Converting a Compact Digital Camera to Shoot Infrared Only - 1. removing the infrared filter

In this video I show you how to convert Panasonic Lumix travel zoom camera ( the TZ6 - TZ10 or ZS3 - ZS7 or any camera with at least a 35mm lens flange diameter) to shoot infrared only. By removing the infrared blocking filter from the camera we increase the overall sensitivity of the camera to infrared and then to prevent visible light from affecting the display we install an infrared pass filter that blocks all wavelengths of light below 720nm (all visible light). I show the step by step procedures to do this and show the type of results to be expected after the conversion.

Later cameras require the IR blocking filter to be removed by inserting a sharp craft knife between the IR filter and the sensor to remove it. You may break this filter in the process but if you don't intend going back to full colour then this shouldn't be an issue.
Please don't attempt this if you aren't competent with precision tools and small equipment as it is possible that you may damage your camera and render it useless.
NOTE:
With some filters, you may see slight vignette at 4:3 aspect ratio but if you install the IR filter into the 37mm filter ring that is glued to the lens then this all but removes the vignette/

Part 2 will show fitting the infrared pass filter, picture taking and post-processing

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