What Is a Full Spectrum Conversion?
If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know about full spectrum conversions. But if you’re new here, I’ll give you a brief rundown.
How Full Spectrum Cameras Capture More Light
A full spectrum conversion is a special camera modification that allows your camera to see and record the full spectrum of light, from UV to infrared. This works by removing the internal UV/IR cut hot mirror filter that is fixated on top of your camera’s sensor. A full spectrum conversion replaces this filter with a clear piece of glass so that UV and IR light are able to pass through, along with visible light.
Most often, people will use an external filter on their full spectrum camera to narrow down the light that’s able to reach the sensor, allowing them to shoot in one specific wavelength. However, you can also shoot without a filter for maximum light sensitivity.
Full Spectrum Conversion for Low Light Photography
When shooting at night or in low light conditions, a full spectrum conversion can do wonders. All you need is an infrared or UV light source like the KV-FL1 flash or one of our IR or UV flashlights. These lighting sources only emit light outside the visible spectrum, meaning they are invisible to the human eye, but your full spectrum camera will still be able to pick it up.
Exposure Gain, Lower ISO, and Cleaner Low Light Images
An unfiltered full spectrum converted camera has a 2-stop gain in exposure compared to a stock camera. The ability to capture a wider range of light also means you don’t have to push your ISO as far to get an image in low light settings. Additionally, a lower ISO helps to reduce noise and graininess, which is often associated with many low light photos.
Take a look at the difference in these photos:
Full Spectrum Video in Pitch-Black Conditions
Full spectrum can also be great for video, especially in pitch-black scenarios! In our potato camera documentary, we used a full spectrum Canon R5 and a couple of IR flashlights to film the darkroom scenes. None of us could see what we were doing in the dark basement, but the camera was able to capture it all.
See how the footage turned out:
Final Thoughts on Full Spectrum Low Light Photography
If you’re wanting to capture low light scenes without flooding them with extra light, a full spectrum camera is definitely the way to go. The increased light sensitivity and noise reduction mean that you can likely push your full spectrum camera past the limits of your standard low light camera performance. Head to our shop to order your conversion now.
Full Spectrum Low Light Photography FAQs
What Is A Full Spectrum Conversion?
A full spectrum conversion is a camera modification that removes the internal UV/IR cut hot mirror filter from the sensor and replaces it with clear glass. This allows the camera to record ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light.
How Does A Full Spectrum Conversion Help In Low Light Photography?
A full spectrum conversion helps in low light because the camera can capture a wider range of light. The article notes that an unfiltered full spectrum camera has a 2-stop exposure gain compared to a stock camera, which can help in dark scenes.
Can You Use A Full Spectrum Camera Without A Filter?
es. Photographers often use external filters to isolate specific wavelengths, but the article explains that shooting without a filter gives the camera maximum light sensitivity.
What Light Sources Work For Full Spectrum Low Light Photography?
For low light or night photography, a full spectrum camera can work with infrared or ultraviolet light sources, including IR lights, UV lights, or a multispectral flash. These light sources may be outside the visible spectrum, but a full spectrum camera can still record them.
Does A Full Spectrum Conversion Reduce Noise In Low Light Photos?
A full spectrum conversion can help reduce low light noise indirectly. Because the camera gains more light sensitivity, you may not need to raise ISO as much, and a lower ISO can help reduce graininess in low light images.
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