[Yakim]

Hi,



I think about trying this and wonder which way to go. Should I get a converted P&S or a converted EF-S? My current gear is 7D, 10-22, 17-55 IS, 60/2.8, 100/2.8 IS, 135/2, 300/4 IS and 55-250 IS (the 24/3.5 II will likely join them in the near future). My IR knowledge is fairly limited and all I know is that if I get an EF-S it will have LV. I also read that some lenses are susceptible to hot spots and wonder if the 10-22 and 17-55 IS also suffer from this. If so, I might get an EF-S but if not, which P&S would fit? I want one with a minimum of 28mm FoV but 24mm FoV (are there wider PoV in P&S?) will be much better. Last, I know I do not want an IR filter because I mostly shoot handheld.



Budget: I do not have a definitive one but I know it won't make a significant percentage of my shooting so I don't want to spend too much.



Thoughts and ideas will be welcomed. TIA.

[popo]

I converted a 300D myself. By coincidence, the AF for most lenses is "good enough". There is a guide to adjusting the focus otherwise, but I never tried it.



I do wish for LV too, for those times where the focus has to be just right, but the cost would go up considerably...



The unmodified E-P1 might be an option. Of course it is LV only, and they are now very cheap. Thanks to the sensor shift stabilisation it helps a lot to get usable hand held shots.

[Rainer]

Canon sold a modified version of the EOS 20D for a while (named 20DA iirc), but I'm not aware if

any of the successors had modified versions as well. And even the 20DA seems not to have sold

in numbers worth mentioning ... nevertheless, there is a chance to get hold of a used one.



just my 2cts ... Rainer

[Yakim]

[quote name='popo' timestamp='1284307946' post='2671']

I converted a 300D myself. By coincidence, the AF for most lenses is "good enough". There is a guide to adjusting the focus otherwise, but I never tried it.[/quote]



I'm afraid I'm like varunchauhan. <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



[quote name='popo' timestamp='1284307946' post='2671']

The unmodified E-P1 might be an option. Of course it is LV only, and they are now very cheap. Thanks to the sensor shift stabilisation it helps a lot to get usable hand held shots.[/quote]



Good idea. I never thought about it. 10X.

[Yakim]

[quote name='Rainer' timestamp='1284328340' post='2676']

Canon sold a modified version of the EOS 20D for a while (named 20DA iirc), but I'm not aware if

any of the successors had modified versions as well. And even the 20DA seems not to have sold

in numbers worth mentioning ... nevertheless, there is a chance to get hold of a used one.



just my 2cts ... Rainer

[/quote]



Never thought of this either. 10X.

[mst]

Got myself a modified D40x last year and have to agree: whatever you choose, make sure it has live view.



There's the already mentioned AF issue, but what really drove me crazy with my Nikon is the metering, which of course is based on visible light and usually WAY off with IR shots. Adjusting exposure in the range of +/- 3 EV compared to what the camera measured is normal.



Personally, I'd go for a modified mFT camera. The first generation is available dirt cheap (E-P1, as already mentioned, also Panasonic G1).



-- Markus

[Yakim]

No converted EP-1 in E-bay currently but I'll continue to search.

[mst]

Just to clarify: with "dirt cheap" I was referring to unmodified cameras. Modified mFT cameras rarely show up on eBay (or anywhere else).



The advantage of buying stock cameras and have them modified (or modify yourself) is that you still have a choice what filter glass to use.



-- Markus

[Yakim]

Modifying it myself is not an option as I am not very skilled at DIY stuff and unfortunately, there's no one in Israel who does this. Thus, the only option is to send it to USA to LifePixel or MaxMax and shipping costs will render it too costly. Thus, the idea of buying a converted cam is the most cost effective for me.



Choosing the right IR filter is tricky as I seem to like all. <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[genotypewriter]

[quote name='Yakim' timestamp='1284300403' post='2668']

Last, I know I do not want an IR filter because I mostly shoot handheld.

[/quote]



The only way you're going to shoot handheld is if you modify a P&S or a mFT/Nex.



While the places you mentioned like MaxMax, LifePixel, etc. will calibrate the AF for you, there are going to be two guaranteed problems:



1. The IR offset on the sensor is going to be different for different lenses. In my experience, it might additionally be a function of distance too (not sure but I've had inconsistent AF on my IR modified 50D at long distances). So you're going to be stuck handholding just one lens at most.



2. The viewfinder/focusing screen has the same issue as above. However, it's not as bad as having the sensor off-set... as long as your AF works... but like I said, AF will likely be accurate for a few lenses.



Yeah... so if handheld is your main thing, nothing like a modified P&S or a new EVIL. I hope the EVILs have lenses that are good for IR.



Sony H9 (Compact/megazoom)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/genotypewriter/3915541135





GTW