Visible+Near Infrared Images, Modified Nikon Coolpix 950

[Sonnar Brian]

Spock, give my a wide-spectrum scan of the area. I want to use my M8 without the Hot Mirror Filter...

Silicon-based sensors are sensitive out to 11,000Angstroms, well past the 7,000Angstroms or so for the eye, and well past what is recorded by film. Infrared imagers are sensitive to IR.

The Mosaic Filters used in most camera sensors use dyes that pass infrared. Most silicon based sensors have Filters to block Infrared from hitting the detectors.

I replaced the IR absorbing glass on my Nikon 950 Coolpix with clear glass. I use it with various color filters to mimic Infrared Ektachrome. But now, I bought an M8. So I can use it to determine what objects MUST have the Ir cut filter.

I was a bit surprised to see how few black fabrics are IR reflectors.

The stand-out is Nikki's carrying case for the DSi.

To the eye, it appears as a uniform Black.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

My fence post, used to test the focus for my lens projects.

The back yard, "infinity test" for Zeiss standard lenses on the Leica.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Chlorophyll is a big IR reflector. It still looks green in these images, but a blue-green. It is also "fuzzy" as the IR component is not as well corrected by the lens.

SO: all in all, these images are made across the full response of the detector. They do not look so "strange" at first glance.

After using the M8 without a Hot mirror filter over the lens for a day, I did not really notice the problem. I understand the issue, and will have a full line-up of Hot Mirror filters in, or on order. I can see how the initial reviews of the M8 missed the problem completely.

Too bad Gallium Arsenide detectors are so expensive. They cut off much closer to the threshold for visible light.

"Captain, I'm detecting the use of a silicon based sensor in your Two-Dimensional Imager. I will have Scotty install one based on GaAS."