Infrared Photography with D5000?

[nemesis256]

I'm interested in doing infrared photography with my D5000. I've done the remote test, and I could see the IR, but it was very weak. Does this mean it's hopeless without modifying my camera (which is out of the question) or do I just need very long shutter speeds? How long of a shutter speed am I looking at on a sunny day?

Also, is there a difference between all the filters available? Different effects, strengths, etc. I keep reading about the Hoya RM72 when researching this.

[radityopradipto]

D5000 shares the same sensor with D90, which I used now. I can also see the IR signal but my friend tell me it's kind a hard to shoot with CMOS without modifying the "hot mirror"
Two years ago, I did IR using my pocket camera... and the shutter speed is really slow... About 20-30 s at bright sunny day!
I suggest you to buy a 2nd hand D70-D80 for IR purpose only, if you're really into it

[OsmosisStudios]

The D70/D100/D200/D1/D2x/s/h are the best for IR work: its easy to find a D70 online that's already been converted to IR.

The D80 is sensitive to IR, but as much as any of the older ones. Anything newer is less sensitive to IR than the older ones.

[nemesis256]

So is the D5000 hopeless or am I just looking at a 30 second shutter speed?

[OsmosisStudios]

Not hopeless, but not ideal. You can get an R72 filter and give it a shot, but dont be surprised if youre pushing into the double-digit shutter speeds (10+ seconds).

[nemesis256]

I'm fine with that. Just as long as it wasn't so long that shadows were starting to be blurry because they moved. I guess wind could be an issue though...

[radityopradipto]

I heard that a specially customised IR DSLR is able to take IR photos without long shutter speed needed. Is that true?

[inkista]

Yes. The IR blocker is removed from the sensor, and replaced either with plain glass or a filter that allows the wavelengths you want through. It usually costs around $200-$300 to get the camera customized like this, and from that point on, any regular visible light photography with that camera will require an IR blocker on the lens, otherwise color values could be inaccurate.

Most people tend to dedicate a customized body for IR work only because of this issue, and most typically use an older body after they've upgraded to a newer one.