Digitalsilverimaging

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Photoshop Infrared compared to Digital Camera Infrared

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We asked Mark Soares, Professional Services Representative from Precision Camera, to help explain the difference between Infrared (IR) photography done in Photoshop as compared to converting a digital camera to do infrared capture.

Here is how he explained it to us:

“There are a few differences between the real thing and a Photoshop filter applied in post processing. When you use an in-camera high pass filter you are only allowing the camera to expose for the infrared wavelengths, which means your image will be free of most visible light. This may not seem like a big deal to some people but the fact is, when shooting a true IR picture you want to have an image that is as true to that wavelength as possible. Just like the manufacturer’s applied a lowpass filter to block IR light from affecting the image, you should block out everything else when shooting an IR picture.

When using a camera that is converted to expose for the full spectrum, your camera will expose for all the wavelengths. This causes the image to be soft by nature because the IR focal plane is behind the visible light plane, and the UV plane in turn is in front of the visible light plane – when you sandwich all those wavelengths into one flat image, because they have different focal planes the image will be softer.

The other issue with using a full spectrum camera and performing adjustments in postprocessing is that Photoshop will usually perform an adjustment where one of the channels (green usually) is copied, then blurred on purpose (to create the softness which is natural in IR photo) and overlayed on top of the image. The file is then converted to B&W; and the contrast punched up. There is some deterioration of the image there since you are manipulating it to the point of losing detail in the highlights. The end result will not look like a 100% true IR image because the postprocessing is dependent on the amount of green in the image, whereas the IR image will factor in the actual IR light from the subject being photographed.

The best analogy I can come up with is comparing it to music.
An image captured with a full spectrum camera is like listening to the whole song (guitar, bass, drums, vocals). If you wanted to remove all the instruments and just listen to the vocals, it would be very difficult because all the information is intertwined and embedded with each other. Basically, the instruments and vocals have combined to create one song which cannot be broken down to its basic elements (unless you have the original tracks of course).

An image captured with an infrared camera is like a song with just the vocals (for example), and all the drums, bass and guitar are not audible, in fact, they have never been recorded. The sound will be nice and clear without any distortion because you are not manipulating it to get the vocals out, like you would if you wanted just the vocals from the full song.
A dedicated IR camera is a very limited device, however, it is very good at what it does. It allows for the isolation of a wavelength range with minimal deterioration of the image.
That’s my take on it!

Mark Soares – Precision Camera


© Ron Rosenstock

Great description, Mark! If you’re looking to have your camera converted, Digital Silver Imaging has partnered with Precision to bring you the absolute best Digital IR conversions at a very competitive price.
Click here for more details about our IR conversions.

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Infrared Camera Conversions

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DSI is pleased to partner with Precision Camera, the world’s largest camera repair facility based in Enfield, CT, to provide Digital Infrared Camera Conversions. Precision has earned their reputation for over 59 years in the camera repair business. With their repair authorizations, test equipment and factory service training from all the major camera manufacturers, no one does camera service and IR Conversions better than Precision Camera! Precision is also able to provide their IR conversion service at a fraction of the cost of the competition.

Point & Shoot IR Converions…..just $129
D-SLR IR Converions….just $249
Full Frame D-SLR IR Conversions….just $299

This is for either the 665nm or the 715nm conversion and includes any lens you want calibrated. The competition will charge you more if you send in anything other than a 50mm lens!

Precision has chosen Digital Silver Imaging as their preferred lab partner to help promote this service and to provide our true B&W; printing for their IR clients. DSI will charge the same price plus has special printing rebates when you send your conversion through us.


©Ron Rosenstock

We make it easy to convert your camera:

  1. Email your camera & lens make, model and serial #’s
  2. Fill out our credit card application form or call us with your information
  3. We will email you a pdf with a shipping label
  4. Pack and ship your camera & lens to Precision
  5. You will receive your converted camera in 1-2 weeks

Click here for more details about the IR service from Precision Camera, but please return to DSI to complete your conversion order.

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David H Wells – Article on Outsourcing

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David H. Well, one of our clients from Rhode Island, has just written a great article on the importance of outsourcing his photographic printing and why he has chosen to use DSI as his preferred lab for B&W; digital printing.

Here is an excerpt from his blog:

“As photographers, outputting our images as final prints, is one area where many photographers think they should invest a lot of time and energy. I am NOT one of them. I know how much per hour I can make if I teach a class, do an assignment or work on my stock photography business. All of those activities pay me much better than spending months, even years, learning how to make first rate prints from my digital files. So, I for one outsource my color printing to: http://www.adoramapix.com. Similarly, I outsource my black and white printing to: http://www.digitalsilverimaging.com/index.php I am now able to get first rate prints for very reasonable costs. The one thing that I invest energy in when it comes to printing my images is the calibrating of my monitor and the profiling of my images to match the profiles of the photo labs that I use. Printing your own work can give you pleasure so that is something to put into the calculation but for me, printing images is work, work that someone else can do better and more efficiently.“

You can read the rest of David H Wells’ Blog here.

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New Professional RC Print Service. True B&W RC Prints at a great price!

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DSI is pleased to offer a new Professional RC B&W; print service. This service is ideal for the photographer who wants total control of their digital workflow.

We have some specific file requirements as far as sizing and format. We can still deliver stunning black & white prints, with absolutely no color cast, on true B&W; RC paper.

You can get 4×6 prints as low as $0.99 per print and 8×12 prints for $4.99.

Plus get a FREE 8×12 print with your order of 25 4×6 prints. Please visit our promotion page for more details.

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