Product Description
With this conversion service we will replace the internal hot mirror filter with a high quality custom made infrared glass filter. This will allow your camera to capture infrared light instead of visible light. After IR conversion you won’t need any filters in front of the lens and the camera will be just as sensitive to infrared as it was to visible light. This means you can hand hold and compose normally.
We also calibrate the camera to accurately focus infrared light, according to your ordered calibration choice.
Our most popular infrared filter is the Super Color IR due to its versatility in allowing stunning color and monochrome infrared images but it does require some Photoshop post production.
Our most popular focus calibration choices are Universal and Custom, depending on user preference and camera Live View AF capability.
If you are unsure of the choices for IR filter or IR focus calibration please be sure to go through the Start Here section. It should give you everything you need but if you find you still have questions please feel free to contact us by phone or email, we are always happy to help.
Our 1 year warranty is included on conversion services and installed IR filters.
After you place your order you will receive an email with instructions on how to send us your camera.
Company warrants the conversion service for a period of 1 year from date of conversion order completion. The warranty is void if the tamper sticker is damaged or removed, converted components have been tampered with, subjected to any abuse or misuse, or if failure to operate properly arises from any foreign elements such as dirt, corrosion, or liquid identified as present within the converted components. The warranty does not cover any other components of the camera except the conversion service and components provided by Company as part of the conversion service.
Jiri Krecek (verified owner) –
A couple years ago, I’ve had my EOS 20D converted to 590nm Super Color filter and even for a decade+ old 8MP DSLR the results are stunning. As an absolute novice to IR photography I went into this with apprehension (you can’t walk it back once they rip the hot mirror out), but also excitement and did lots and lots of research on it – LifePixel’s primer training you can read for free on this site is sufficient to get you start playing. If you expect to start snapping gorgeous pictures and post them to social media in minutes, this may not be for you – although I’ve seen a guy post incredible pictures from his LifePixel converted Canon M6 using a stock B&W JPEG preset. However, if you are passionate about photography, do not mind some extra creative work in post processing (and it is nothing but creative fun), don’t mind making mistakes, this conversion offers countless years of pure joy. What fascinates me every single time I shoot is how different it is what my eyes see and what the camera sees. It’s invisible light after all. Differences in exposure, focus, white balance, contrast, the list goes on and on). Originally, I considered using a screw on filter, but since the exposure times in that approach are so long you have to shoot with a tripod nearly all the time, I quickly abandoned that option. Having the conversion done and hot mirror removed, you are now in the realm of completely normal shutter speeds, perhaps half a stop slower? The higher the wavelength, the less visible light their filters let in, so for instance their hypercolor filter exposure times will be close to normal light, whereas the deep B&W, which lets no visible light in is about a couple stops lower, but still manageable on a sunny day to shoot handheld.
There definitely were surprises for me along the way, such as flash having almost no effect on the exposure at all (duh! there are dedicated IR flashes, which I never even heard about as regular flashes are not “hot” enough to reflect most of IR). There is a slight difference, but in street shooting it is negligible and borderline rendering the flash useless. Another one was white balance. Although I read all about it and thought I knew it all, I was taken by surprise at how finnicky it actually can be and learned that I set custom white balance multiple times during a shoot, even something as mundane as walking from a shade into a full sun, or turning your camera at a different angle to the sun (perpendicular or behind you) actually makes a significant difference in white balance. I personally use DXO PhotoLab for post processing as I did not want to pay for Photoshop and Lr subscription and PL allows me to tweak the white balance in post processing, so problem solved for those cases where I get the WB wrong. I’ve also used Laurie Klein’s presents in Luminar and they are looking great. So, if you have any software that can do channel swaps and can process raw, you are well positioned to at least start experimenting and see what works for you.
One, quite funny news for me was (and this is just a rule of thumb) that just because lenses are expensive and very high quality, doesn’t mean they are the best for IR! Take a look at LifePixel’s list of lenses notoriously known for hot spots (that white circle in the middle of picture when shooting at stopped down apertures) and notice that many of the lenses are either L glass (in Canon’s case) or high priced multicoated glass. You won’t find their sub-$100 plastic fantastic nifty fifty on that list, and that lens is a stunner in IR. I personally use their 24mm STM plastic lens and it has great optics and IQ on a crop body, no issue focusing. My lesson: the cheaper the better! 🙂 Since IR light changes its focus qualities through the zoom range, you can have hard time getting the sharpness you want on lenses with a long zoom range or with zoom lenses in general. So I stick to primes on my EOS and call it a day.
And lastly, it’s the flare… you may not see it in the viewfinder, but the sensor will pick up IR flare you cannot see, so if you have one, do put that hood on when shooting in any direction where the sun is in your picture. Better yet, use live view and see what you get to avoid surprises. But honestly, IR flare was first my nemesis and now I play with it just as another way of pushing creativity for fun.
Read the articles, watch their videos and make a decision which filter you want and just go get your conversion and enjoy. I personally stick to Super Color 590nm, because through easy tweaks with channels I can emulate standard and deep B&W filters by just moving a few sliders. the Super Color is hands down their most versatile filter – whether you love B&W IR as I do, or want to do fake colors or white trees and blue sky. 590 is it. If the price is too steep and you are on the fence thinking that IR is only for hot sunny days and you won’t be able to use your camera for half of the year. I’m in Chicago area and some of my best IR shots were taken in winter in sub zero temps.
I’ve had been so impressed with this conversion that I’ve sent my primary, street shooting, beloved Ricoh GR for conversion and cannot wait to get my hands on it. It’s gonna be long two weeks.
Ken Copeland –
I recently converted my Canon 60D to the new Hyper Color infrared and ordered the Deep BW and Super Color filters, and the results are unbelievable. Using the live view is a tremendous help. I would definitely use LifePixel for further conversions.
Carl Stoveland (verified owner) –
I recently had a Canon 7D converted to 590nm. I think the conversion was done perfectly. Everything works as it should and the sensor is nice and clean. The amount of online resources and one on one training that comes with conversion means that you can get over the somewhat steep IR learning curve pretty easily. On a personal note. I prefer my 720nm conversion to the 590nm. That is owing to personal preference and the fact I shoot more BW than color IR. I have an old 5D laying around I may get converted to 720. I will definitely use Life Pixel again for that conversion.
Kim Beach (verified owner) –
LifePixel recently converted my Canon EOS 7D body to Super Color IR. I have been looking an IR conversion for a number of years but when I purchased a second Canon body recently I decided to convert the older one. LifePixel was the obvious choice to do the conversion.
I had a fair amount of experience with Kodak B&W IR 35mm film in the early 1980’s and was intrigued by the new filter options available and the effects that can be achieved in digital photography. The “Start-Here” guide was extremely useful in determining which filter option to go with. I would recommend that prospective buyers not only review the guide carefully but that they download the sample RAW files that LifePixel provides for each of the options and practice using a RAW processing application and Photoshop [or similar image editing application] to get a feel for the post processing steps.
I couldn’t be happier with with the ordering, conversion, shipping and follow-up tutorial. Dan Malkin @ LifePixel and Dan Wampler provided excellent guidance throughout the entire process.
In reading through the other reviews it seems the common question/concern/issue is white balance. Dan Wampler’s blog entries and post-purchase tutorial really clear up the questions on white balance. I would recommend that prospective buyers take the time to understand the importance of proper custom white balance before their conversion and then spend time experimenting to become proficient much quicker. It will pay off immensely.
Jazang (verified owner) –
Best decision I made on IR products thus far. Prior to having LifePixel convert my Canon Rebel T3, I tried various IR Lens Filters. While the lens filters can produce IR photos, with some post processing, there really is a substantial difference in the out come. I am so impressed with the results of this conversion, I would and have been considering converting another of my cameras. If you are seriously interested in IR Photography, I would recommend converting your camera with LifePixel. You will not be disappointed with the results. The service was excellent and my converted camera was returned to me faster than the specified time given.
Many Thanks LifePixel for handling my Canon Baby T with love and care. She takes beautiful IR photos : )
contact3 (verified owner) –
Just received my Canon 7D converted to 720nm. This is my third IR camera, before i’ve done myself the conversion following tutorials on the website, but with this one i’d prefer let Lifepixel done it. It takes only 3 weeks to leave France, convert and back to France (16 000 Km total). The camera work perfectly, AF is precise with my lens, very good job !
Hope now the sun to get back to IR world !
Thank’s Lifepixel
Patrick witherow (verified owner) –
I’ve been using my 50D 590 conversion for many of the past year and finally converted my 5d ll also. Can’t say enough for the excitement it gives me…something new after 40 years of photography. Thanks to LifePixel, I have new life in my interests.
Sheldon Buckman (verified owner) –
Very happy with my Canon super color conversion. Just one RAW file has so many different options in Photoshop that it is mind boggling. But the biggest, best thing is one you don’t see. The most impeccable installation with absolutely no dust specks to deal with in the images. Bravo, LifePixel!
Russ (verified owner) –
Converted a Canon 1d mark III using the standard 720 nm filter. The conversion was done very well. Two disappointing things, however. First, the camera came back with a spot on the sensor so I’ll need to have the sensors cleaned right away. Second, I would recommend that a general white balance be set by Lifepixel as a starting place as part of the conversion process. A short disclaimer could be added saying that LIfepixel strongly recommends that a custom white balance be set by the user to ensure the best results. Currently, Lifepixel only “tests” the camera’s ability to set a custom white balance but leaves that “test” on the camera as a custom white balance so the user assumes that they set a custom white balance at the factory. This could be made clearer to the customer. That being said, I would use Lifepixel again as they are a quality company.
ed sheeran photograph –
good read,found more information available HERE for anyone who is interested it really helped more a more in depth look, good site btw
Andrew Slot (verified owner) –
Like others who have reviewed, customer service is great and Daniel responded to my queries quickly. I had issues with USPS/Canada customs so my camera took about 2 weeks to get back to me after the conversion was complete (which was done on time on Life Pixel’s end). So, not an issue with Life Pixel per se but if you’re looking for a fast turnaround to ship back to Canada note that the standard shipping could be longer than expected.
As far as the camera goes, it was a Canon T2i Super Color IR conversion. Works great. Nice shots my first couple of times out. Still getting used to working in Photoshop though.
Sam W. –
I recently had my Canon 5d II converted to Super Color IR. Let me say that from start to finish, Life Pixel did an exemplary job. My camera arrived to them unable to power up likely due to damage during transport. They arranged local Canon repair which shipping insurance covered. Customer service kept in contact every step of the way. After that hiccup, they quickly converted the camera and returned it. The camera works perfectly and I was up and running in no time. A word of advice, take them up on the complimentary 30 minute training session. I am pretty capable at image optimization with LR and Photoshop. Using Canon’s DPP is much better at getting white balance correct than going the DNG Profile editor route in Lightroom(much flatter color than images in DPP). This adds an extra step in my traditional workflow with IR but color separation and rendering is noticeably better with DPP. Kudos to Daniel M. in customer service and Dan Wampler with online training. Customer service and conversion process are first rate. If you are considering an IR conversion, do it and do it with Life Pixel!
Dick C (verified owner) –
Pleased with the conversion of a Canon Rebel T6 with a 665nm IR filter. Service included focus calibration of the Canon lens and delivery was as projected. Thanx Life Pixel
Delfino G Ramirez (verified owner) –
Awesome! Simply awesome the conversion of my camera by Life Pixel Infrared. Reading in the internet I found images of Infrared photography. Immediately I bought an Infrared filter but to use the filter it means to does long exposure shots. Then I looked for conversion of cameras to Infrared and Life Pixel Infrared had the best information to help me to do the best decision. So, I didn’t think too much. I send to Life Pixel my Canon EOS 60D for Enhanced Color Infrared Filter conversion (equivalent to 665nm Filter). Now I have my first Infrared converted camera and the best of all, not more long exposure to take infrared pictures.
I’m very satisfied with the conversion and performance of my camera.
Belarbino Remedios (verified owner) –
Very pleased with the conversion in my initial testing. Pleasantly surprised to see that the magenta colour was absent on the LCD screen during playback of the images unlike when shooting with the Hoya R72 filter. Received the camera and lens in good condition. Easy to set the custom white balance.
Norma A. –
I had my camera successfully converted to infrared. I also purchased several external filters from Lifepixel. The experience was awesome. Daniel was especially helpful during the purchasing process!
Mary Estlick (verified owner) –
I recently had my Canon EOS 5D Mark II converted to Standard infrared through Life Pixels, and very happy my new infrared camera! The support offered through Life Pixels was most helpful, from the decision of which filter would best meet my needs, to efficient processing time, and shipping. The technical support is amazing, and I would highly recommend Life Pixels for anyone interested in the shooting digital infrared photography.
Day Tooley (verified owner) –
Canon t2i Standard IR conversion works well with 50mm and 24mm prime lenses. To my delight, sharp results are also obtained with my Canon 18-200mm zoom as well throughout to the range from wide to telephoto. My 10-22mm wide-angle zoom does not provide acceptable results. Focus best achieved using live view (I don’t recommend using ttl).
I find that using a custom white balance (just set onetime months ago) works well. Processing through Lightroom and Nik Silver Effects Pro is super efficient. Tried red/blue channel swapping in Photoshop but didn’t like the results.
Lifepixel delivered exactly what they promised and in a timely manner.
A sample of some of images taken so far can be seen at https://daytooley.smugmug.com/InfraRed/ .
John Fredericks (verified owner) –
I remember shooting black and white infra red film : having to put a red filter on the lens so dark the camera can’t focus automatically, needing to place the camera on a tripod all the time, loading the film into the camera in total darkness, needing to keep the film in a fridge til developed, having to off-set the focus ( different for every lens ) It felt like i was living in the 1920’s
All of these issues are resolved, now that my Canon 30D has been modified to shoot infrared. I sent a zoom lens with the camera to LifePixel so that the camera could be adjusted to match the lens i would be using for infra red. But it turns out it focuses perfectly with any other lens i use as well, which is a very pleasant surprise indeed.
I have become so intrigued by the uncanny results of some of my infra red photography, that i now have a website in my name featuring only infrared photos. johnfredericks.com
I was not expecting to find myself interested by colour infra red photography, but chose a modification option that permitted either color or black and white infrared. (supercolor) I love them both now.
Tareq ALDUAIJ (verified owner) –
I still haven’t been able to enjoy the camera conversion. I need a hands on demonstration to be able to produce photos such as the one in the main tab (with the white trees and blue skies). I might be doing something wrong or completely misunderstood how it works in the first place. Almost every photo i’ve taken is nothing but red. Is there an adjustment to the settings that i need to do? Or is there something i need to do in post-processing ( in order to be able to turn the green landscapes into white ones as the photo above). Or maybe i chose the wrong conversion type. This is no fault of LifePixel and it is not a complaint about Lifepixel. Maybe i haven’t understood the process in full. Also, i have been too busy over the last couple of years to take the time to learn from the tutorials and was hoping for a quick answer. Any advice would be highly appreciated.
Vitaly Druchinin –
Hello Tareq, Thank you for your input. I see you ordered a conversion with our super color filter and universal calibration, this setup should serve you very well.
Looks like your the main issue is the red images, which can be very easily corrected by setting a in-camera custom white balance. Please watch our short video on why a custom white balance is needed and then this video on how to set a custom white balance for infrared converted cameras. These two videos should help you resolve the red images problems you are experiencing, then to do the color swap for blue sky and some other effects you can watch our filter choices video.
Finally, if you still need assistance you can always schedule an one on one online training session with our instructor, Dan Wampler. He will help answer any questions you have and show you via screenshare how to do just about anything with your infrared images.
Donna Crider (verified owner) –
I am so very impressed with my LifePixel Super Color IR conversion of my Canon 7D! The conversion gave new life to a camera I no longer used much after purchasing the Mark II upgrade. The educational videos were super helpful in getting to know more about post-processing and the personal 30min online teaching session answered all of my first-time user questions. I can’t wait for the new foliage to appear!
Glen Bledsoe (verified owner) –
LifePixel converted my Canon Rebel XT to IR with an 830nm filter. I’d been a bit apprehensive, but it took me almost no time to develop my own post-processing procedure. I get silvery gray tones unlike anything I’ve ever seen in visible light. Now I’ll go months and take nothing but infrared shots. If you’re hesitant because you’re afraid it’s too complicated, don’t be. Yes, it’s different from shooting in visible light, but you quickly adapt and begin to “think” in infrared light.
Brent Schoenfeld (verified owner) –
I had my 5D II converted by LifePixel recently, and I’m simply delighted. I had always loved the images from this camera, but had been using it less, because my newer bodies were fitting my needs better. Doing an IR conversion and increasing my range as a photographer seemed more logical than selling the body for next to nothing. Now, I’m getting great IR images and really enjoying the process.
I’m very impressed with the people at LifePixel. They are consummately professional and ethical, and the teaching they provide for learning the ropes of IR photography are very well thought out. They made the learning curve easy and a fun adventure.
I will probably do another conversion with them for an additional wavelength camera.
Priscilla Spencer (verified owner) –
I’m in love with LifePixel’s “Standard IR” conversion of my Canon 6D. The alien, dreamlike look catapults my landscape photography to another level! I also love what the Standard IR conversion does for portraits, smoothing the skin and darkening the eyes in a deliciously creepy way. I was so inspired by the possibilities that I converted a second camera for my father, who first got me into photography. LifePixel does beautiful work, and I’m so glad to have this incredible tool in my photographic arsenal.
Jonny Okagawa (verified owner) –
I am so impressed with my LifePixel ‘Super Blue IR’ conversion for my Canon 60D that I will be converting another model to ‘Super Color IR’ soon. ‘Super Blue IR’ paired nicely with me, with rich colors and stunning results, that are so impressive straight-out-of-the-camera. No post-processing is needed at all. I find that live-view is highly useful. Mahalo, LifePixel!