Digital Infrared Cameras

Digital Infrared Cameras
by Amit Salkar

Earlier, it was expensive and very difficult to perform infrared photography with the results being extremely unpredictable and disappointing. However, today, digital photography has made it possible to capture infrared pictures anytime by integrating pictures with the normal pictures or manipulating regular digital photos using Photoshop or tweaking certain settings of your digital cameras. By using digital infrared photography techniques one can produce brilliant photographs through the emulsion of normal photos and modified regular digital photos.

Digital infrared cameras enable speedy access to detailed infrared images that can be immediately used for various purposes. These cameras also require a focus adjustment in order to record infrared radiation as a focused image. Digital infrared images produce prints that look similar to the conventional infrared film. For example, blue skies record images in black, while vegetation record images in white. With digital cameras becoming more reasonably priced, invisible light photography can be accessed by just anyone.

The key accessories required for digital infrared photography include a tripod and an infrared filter with the function of blocking visible light and allowing the invisible infrared light to pass through the camera's sensor. However, photographers use the most suitable filter to obtain the infrared image that they want to pull off. Infrared films are capable of recording up to the wavelength of light that the emulsion is sensitized for. In general, most of the infrared films make use of dyes to expand their sensitivity range beyond red and towards the nearest infrared spectrum. Most photographers also tend to use wide-angle lenses as these lenses can include more of the scene and elements to reflect infrared light and have a greater depth of field range than longer lenses.

Digital infrared cameras have several distinct advantages. It enables you to instantly view the image that you just recorded. Through digital infrared techniques, images can be easily manipulated, underexposed images can effortlessly be adjusted through Levels controls, and also the overall digital infrared image contrast can be increased in case the image appears to be too flat. Additionally, infrared film rolls are very affordable thus helping you to save on costs.