We were delighted, when, on a recent visit to Protech Repairs, we were shown a newly converted Panasonic G2, which, Protech were kind enough to allow us to take out on a recent photo shoot to give the camera a thorough test.
A price list and further details of conversion services available can be obtained from
Protech Repairs
When a camera is converted, the original low pass / IR absorbing filter (also known as a hot mirror) is removed and replaced with a filter that permits the transmission of Infra Red light.
In the case of the Panasonic, the body is fitted with a clear glass filter and additional IR filters fitted to the taking lens. In addition to this, an IR/UV blocking filter can be fitted to the lens, white balance adjusted and the camera can be used to take conventional colour images.
Due to the camera having an electronic viewfinder combined with the ability to view live on the rear screen, the effect of each filter is immediately obvious.
Camera Specification
Panasonic G2 camera body, 12 megapixels, micro 4/3rd sensor
Lens used was Panasonic Lumix G Vario optically stabilised 14 – 42mm powerzoom, lens fitted with Zomei 720nm IR filter.
What did we think?
We took the camera for its initial try out to Folkestone and St.Mary’s Bay, the range of subject varied from old buildings to seascapes all the images were taken using the Zomei 720nm filter.
Image by ‘M’ straight from camera
Image by ‘M’ converted to black and white
‘M’ using rear screen to compose image
‘M’ in action
Image by ‘M,’ amazing texture
This week we used the Panasonic at Seaford under more challenging weather conditions (cloudy).
Image by ‘C’, channel swapped
Image by ‘C’ processed in Photoshop
Both M and I have had Nikon cameras converted to infra red, M having an 850nm filter fitted and myself a 720nm, so we are used to the effects an infra red camera can produce.
The effects these filters produce are illustrated below.
Clear filter only, with custom white balance
760nm filter on lens, custom white balance
850nm filter on lens, custom white balance
With IR and UV blocking filter on lens, custom white balance
We had great fun with the Panasonic G2, it produces images that are incredibly sharp and well exposed. We loved the live view and being to see exactly what result were going to get effect wise.
M still loves using his Nikon D70 and waiting for the surprise of seeing the result on a computer screen later in the day.
Additional adjustments like channel swapping, boosting contrast, altering colour balance etc. can be applied in any photo editing application.
We were impressed enough to be thinking about using some of the images produced in our forthcoming exhibition.
An edited version of this review appears on Protech Repairs Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/protechphotography/
By Colin and Mark