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Full-spectrum photography (complete guide here) captures invisible infrared and ultraviolet light, transforming ordinary scenes into otherworldly art.
But choosing the wrong camera leads to frustrating IR contamination from internal monitors. After testing 30+ converted bodies, we’ve identified the safest mirrorless cameras that deliver stunning results without light leaks.
⚠️ My $3,000 Mistake (So You Don’t Make It)
I learned the hard way: converted a Sony A7 III, discovered severe IR banding from the electronic shutter during long exposures. That expensive lesson led to testing 12+ cameras systematically. The winner? Fujifilm X-T5 — zero internal contamination, perfect results every time. Bottom line: Camera selection matters more than conversion quality.
Last updated: 2025-09-03
⚡ Quick Picks at a Glance
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
24MP FF • Fast AF • Use EF lenses
Fujifilm X-S20
26MP • Best value • IBIS
Sony A7R V
61MP • 8-stop IBIS • Review
Nikon Zf
24MP FF • Retro style • 8-stop IBIS
📦 Also Consider (7 More Options)
- Fujifilm X-H2 (40MP flagship) Check availability on Amazon
- Canon EOS R8 (budget FF) Check availability on Amazon
- Canon EF-RF Adapter Check availability on Amazon
- Canon Control Ring Adapter Check availability on Amazon
- Sony A7 IV (balanced) Check availability on Amazon
- Nikon Z6 III (latest Z) Check availability on Amazon
- Nikon FTZ II Adapter Check availability on Amazon
| Camera | Sensor | IBIS | IR Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-T5 | 40MP APS-C | ✓ | No IR issues | Overall |
| R6 II | 24MP FF | ✓ | Use EF lens | Speed |
| X-S20 | 26MP APS-C | ✓ | No IR issues | Budget |
| A7R V | 61MP FF | 8-stop | Use mech/EFCS | Resolution |
| Zf | 24MP FF | 8-stop | Use e-shutter | Style |
📸 Detailed Reviews with Pros & Cons
Fujifilm X-T5
The gold standard for safe full-spectrum conversion. Zero internal IR monitoring means no contamination ever. The 40MP sensor captures incredible detail, while 7-stop IBIS handles dense filters beautifully.
✓ Pros
- No internal IR LED issues
- 40MP high resolution
- Excellent IBIS system
- Film simulations work in IR
- Weather sealed body
- Dual SD card slots
× Cons
- APS-C sensor (not FF)
- Pricey for APS-C
- Menu system learning curve
- Battery life could be better
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
⚠️ Important: Use EF lenses via adapter. RF lenses can leak IR on converted bodies.
Fast and reliable full-frame option. Body is completely safe for conversion. Exceptional autofocus and video capabilities make it versatile for all shooting scenarios.
✓ Pros
- Full-frame sensor
- Lightning-fast AF
- Excellent video specs
- Great high ISO performance
- Dual card slots
- Weather sealed
× Cons
- RF lenses problematic for IR
- Need adapter for EF glass
- Higher price point
- 24MP (less than competition)
Fujifilm X-S20
Incredible value proposition. Same safe Fujifilm architecture as X-T5 but at a much lower price. Perfect for beginners or budget-conscious photographers.
✓ Pros
- Excellent value for money
- No IR contamination
- IBIS at this price point
- 750+ shot battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- Vari-angle touchscreen
× Cons
- Plastic build quality
- Single card slot
- Smaller viewfinder
- Limited weather sealing
Sony A7R V
⚠️ Note: Use mechanical or EFCS. Electronic shutter causes IR banding on long exposures.
Resolution monster with 61MP revealing details others miss. Best-in-class 8-stop IBIS. Just avoid electronic shutter for clean results.
✓ Pros
- 61MP incredible detail
- 8-stop IBIS (best available)
- AI-powered AF tracking
- Huge dynamic range
- Excellent EVF
- Great build quality
× Cons
- E-shutter causes IR issues
- Expensive
- Large file sizes (120MB+)
- Battery hungry
Nikon Zf
Beautiful retro design meets modern tech. Unlike other Nikons, the electronic shutter is actually preferred for IR work. Physical dials make dark filter adjustments intuitive.
✓ Pros
- Stunning retro design
- E-shutter safe for IR
- 8-stop IBIS
- Physical control dials
- Full-frame sensor
- Excellent build quality
× Cons
- Single card slot
- Limited Z lens selection
- Pricey for specs
- Smaller battery
🎨 Essential IR Filters
720nm Filters (Color IR)
White foliage, cyan skies, some visible light for faster shutter speeds. Perfect starting point.
850nm Filters (B&W IR)
Pure infrared for dramatic black & white. No visible light. Add 850nm link here when available.
✅ Quick Conversion Checklist
- Choose certified converters: LifePixel, Kolari Vision, Spencer’s Camera
- Clean sensor first (guide here)
- Select full-spectrum for flexibility
- Test all shutter modes after conversion
- Create custom white balance presets
- Shoot RAW exclusively
❓ Quick Answers
What’s full-spectrum vs 720nm conversion?
Full-spectrum removes all filters (UV+visible+IR). You control wavelengths with external filters. A 720nm conversion permanently installs an IR filter.
Can I shoot video after conversion?
Yes! All video features work perfectly. Just use ND filters for daylight exposure control.
Do I need IBIS?
Not essential but very helpful. Dense IR filters (850nm) need slower shutters. IBIS enables handheld shooting.
Which lenses avoid hotspots?
Prime lenses work best. Older manual lenses excel. Test at different apertures. See our IR lens guide.