Sony HDR-XR550V IR + Visible Functionality
Model: XNiteSonyHDR-XR550V
We have a fully functional, brand-new 0-Lux Infrared (IR) capable Sony Camcorder HDR-XR550V that has been modied to see IR and Visible light simultaneously in normal mode. By placing an IR filter on the camera, you can use the camera to see infrared images with all normal camera functionality unlike the NiteShot mode where the aperture is fully wide and shutter speed is 1/30 of a second. This camera permits you to shoot in broad daylight with full shutter and aperture control. This modified camera is completely normal as a regular Handycam but and can also film at up to 1200nm even in daylight. You can use this as your regular camcorder and also as your infrared camcorder.
Externally, there are no visual changes. Internally, we have modified the optics so that the camera can see from 330nm to 1200nm versus a stock camera which can see from about 380nm to 750nm.
Click Here For Actual Pictures Taken With our Camcorder and Normal Camcorder
Click Here For A Comparison Of Our Different Filters
All currently manufactured Sony camcorders will shoot a washed-out picture in daylight situations when in Niteshot mode without an IR filter! For a brief period a few years ago, some Sony handycams/handicams could shoot in daylight when in 0-Lux Niteshot mode. Then, some users discovered the ability to see through some fabrics in certain situations (The infamous X-Ray effect). When Sony found out, they changed the camcorders so that when you are in Niteshot mode, the aperture is forced to full open and slow shutter speed. The result is that if you try shooting in daylight situations when in Niteshot mode, your picture will be completely washed-out and overexposed. Further, even if you use neutral density filters to compensate, the depth of field is very shallow meaning that your focus will only be correct in a narrow range. Also, the slow shutter speed will blur moving objects.
Don't be mislead by others selling normal camcorders with the Niteshot feature. Unless the camcorder has been re-enabled, then you may not be able to shoot outdoors in Niteshot mode will be with the addition of neutral density filters depending on the light and your particular model camera. Make sure when somebody tells you the camcorder is "modified" that you understand if it was modified to shoot Niteshot during the day or modified by Sony NOT to shoot during the day!
This camera has been modified so that in normal mode, the camera see both infrared and visible light simultaneously. This means:
1: If you want to only see the infrared spectrum, you need to use an infrared pass / visible light blocking filter such as our XNite IR filters.
2: For normal photography, you will need to use an XNiteCC1 color correct filter which blocks Infrared light and passes visible light. If you don't use an XNiteCC1 filter, the camera will see both IR and visible light simultaneously which will result in strangely colored pictures especially outdoors.
3: In NiteShot mode, the camera operates like a stock camcorder. The IR illuminating IR LED's turn on, exposure and aperture control is limited and the picture is tinted green. You generally will only use the factory NiteShot mode when taking pictures at night where when you want the IR illuminating LED's to turn on. Otherwise, the normal mode is better for IR photography including low light photography where you don't want or can't use the IR illuminators.
The 37mm filters for this camera are available Here.
Would you like us to convert your camera? We can convert your camera for $750 + return S&H ($20 insured UPS ground domestic USA). Camera should be shipped well packed, insured, with lens cover and battery for testing. Turnaround is typically 1 or 2 days depending on how busy we are.
Our Performance Guarantee If you are not satisfied with your IR enabled camera, we will put it back to stock at no additional charge other than return shipping
Product Specifications
Hardware
 | Assignable Dial : Yes |
| Light/Flash : Yes |
| Manual / Auto Lens Cover : Auto |
| Media Card slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ MARK2 Media and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4) media (Sold Separately) |
| S/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes |
Video Features
| PhotoTV HD : Yes |
Convenience
| Face Detection : Yes |
| Image Stabilization : Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization w/ Active Mode (Wide to Tele) |
| Low Light Capability : Yes |
| Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes |
| Dynamic Range Optimizer : Yes |
| Embedded GPS : Yes |
| Quick On : Power On by LCD |
| x.v.Color™ : Yes |
| Removable Flash Media Compatibility : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ MARK2 Media and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4) media (Sold Separately) |
| Dual Record : 8.3 megapixel |
| Face Index : Yes |
| Film Roll Index : Yes |
| Still Image Mode(s) : JPEG |
| Hybrid : Yes |
| Fader Effect(s) : Black, White |
| Exposure : Yes (Touch Panel) |
| Scene Mode(s) : Auto, Twilight, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow |
| Photo Capture from Movie : Yes |
| Slide Show Mode : Yes |
| Accessory Shoe : Yes (Active Interface Shoe) |
| Direct Copy : Yes |
| Golf Shot : Yes |
| Intelligent Auto : Yes (Landscape, Backlight, Twilight, Spotlight, Low light, Macro, Portrait, Baby, Walk, Tripod) |
| Memory Stick® Pro Duo Media Compatibility : Tested to support up to 32GB media capacity; does not support high speed transfer function; does not support Access Control security function. |
| White Balance : Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One Push (via Touch panel) |
Display
| LCD Screen : 3.5” Xtra Fine™ TruBlack LCD3 (921K) display |
| Viewfinder : Wide (color 201k) |
Video
| Format : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264; SD: MPEG2 |
| Video Signal : HD: 1920 x 1080/60i; SD: NTSC color, EIA standards |
General
| Imaging Device : 1/2.88" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor |
| Processor : BIONZ™ image processor |
| Pixel Gross : 6631K |
| Video Actual : 4150K Pixels (16:9), 3110K Pixels (4:3) |
| Video Resolution : 1920 x 1080 |
| Still Actual : 4500K Pixels (16:9), 6000K Pixels (4:3) |
| Still Picture Resolution : 12 megapixel |
| Recording Media : 240GB Non-Removeable Hard Disk Drive Memory Stick PRO Duo™ MARK2 Media and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4) media (Sold Separately) |
| Recording and Playback Times : 240GB HDD: High Definition: FX = up to 1370 min., FH = up to 1750 min., HQ = up to 3560 min., LP = up to 5770 min. Standard Definition: HQ = up to 3560 min. |
Audio
| Recording Format : Dolby® Digital 5.1 |
| Microphone : Built-in Zoom Microphone |
Convenience Features
| Multiple Language Display : Yes |
| BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes |
Inputs and Outputs
| Audio/Video Remote Terminal : Video / S Video / Audio / Component Out / Remote |
| Analog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal) |
| Digital Audio/Video Output(s) : HDMI |
| USB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant) |
| Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Supplied (via A/V Remote jack) |
| HDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes (mini) |
| Headphone Jack : Yes |
| Microphone Input : Yes |
| S-Video Output(s) : Sold separately (via A/V Remote jack) |
| Active Interface Shoe : Yes |
Weights and Measurements
| Weight (Approx.) : w/o battery: 1lb 1oz (510g), w battery 1lb 4oz (570g) |
| Dimensions (Approx.) : 2 7/8 x 3 x 5 3/4 inch (70 x 74 x 143mm) |
Power
| Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FV50) |
| Power Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor) |
| Power Consumption (in Operation) : 3.8W |
Service and Warranty Information
| Limited Warranty Term : Limited Warranty --- 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor |
Optics/Lens
| Lens Type : G Lens™ |
| 35mm Equivalent : Video:29.8 - 298mm (16:9), 36.5 - 365mm (4:3) Photo: 28.7 - 287mm(16:9), 26.3 - 263mm (4:3) |
| Aperture : F1.8-3.4 |
| Digital Zoom : 120x |
| Filter Diameter : 37mm |
| Focal Distance : 3.8 - 38.0mm |
| Focus : Full range Auto / Manual (Touch Panel) |
| Shutter Speed : Scene Selection, 1/8-1/725; STD, 1/60-1/725; LOW LUX, 1/30-1/725; Smooth Slow Rec., 1/240-1/1000 |
| Minimum Illumination : STD, 11 lux (1/60 Shutter Speed); LOW LUX, 3 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed) |
| Optical Zoom : 10x |
| Resolution : 12 megapixel |
Software
| Supplied Software : PMB Ver.5.00 Supports Windows XP Service Pack3 (SP3)(32bit), Windows Vista Service Pack2 (SP2)(32bit/64bit), Windows 7. Not supported by Mac OS. |
| Operating System Compatibility : "Windows XP SP3 * /Windows Vista SP2 ** /Windows7 * 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported.The Windows Image Mastering API(IMAPI)Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs. ** Starter (Edition) are not supported. Standard installation is required. Operation is not assured if the above OS has been upgraded or in a multi-boot environment. " |
