Convert a Camcorder to IR
Camcorders capture video using the same wavelengths of light that the human eye sees. Converting a camcorder so that it can capture infrared light gives those watching a whole new viewing experience since everything looks different in the infrared spectrum. The basic procedure requires opening up the camcorder and inserting a filter that absorbs all light from reaching the camera's video sensor except for the infrared. The procedure is the same for all camcorders, although there will be slight differences between manufacturers' makes and models. Converting an inexpensive toy digital video camcorder will let you discover just how different things look when shot in infrared.
Instructions
1. Put some newspaper down on a table. Put the toy digital video camcorder down face up on the newspaper. Use the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver to remove all of the screws from the back, sides and bottom of the camcorder. Put the screws aside. Remove the screw from the battery compartment using the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Open the battery compartment and remove the battery. Put the battery and battery compartment lid aside.
2. Separate the back shell of the camcorder from the front shell. Put the back shell down next to the front shell, taking care not to pull off the wires going from the back shell to the front shell.
3. Loosen the black plug that is inside of the front shell using the flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver. Remove the black plug and place it onto the newspaper with the lens assembly facing up.
4. Use the flat-edged screwdriver to remove the lens assembly from within the black plug. Pull the lens assembly out using the tweezers and place it down on the newspaper.
5. Use the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver to remove the screws holding the bracket that is over the bypass filter inside of the lens assembly. Remove the bracket and discard the bypass filter.
6. Use the utility knife to cut eight pieces out of a piece of infrared gel filter, such as Congo Blue Gel (see the link in Resources) that are each as big as the bypass filter.
7. Place all of the cut pieces of the infrared gel filter into the opening where the bypass filter was. Put the bracket on and screw it back down. Put the lens assembly back into the black plug. Put the black plug back into position on the front shell. Reassemble the toy digital video camcorder. Reinsert the battery and close the battery compartment. Turn on the toy digital video camcorder and shoot unusual videos now that you have converted it to shoot using infrared light.
Tags: black plug, front shell, lens assembly, battery compartment, bypass filter, digital video
