nightshot?

In article pan.2006.12.27.18.41.47.450372@firstcoastinternet .org,
JamesDorset wrote:

Sony has a "nightshot" feature on some of their cameras and video-cameras.
They advertise zero lux capability.

Besides turning on one or more infrared LEDs, do these cameras put an
infrared filter in front of the lens? Since the range of the IR LEDs is
very limited, would "nightshot" give you an edge on recording aircraft and
visible satellites at night?

For shooting aircraft and visible satellites at night, could a Canon
videocam simulate nightshot mode by putting an infrared lens in front of
the lens? What would be the best video camera/lens combo for this type of
filming?

I really appreciate any info.....


The IR LEDs are just a hair beyond the red color; near IR. Some IR LEDs
are can be seen in total darkness as a colorless light. Some IR LEDs
and lasers look red but that's often actual red light from accidental or
intentional impurities.

Whether or not the camera's IR sensitivity is deep enough for astronomy
is something you'd have to test. I doubt it. IR sensitivity is usually
undesirable because it alters the image in ways that a natural eye does
not see. The Oly C2000Z tended to produce cyan halos with dimmed
incandescent lighting. It ruined many of my photos.