Monday, March 16, 2009

Use Digital Cam For Thermal Imaging

Using your digital camera for thermal imaging is easy but also permanent.


A digital camera uses something called a charged couple device (CCD) to translate an image to 1s and 0s to produce a digital photograph. It's easy to change a digital camera into a thermal imaging device by removing the infrared filter, which will allow you to take photographs even when it is dark out. The drawback is that once you make the changes you will never be able to take normal photographs again.


Instructions


1. Open up the camera using the Phillips screw driver. Slowly pry the camera apart and remove the area behind the lens, where the CCD is located. It is square shaped, and there will be a red piece of glass attached to it. This is the infrared (IR) filter.


2. Remove the IR filter by gently prying it off using the flat head screw driver. Be careful not to damage the CCD in the process.


3. Attach the film negative to the CCD by putting a dollop of glue on the film and sticking it on. Wait 30 to 45 minutes for it to dry.


4. Put the CCD back behind the lens and reassemble the camera and replace the screws.


5. Use your camera for thermal imaging by taking photos in the dark.The image will appear grayish and washed out, but you will now be able to see in dark, and low-light situations without the need for a flash.


Note that this works best with people and animals, since the camera will pick up their heat signatures, although you can take photos of objects as well. They just don't show up as clearly.







Tags: digital camera, behind lens, camera thermal, camera thermal imaging, infrared filter, screw driver, thermal imaging