When you're looking to buy a converted camera for infrared or full spectrum photography, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to go for a full spectrum conversion or a dedicated infrared conversion. Both have genuine advantages, and the right choice depends entirely on how you intend to use the camera. This guide explains the difference and helps you decide which is right for your needs. For a broader overview before diving in, see: What is a Full Spectrum Camera?
What is a Full Spectrum Conversion?
A full spectrum conversion removes the camera's internal IR cut filter and replaces it with an optically neutral piece of glass. The result is a camera whose sensor can detect ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light simultaneously — the full spectrum of light, hence the name.
A full spectrum camera is a versatile instrument. By attaching different filters to the lens, you can use it for:
- Standard colour photography (with an IR cut filter attached)
- Infrared photography at any wavelength (590nm, 680nm, 720nm, 850nm etc.)
- UV photography (with a UV pass filter)
- Near-infrared night vision (with an IR illuminator/floodlight)
- Unfiltered full spectrum imaging
The full spectrum camera is the Swiss Army knife of converted cameras — one body that can do everything, depending on which filter you attach.
What is a Dedicated IR Conversion?
A dedicated infrared conversion replaces the camera's internal IR cut filter with an infrared filter at a specific wavelength — most commonly 590nm, 680nm, 720nm, or 850nm. This filter is permanently installed inside the camera in place of the original IR cut filter.
The result is a camera that is permanently optimised for infrared photography at that specific wavelength. You don't need to attach an external filter to the lens — the filter is built in. The camera behaves like a standard camera in terms of handling and exposure, but every image it captures is an infrared image at the chosen wavelength.
The Key Differences
Versatility vs Optimisation
This is the central trade-off. A full spectrum camera is maximally versatile — it can shoot standard colour, infrared at any wavelength, and UV, all from a single body. A dedicated IR conversion is optimised for one specific type of infrared photography and does that one thing with maximum convenience and efficiency.
If you want to explore the full range of full spectrum imaging — or if you're not yet sure which infrared wavelength you prefer — a full spectrum conversion gives you the flexibility to experiment without committing to a single wavelength.
If you already know that you want to shoot, say, 720nm black and white infrared landscapes, a dedicated 720nm conversion will serve you better in day-to-day use.
Exposure and Autofocus
Both full spectrum and dedicated IR cameras meter and expose through whatever filter is in the optical path — whether that's an external filter on the lens or an internal conversion filter. The camera's auto exposure system handles infrared light just as it handles visible light, and handheld shooting is perfectly practical with either setup across all wavelengths.
The practical difference is one of convenience rather than capability. With a full spectrum camera, you attach and remove external filters depending on what you're shooting. With a dedicated IR conversion, the filter is permanently inside the camera — there's nothing to attach, and you pick up the camera and shoot immediately.
Convenience
A dedicated IR conversion is simply more convenient for infrared-only shooting. There's no filter to attach and remove, no risk of dropping or losing a filter, and no filter management between shots. You pick up the camera and shoot, just as you would with a standard camera.
A full spectrum camera requires you to carry and manage a set of filters, and to remember to attach the correct filter for each type of shooting. For a full guide to which filters you need, see: Essential Filters for a Full Spectrum Camera.
Standard Colour Photography
A full spectrum camera can shoot standard colour photography by attaching an IR cut filter to the lens. The results are very close to a standard unmodified camera, though there may be subtle differences in colour rendering depending on the quality of the external IR cut filter. For more on choosing the right IR cut filter, read: The Importance of Choosing the Right IR Cut Filter.
A dedicated IR conversion cannot shoot standard colour photography — every image will be an infrared image at the chosen wavelength. If you want to use the camera for standard colour work as well as infrared, a full spectrum conversion is the only option.
UV Photography
Only a full spectrum conversion supports UV photography. A dedicated IR conversion has an infrared filter permanently installed, which blocks UV light. If UV photography is any part of your interest, a full spectrum conversion is essential.
Cost
Full spectrum and dedicated IR conversions are typically similar in price for the conversion itself. However, a full spectrum camera requires an investment in filters — an IR cut filter for standard colour work, plus whichever infrared or UV filters you want to use. A dedicated IR conversion requires no additional filters for its primary purpose, though you may still want filters for creative effects.
Over time, the filter investment for a full spectrum camera can add up, particularly if you want to shoot across multiple wavelengths. A dedicated conversion at a single wavelength has lower ongoing accessory costs. For a full breakdown of what to budget for, see our Full Spectrum Camera Buying Guide.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Full Spectrum Conversion if:
- You want to use the camera for standard colour photography as well as infrared
- You want to explore UV photography
- You're new to infrared and want to experiment with different wavelengths before committing to one
- You want maximum versatility from a single body
- You're happy to manage a set of external filters as part of your workflow
Choose a Dedicated IR Conversion if:
- You know exactly which infrared wavelength you want to shoot and don't need to change
- You want the most streamlined, convenient workflow for infrared-only shooting
- You shoot action, wildlife, or other fast-moving subjects where having no filter to manage is an advantage
- You already have a separate standard camera for colour work
- You prefer to pick up the camera and shoot without any filter setup
The Two-Camera Solution
Many experienced infrared photographers end up with both: a full spectrum camera for versatility, UV work, and experimentation, and a dedicated IR conversion at their preferred wavelength for day-to-day infrared shooting. This combination gives you the best of both worlds — maximum flexibility when you need it, and maximum convenience when you don't.
If budget allows, this is the ideal setup. If you're starting with a single body, think carefully about your primary use case and choose accordingly.
If you're still unsure which conversion is right for you, get in touch — we're happy to talk through your specific needs and help you make the right choice.