IR Block vs IR Sensitive | Difference | Better

by Oscar

As part of the FPV camera selection, we have options of IR Block and IR Sensitive cameras. What differences does it make?

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Basically IR Block Camera gives you a brighter picture during day time, and the colour would appear more vivid, realistic and richer. However it’s not a very good camera to use in dim light situation such as at night. A good example is the CMQ1993X camera.

IR sensitive cameras are good for both day and night uses. However the picture quality is a bit poorer, colour looks a bit off but it not too bad to affect your visibility. It’s famous of great capability to use at night with low light lens. A good example is the PZ0420 camera.

Here are some simple comparisons.

IR Sensitive Image.

IR-sensitive

IR Block Image.

IR-block

IR Senstive camera perform much better at night.

IR block IR sensitive fpv camera comparison

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4 comments

zoran 26th May 2016 - 11:28 am

hello Oscar I have a question, i bought camera but image is purple, people at facebook group told me it is due missing IR block filter, is there a way of fixing it or i need to buy another lens? do any IR lens work or it needs to be specific? thank you

Reply
hein godeke 22nd April 2017 - 10:13 am

i have had the same problem when i bought a ir sensitive lens, but any ir-blocking lens will do.

Reply
Mx_Passi 18th April 2016 - 9:46 pm

Hello Oscar,

first of all I love your blog, there is no other side with this much info about multicopter. I have a question, finally I think an ir sensitive cam with an exchange lens with ir filter is the best option. But I cannot find exchange lenses for the RunCam Skyplus. Can you give me a hint?

Greetz from Europe

Reply
Oscar 20th April 2016 - 5:02 pm

sorry I am not sure if there are official lens you can swap out.. probably best to get in touch with Runcam on their website!
However I find IR blocked version work just great even low light in late afternoon.

Reply