canon 52mm macro doublet which is very good.

Best search the Panasonic forums to see what ir filter type photographers use on the lx5 as the lens is of a similar quality. Then find that equivilent in either a b+w or a helopan 52mm. Kindest regards.

bwana said:

max metz said:

I haven't tried it on my x10, I think you might get a pleasant surprise with infrared on the x10 Brandon.

Click to expand...

which filter(s) do you use?

or can photoshop extract infrared info without a filter?

Click to expand...

Hi, I no longer use a filter for IR since I had my D70 converted. The results are a lot better than they were with the filter. I did use a hoya R72 long ago. That made exposure times long.

You can't simulate IR with any editing software. You might come close to what seems to look like it, but it isnt a real IR image. You have to photograph the infrared light.

Excellent link. The X10 does a fine job with the tones in that test shot with the IR filter.

I am the one who tested X10 IR ability with Hoya R72 filter. It works fine when the weather is good. You can starting trying with ISO100-400 with DR100-400. Remember to do a custom white balance on something green before taking IR.

Thank you SLLO, excellent test, observations and tips – this is the stuff that makes a forum community invaluable. Your generosity in sharing is greatly appreciated - kindest regards mate.

You are welcome. Would definitely share more tips on IR photo shooting if I have anything in mind later.

It works wonderfully if you take half an hour to take it apart and remove the ir blocking filter. Afterwards you can A. use a precut filter for the sensor or B. use external filters.

720nm and up filters work out of the box. 550 -> 720 dont as they leave visible light trough and mess up the colors too bad