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DISCONTINUED.  This model has been replaced by the Sony HDR-XR550V

Sony HDR-XR500V IR + Visible Functionality

Model: XNiteSonyHDR-XR500V   

 

 

We have a fully functional, brand-new 0-Lux Infrared (IR) capable Sony Camcorder HDR-XR500V 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, the 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

General

bulletProduct Type Camcorder
bulletDigital Zoom 150 x
bulletOptical Sensor Size 1/2.88"
bulletOptical Sensor Type Exmor R CMOS
bulletMin Illumination 3 lux
bulletDigital Video 
bulletImage Stabilizer Optical (Steady Shot)
bulletDigital Scene Transition Black fader , White fader
bulletMin Shutter Speed 1/8 sec
bulletMax Shutter Speed 1/800 sec
bulletShooting Modes Digital photo mode
bulletShooting Programs Snow , Beach , Candle , Sunset , Sunrise , Fireworks , Landscape , Spotlight , Portrait mode , Twilight mode
bulletExposure Modes Program,  Automatic
bulletCamera Flash Built-in flash
bulletWidescreen Video Capture Yes

Main Features

bulletCamcorder Sensor Resolution 6.631 megapixels
bulletCamcorder Effective Video Resolution 4.15 megapixels
bulletCamcorder Effective Still Resolution 6 megapixels
bulletCamcorder Interpolated Still Resolution 12 megapixels
bulletColor Support Color
bulletFace Detection Yes
bulletStill Image Format JPEG
bulletRemote Control Remote control - Infrared
bulletTV Tuner None

Memory / Storage

bulletFloppy Drive None
bulletDigital Storage Media Hard disk drive - Built-in - 120 GB

Lens System

bulletType Zoom lens - 5.5 mm - 66 mm - F/1.8-3.4
bulletFocal Length 5.5 mm - 66 mm
bulletLens Aperture F/1.8-3.4
bulletOptical Zoom 12 x
bulletLens system type Zoom lens
bulletMin focal length 5.5 mm
bulletMax focal length 66 mm
bulletFeatures Built-in lens shield
bulletFilter Size 37 mm
bulletFocus Adjustment Manual , Automatic
bulletZoom Adjustment Motorized drive

Additional Features

bulletLow Lux / Night Mode Yes
bulletDigital Still Camera Function Yes
bulletSearch Modes Index search , Face index search
bulletRemote control Remote control - Infrared
bulletSoftware Drivers & Utilities , Sony Picture Motion Browser

Viewfinder

bulletViewfinder Type Electronic
bulletViewfinder Diagonal Size 0.27 in
bulletViewfinder Resolution 123,000 pixels

Display

bulletType LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3.2 in - Color

Digital Player (Recorder)

bulletType None

Microphone

bulletType Microphone - Built-in
bulletMicrophone Features Zoom

Connections

bulletConnector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output , 1 x USB , 1 x Component video output , 1 x HDMI output , 1 x S-Video output , 1 x Remote control , 1 x Headphones , 1 x Microphone
bulletExpansion Slot(s) 1 x Memory Stick PRO Duo

Audio Input

bulletAudio input type Microphone
bulletMicrophone type Built-in
bulletMicrophone Operation Mode Surround

System Requirements for PC Connection

bulletOperating System Support MS Windows XP , MS Windows 2000 , MS Windows Vista
bulletPeripheral Devices USB port , CD-ROM drive

Miscellaneous

bulletCables Included A/V cable , Component video cable , USB cable

Power

bulletPower Device Power adapter - External

Battery

bulletSupported Battery Sony NP-FH60
bulletSupported Battery 1 x Sony NP-FH60 Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )

Viewfinder / Display

bulletDisplay Form Factor Rotating
bulletDisplay Format 921,000 pixels
bulletViewfinder Color Support Color

Physical Characteristics

bulletWidth 2.8 in
bulletDepth 5.4 in
bulletHeight 3 in
bulletWeight 18 oz

 

 

                                

 

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Last modified: June 18, 2015