Could someone tell me if the NX70 goes into full auto exposure mode when using the nightshot function? Also, anyone who has used the nightshot/IR function I would love to hear about picture quality: noise, detail, sharpness, etc. I've seen some examples on Vimeo and Youtube, but the compression doesn't give me a true idea of the quality. I am in the process of selecting a camera for use in remote camera traps at night and looking for the best IR quality I can find within budget. Right now it seems to be between the NX70 and the Canon XF100. Thanks in advance.

- Dave

Dave,

Nightshot can only be engaged in full auto mode, you have no control over it - other than to opt to turn the IR light off, which seems a bit counter-intuitive to me! You need to take the lens hood off, as it will cast a shadow, the IR lights are beneath the lens.

It _is_ grainy. I haven't tried added additional IR lighting to see what happens.

I have uploaded three sample videos, two without any artificial light, other than the brilliant whiteness of my bare legs, and one with a couple of garden lights switched on, about 120W in total.

http://www.mikeb.org.uk/nx70/added_light.zip
http://www.mikeb.org.uk/nx70/total_darkness_1.zip
http://www.mikeb.org.uk/nx70/total_darkness_2.zip

It was a clear, summer night at around 11pm.

To be perfectly honest, it's not a feature I use at all, so I don't know if I can be of very much help to you!

Thanks, Mike. That is what I suspected. I assume you only have the choice of shooting in green mode also? The Canon has a choice of white or green when shooting IR.

Whichever camera I choose I plan on using supplemental lighting off camera, not the on board light, so, if I can light the scene properly and bright enough, hopefully I can force it to stay at a reasonable exposure (i.e. faster shutter speed and low gain setting). As always test, test, test!!

Hi Dave,

Yes, it seems to be green mode only for the Sony.

Dave,

Nightshot can only be engaged in full auto mode, you have no control over it - other than to opt to turn the IR light off, which seems a bit counter-intuitive to me!

One reason to be able to shut off the camera’s IR emitter is if you are using an external one that has a better range or flood. You don't want a "hot spot" right in front of the camera. Even Sony has the HVL-IRH2 that I suspect would work on our Cameras to give a 100 foot range. I've used a different external set up personally to catch animal game at night on film - or thugs spray painting my wall - at night.

Conrad,

Of course, you are correct, why didn't I think of that?

I would love to try a proper IR light with this camera, but I just don't need it, and it's a bit expensive just to play with!

..Sony has the HVL-IRH2 that I suspect would work on our Cameras to give a 100 foot range..

Just a note, the HVL-IRH2 will not work on the NX70 or any Sony within the last ~5 years. It uses the older "Intelligent Accessory Shoe" not the newer "Active Interface Shoe".

The HVL-HIRL is the AIS version of the IRH2. I use 2 HVL-IRM lights (which use cold shoe mounting) because I don't switch between IR and visible light on the same shoot so I have no need for a combined light.

Has anyone tried this?

http://www.batmanagement.com/Ordering/irlight/irlight.html

Another option would be to use a regular flashlight or floodlight with an attached IR filter.