Infragram convertible cameras
A page listing cameras which can be converted for near-infrared, and requests for photos/documentation of cameras to be converted.
Excellent
Cameras which are easy to convert and work well:
Canon
Canons usually convert easily and are a favorite:
- Canon A490 or A495 (see conversion on YouTube) (~$50, 10 megapixel)
- Canon A1200
- Canon A2200
- Canon A810: The IR block filter removal went smoothly and was successful even though I had never opened up a camera before. Its 16 megapixels is more than you really need.
Canon A800 It was really straight forward like the other cameras.
list cameras here
Generic brand mini-cameras
These typically have 720p or 1080p sensors and sometimes come with waterproof cases.
- several examples here have been very easy conversions!
Webcams
- Logitech C270
- SYBA CAM63014 (shows removal, but not filter placement, but that's an easy next step)
- Creative Notebook Live webcam
Sanm webcam module: Really easy except that the lens is tiny.
list cameras here
Acceptable
Cameras which can be converted although it may not be ideal (please state why!)
- Canon Powershot SX120 IS: This camera has full manual controls and a 360 mm (eqiv.) zoom lens. The goal was to take infrablue Gigapans. One ribbon cable must be unplugged, but it's pretty easy. Twenty-five screws must be accessed from the outside or back, as usual, but two deep internal screws must be accessed from the front, so the entire camera must be disassembled (31 screws total). The IR block filter is under a plate which is attached to the front of the sensor with two screws. While removing the filter, it touched the sensor. The reassembled camera worked fine, but there was a blotch where the sensor is damaged (see image). So I bought a new sensor ($13 ebay). It would be hard to install a film or polyester filter instead of the IR block filter -- it would not stay in place.
Guide to most of the screws to get to the IR block filter in a Canon SX120. Note damage to sensor (photo taken by reassembled camera).
- list cameras here
Requests
Cameras which have not yet been converted -- if you've done it, please move it up!
Videos
This video, listed above, shows the removal of a filter on a Canon A495, but then shows a film negative filter taped to the front. For Infragram conversions, we recommend you put the Infragram filter inside the camera -- exactly where the IR-block filter used to be.