Nightshot/IR function

[David Elkins]

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

[Mike Beckett]

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!

[David Elkins]

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!!

[Mike Beckett]

Hi Dave,

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

[Conrad Theil]

Originally Posted by Mike Beckett

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.

[Mike Beckett]

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!

[Matt Sharp]

Originally Posted by Conrad Theil

..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.

[Adam Palomer]

Has anyone tried this?

http://www.batmanagement.com/Orderin...t/irlight.html

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