For white balance issues and a prior discussion of using the "Custom White Balance" feature of the Digital Rebel versus use of a "Color Correcting" filter see Page 8.
Instead of using custom white balance for correcting the color of daytime photographs with the modified camera, I am getting better results using the X-nite CC1 "Color Correcting" filter by maxmax.com. The color correcting filter is mounted on the camera lens. The following test images were taken to determine the ability of the color correcting filter to allow for normal daytime photographs using the Auto White Balance (AWB) camera setting. Camera settings used were as follows:
Processing was kept to the minimum for testing: RAW images were converted to JPGs in Canon's "Digital Photo Professional version 1.5" then resized in Photoshop and saved as JPGs. No sharpening was done. The "No Modification" images were taken with a Canon 10D. The "Modified Rebel" images were taken with a Canon Digital Rebel with the IR Filter removed and replaced with a coated clear glass window as explained on Pages 1 through 10; and the X-nite CC1 color correcting filter installed on the camera lens:
__________NO MODIFICATION (10D)_______________________MODIFIED REBEL with X-nite CC1 Filter______
OUTDOOR - Full Sunlight:
INDOOR - Mix of incandescent and fluorescent light:
Click on thumbnails above for larger (900X600) images and image exposure settings
Conclusion: The X-nite CC1 color correcting filter provides excellent color correction on the modified Digital Rebel. The camera focus point of the modified camera has been retained by use of the clear glass window and .1mm shims as discussed on Page 9. The modified camera with the clear glass window has the advantage of being very versatile for astro and infrared imaging using cut and pass filters. One color correcting filter can be mounted on a collection of lenses by using step rings. A disadvantage of using a color correcting filter is that the viewfinder image is dimmed slightly; so for marginal low light conditions, manual and auto focus may be slightly compromised.
Processed image of Blue Jay with Modified Rebel and X-nite filter:
CLICK HERE for a comparison of the un-processed and processed images of the Blue Jay.
Continue to Page 11: Daytime Infrared Testing - 300D
Continue to Page 14: Daytime Infrared Testing - 450D