Infrared Cameras

[Clint Lealos]

Hey, I've got an interesting problem that needs solving. I need IR cameras that can be rigged inside of a totally dark mine to track the progress of a miner as he moves through the different areas underground. It would be even better if I could run a live feed to a video village via SDI cable. I need at least 6 cameras, so I probably need to rent, or find something that is good enough quality, yet still affordable. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

 

[John Marchant]

Most CMOS sensor cameras can be converted to IR. I make IR olpfs for the Reds as its easy to just swap in... other pro cameras its usually a permanent mod.

At the low quality end however IR shooting is possible with a number of handycam style camcorders - anything with a 'nightshot' mode most likely uses IR emitters and a selectable internal filter. Many security/webcam cameras also auto-switch to IR in low light.

 

[Jim Michael]

The new Panasonic EVA1 lets you remove the IR from the light path.

 

[Brandon J.F.]

I've shot in a totally dark room before with a KipperTie OLPF on a Scarlet Dragon and custom made IR LEDs running off batteries. I think I still have a few rolls left. It's a really cool look. SDI output is no problem.

 

[Tom Wills]

On a big network show I worked on, we used a ton of these for nightvision-style shooting: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._1003c002_xa35_professional_hd_camcorder.html (though I think we may have been using an older model, but the same series)

AbelCine had them for us to rent, though for 6, you might need to get them to order some in. But still could be workable. Shot to SD cards, and had HDSDI output. Image quality wasn't bad either - certainly doesn't look like RED or Alexa footage, but for a "handycam", they look decent.