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Infrared underwater photography

Started May 1, 2020 | Questions
faunagraphy
faunagraphy Senior Member • Posts: 1,618
Infrared underwater photography

Hi,

I'm planning to convert one of my Micro Four Thirds cameras into a dedicated infrared camera. I will be shooting monochromes. I was wondering how effective UW IR photography is, but haven't been able to find much information on this.

  • Can water look black in underwater photos, esp. with an 850 nm filter? The IR photos I saw looked like regular B&W photos, but I do not know what kind of IR cut filter they used. I'm trying to go for a stark black and white look.
  • Is there sufficient natural light underwater (i.e. equivalent to visible light)?
  • Given that the photos will be B&W, what would be the best wavelength(s) for this? I like 850nm, but would it be advisable to go for a lower wavelength (i.e. allow some visible light) and then convert that to monochrome?

Samples of IR photography would be greatly appreciated! Based on whether underwater IR photography is feasible, I'll be deciding which camera to modify.

Thank you!

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Interceptor121 Veteran Member • Posts: 8,691
Re: Infrared underwater photography

infrared is totally absorbed underwater so there won't be difference having or not a filter

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NedStudio
NedStudio Forum Member • Posts: 82
Re: Infrared underwater photography

infrared is absorbed underwater.

If you have converted your camera to block visible light and only let infrared be detected, you probably won't be able to use it underwater without specialized strobes.

if you have simply eliminated the IR filter, but did not add an IR dedicated filter on the sensor, then you could still use it underwater just like before, without an impact.

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