My main infrared camera is a Canon R6 Mark II that has been converted to full spectrum. Here’s what that means and why I chose it.
What a full-spectrum conversion is
Every normal camera has a filter sitting right in front of the sensor. It blocks infrared and ultraviolet light so your photos look the way your eyes see things. A full-spectrum conversion removes that filter and puts clear glass in its place. Now the sensor can see ultraviolet, visible and infrared light all at once.
Why full spectrum and not a single infrared filter?
Some conversions lock the camera to one look, like 720nm. That’s fine if you only want one style. With full spectrum, the filter on the lens decides what the camera sees. Put on a 590nm filter and you get golden false color. Put on an 850nm filter and you get deep black and white. Put on a hot mirror filter and it works like a normal camera again. One body does it all.
Why the R6 Mark II
• Great sensor. It handles low light well and has plenty of detail for infrared work.
• Mirrorless focusing. The camera focuses using the sensor itself, so focus stays accurate with infrared light. Older DSLRs often needed extra adjustments for this.
• Live view of the effect. The screen and viewfinder show the infrared look before I press the shutter. No guessing.
• In-body stabilization. Helpful when darker filters push my shutter speeds slower.
Things to know before you convert
• A conversion is done by a specialist shop, and it usually ends the maker’s warranty.
• Your photos will look strange without a filter. You need filters to control the look.
• Some lenses show a bright spot in the middle of infrared photos, called a hot spot. Test your lenses before a big shoot.
• You’ll want to set a custom white balance. I’ll show how on Sunday.
