Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Infrared Use on New Camcoders?? Ghosthunting

Sep 3, 2011 8:56PM PDT

Hi I wanted to buy a new handycam with nightshot / infrared feature. I tried to look for the model Sony XR550e in India but it is not available anywhere. and no other model has nightshot anymore.
The other option that i have is the Sony xr160e but the night shot is still missing. I would like to know if i can use an infrared filter on it and still record in total darkness? How would the quality be?
If this is possible please let me know and also please tell me if there are any other available models with infrared feature.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
I think the
Sep 4, 2011 3:02AM PDT

NightShot or SuperNightShot mode for zero-visible-light video capture and using its internal (or external) infrared emitter is available in the Sony HDR-CX700 and HDR-CX900 camcorders. The Sony HVR-A1 also has a built-in IR emmiter.

- Collapse -
:(
Sep 4, 2011 3:43PM PDT

i tried finding out about those models... but these models are not available anymore... Sad... i know bill and howell has comcoders with IR but ill have to order them online but the specs of those are really low...

- Collapse -
Hmmm... interesting.
Sep 5, 2011 1:19AM PDT

You are right - they do not appear on the India Sony localized site. But the UK has the HDR-CX700VE and HDR-CX520VE. Looks like there are consumer PAL camcorders available from Sony with NightShot - but just not being made available in India.