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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

bulletAssignable Dial : Yes
bulletLight/Flash : Yes
bulletManual / Auto Lens Cover : Auto
bulletMedia Card slot : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ MARK2 Media and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4) media (Sold Separately)
bulletS/S & Zoom button on LCD : Yes

Video Features

bulletPhotoTV HD : Yes

Convenience

bulletFace Detection : Yes
bulletImage Stabilization : Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization w/ Active Mode (Wide to Tele)
bulletLow Light Capability : Yes
bulletSmile Shutter™ technology : Yes
bulletDynamic Range Optimizer : Yes
bulletEmbedded GPS : Yes
bulletQuick On : Power On by LCD
bulletx.v.Color™ : Yes
bulletRemovable Flash Media Compatibility : Memory Stick PRO Duo™ MARK2 Media and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4) media (Sold Separately)
bulletDual Record : 8.3 megapixel
bulletFace Index : Yes
bulletFilm Roll Index : Yes
bulletStill Image Mode(s) : JPEG
bulletHybrid : Yes
bulletFader Effect(s) : Black, White
bulletExposure : Yes (Touch Panel)
bulletScene Mode(s) : Auto, Twilight, Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Landscape, Portrait, Spotlight, Beach, Snow
bulletPhoto Capture from Movie : Yes
bulletSlide Show Mode : Yes
bulletAccessory Shoe : Yes (Active Interface Shoe)
bulletDirect Copy : Yes
bulletGolf Shot : Yes
bulletIntelligent Auto : Yes (Landscape, Backlight, Twilight, Spotlight, Low light, Macro, Portrait, Baby, Walk, Tripod)
bulletMemory 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.
bulletWhite Balance : Auto, Outdoor, Indoor, One Push (via Touch panel)

Display

bulletLCD Screen : 3.5” Xtra Fine™ TruBlack LCD3 (921K) display
bulletViewfinder : Wide (color 201k)

Video

bulletFormat : HD: MPEG4 AVC/H.264; SD: MPEG2
bulletVideo Signal : HD: 1920 x 1080/60i; SD: NTSC color, EIA standards

General

bulletImaging Device : 1/2.88" back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor
bulletProcessor : BIONZ™ image processor
bulletPixel Gross : 6631K
bulletVideo Actual : 4150K Pixels (16:9), 3110K Pixels (4:3)
bulletVideo Resolution : 1920 x 1080
bulletStill Actual : 4500K Pixels (16:9), 6000K Pixels (4:3)
bulletStill Picture Resolution : 12 megapixel
bulletRecording Media : 240GB Non-Removeable Hard Disk Drive Memory Stick PRO Duo™ MARK2 Media and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4) media (Sold Separately)
bulletRecording 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

bulletRecording Format : Dolby® Digital 5.1
bulletMicrophone : Built-in Zoom Microphone

Convenience Features

bulletMultiple Language Display : Yes
bulletBRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes

Inputs and Outputs

bulletAudio/Video Remote Terminal : Video / S Video / Audio / Component Out / Remote
bulletAnalog Audio/Video Output(s) : Included (via A/V Remote Terminal)
bulletDigital Audio/Video Output(s) : HDMI
bulletUSB Port(s) : Hi-speed (2.0 compliant)
bulletComponent Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Output(s) : Supplied (via A/V Remote jack)
bulletHDMI™ Connection Output(s) : Yes (mini)
bulletHeadphone Jack : Yes
bulletMicrophone Input : Yes
bulletS-Video Output(s) : Sold separately (via A/V Remote jack)
bulletActive Interface Shoe : Yes

Weights and Measurements

bulletWeight (Approx.) : w/o battery: 1lb 1oz (510g), w battery 1lb 4oz (570g)
bulletDimensions (Approx.) : 2 7/8 x 3 x 5 3/4 inch (70 x 74 x 143mm)

Power

bulletBattery Type : InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (NP-FV50)
bulletPower Requirements : 7.2V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
bulletPower Consumption (in Operation) : 3.8W

Service and Warranty Information

bulletLimited Warranty Term : Limited Warranty --- 1 Year Parts; 90 Days Labor

Optics/Lens

bulletLens Type : G Lens™
bullet35mm Equivalent : Video:29.8 - 298mm (16:9), 36.5 - 365mm (4:3) Photo: 28.7 - 287mm(16:9), 26.3 - 263mm (4:3)
bulletAperture : F1.8-3.4
bulletDigital Zoom : 120x
bulletFilter Diameter : 37mm
bulletFocal Distance : 3.8 - 38.0mm
bulletFocus : Full range Auto / Manual (Touch Panel)
bulletShutter 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
bulletMinimum Illumination : STD, 11 lux (1/60 Shutter Speed); LOW LUX, 3 lux (Auto Slow Shutter ON, 1/30 Shutter Speed)
bulletOptical Zoom : 10x
bulletResolution : 12 megapixel

Software

bulletSupplied 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.
bulletOperating 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. "

 

 

                                

 

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Last modified: June 18, 2015