Camera – Nikon Camera Review
The Nikon D70 SLR is ideally suited to Digital Infrared Photography mainly due to the power of its custom settings. I’m going to take a few moments to show you what camera settings I use for my digital infrared photos and hopefully help you get the best results from your digital SLR.
First thing – get a tripod, this is pretty much a must for perfect infrared shots, and the infrared filter of your choice – I like the Hoya R72.
Next, take some time to plan your digital infrared photograph. Taking the time to do this upfront will help eliminate some of the uncertainties of digital infrared photography, which can result in only an ok photo, rather than a WOW! photo.
As always with these kinds of things, there is no one right way to achieve results. But these steps are the ones that I have had the most success with, using my D70 so far.
Image Type
For digital infrared photography I really prefer to shoot in RAW mode. Although Nikons native NEF format is so versatile, it just doesn’t come up to the high quality of RAW mode, and any imperfections can always be edited out using Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro.
ISO
Good results can be achieved by increasing the ISO setting, but I’ve had the best results when I leave it at 200. Otherwise the noise is just too great – at least in my opinion. I also do a fair amount of post processing in Photo shop , so noise is a problem when working at higher magnifications. Remember, unlike infrared film, where the graininess is part of the look and feel of the image, digital infrared “grain” or noise really degrades your image. If you want to add the look of… Continue reading
