8 replies to this topic

[jason82]

I have a sony mini dv with super night shot. I know it says that you shouldn't use it in bright light or it could damage it but if I'm on an investigation and people are using white light flashlights is that enough to hurt it?

[DeadTrish]

jason82, on Sep 7 2007, 12:10 PM, said:

I have a sony mini dv with super night shot. I know it says that you shouldn't use it in bright light or it could damage it but if I'm on an investigation and people are using white light flashlights is that enough to hurt it?

Now I don't know for sure. Not an expert on things but I don't think flashlights could harm it. I mean maybe repeated exposure to really really bright light might. I don't think though other flashlights should harm it. I've been on many investigations with others with white light and mine is still fine. Hey also I have a sony mini dv as well. The super nightshot is great compared to other "regular" night shot. But you might want to look into an extender. Sony makes a great one. I got mine off ebay a while ago. If you just do a search for Sony IR extender. Hope that helps.

[RON3002]

I also have the same model and have never had a problem with flashlights.Also the extender is a great investment

[DeadWatch]

Jason...I agree with the other two here...regular flashlights won't hurt it, but a red filter maintains the IR integrity and normal light could produce false positives.

[jason82]

DeadWatch, on Sep 8 2007, 10:39 AM, said:

Jason...I agree with the other two here...regular flashlights won't hurt it, but a red filter maintains the IR integrity and normal light could produce false positives.

I have a HC38 I dont think the extender fits it...

[DeadWatch]

I meant a red filter for your flashlight. Also you can buy IR illuminators that run off electricity and don't attach to your camera. They come in all sizes from 10 bulbs all the way to 300 bulbs that will illuminate up to 300 feet.

[DeadTrish]

jason82, on Sep 8 2007, 01:45 PM, said:

DeadWatch, on Sep 8 2007, 10:39 AM, said:

Jason...I agree with the other two here...regular flashlights won't hurt it, but a red filter maintains the IR integrity and normal light could produce false positives.

I have a HC38 I dont think the extender fits it...

The extender should fit any model. The arm it comes with screws into the threads at the bottom which you would normal screw a tripod into. Thats the good thing about the extender.

[Richard Kimmel]

Quite frankly, I would not consider shining any white light directly at the IR sensor on your camcorder. However, when it comes to still photography, since most current digital cameras utilize an auto-focus beam. I would avoid, if at all possible, other's from flashing their camera directly into yours at close range, this would also be inclusive of camcorders. A good reason to call "flash" when you're about to take a picture while others are photographing.

[damckie]

Richard Kimmel, on Sep 11 2007, 01:19 PM, said:

Quite frankly, I would not consider shining any white light directly at the IR sensor on your camcorder. However, when it comes to still photography, since most current digital cameras utilize an auto-focus beam. I would avoid, if at all possible, other's from flashing their camera directly into yours at close range, this would also be inclusive of camcorders. A good reason to call "flash" when you're about to take a picture while others are photographing.

Very well put Richard. Couldn't of said it better myself! Dave