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Infrared- G10 vs. G12
Dec 1, 2012
I shoot all kinds of photography, including Infrared.
Nothing beats a quality IR conversion done by a professional (Spencer's in Utah USA is one of the best), but IR can be achieved with a good filter and camera that has a weak, or weak "enough" IR pass filter in front of the sensor. Not all cameras have strong IR filters that come on the cameras stock from the manufacturer- they vary in intensity of IR light filtered out.
Using the slick Canon FA-DC58B converted with a Hoya 72 IR filter (720nm filter), I tested both cameras and the G10 clearly has a weaker weaker NR filter allowing more IR light to reach the sensor. Hand held shots at ISO 400 are possible at f/2.8 if you brace the camera against your forehead and use the OVF.
I really like using G series cameras for IR work because although I'd rather get one converted, the smaller sensors typically are able to achieve decent IR output over DSLRS because for whatever reason manufacturers of sensors allow more IR light to come through typically. The only way to know for sure is to test them and see.
One day I'll provide a list of the best cameras to use with an IR filter vs. a complete conversion.
For now, the G10 is the better camera for IR landscapes right out of the box. It allows almost a full stop more IR light through than the G12, meaning I can handhold at 1/2 second at ISO 400 for a properly exposed IR photograph. The G12 requires ISO 800 for the same shutter speed and aperture setting, and the IR light isn't nearly as strong in the images either.
The IR set up I mentioned above is nearly perfect since you can quickly release the filter adapter and take a normal color image if you wish. The filter stays on the adapter, and the adapter allows for full range of shooting with no vignetting due to its spring loaded internal tube.
Cheers!
Carl
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