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When I'm taking pictures of my log fire the flames and embers come out in rich shades of purple rather than red. I've tweaked everything I can on my camera; white balance, metering, ISO, exposure, but nothing makes a difference.

I'm assuming there's some obvious reason for why this is happening but I'm at a loss. Why are my pictures coming out purple?

Using a Sony Xperia Z camera phone

EXAMPLE
Example of purple embers

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7
  • is it only fire or all bright and clipped highlights?
    – Michael Nielsen
    Dec 30 '13 at 11:58
  • Just fire so far @MichaelNielsen
    – CLockeWork
    Dec 30 '13 at 14:27
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    I realize this has been solved, but any chance you could post a sample image. I'm really curious what it looks like and it would make it easier for those unfamiliar with the problem to see what's happening.
    – AJ Henderson ♦
    Dec 30 '13 at 14:44
  • No worries @AJHenderson, I deleted most of them but I kept the one I've attached as I thought it looked kinda cool :D
    – CLockeWork
    Dec 30 '13 at 14:50
  • Oh wow, that's crazy. I've honestly never seen a camera do that before, but then again, I'd be a little upset if my high end DSLR didn't have a good IR filter and I don't think I've ever thought to point my smartphone at a fire before. Now I'm curious to try though.
    – AJ Henderson ♦
    Dec 30 '13 at 14:55
18

What you are seeing is Infra-Red (AKA 'IR')

The sensor (probably) has an IR filter, but strong sources such as fire can still get through, and show up as a light purple on most CCD / CMOS sensors.

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9
  • Thanks Darkcat. Is there any way to counter it (short of PhotoShop)?
    – CLockeWork
    Dec 30 '13 at 11:27
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    not really - the only method i can think of is to find some sort of extra IR filter and put it over you lens. You could possibly get one off a dead camera sensor.
    – Digital Lightcraft
    Dec 30 '13 at 11:39
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    that wouldnt fit. on thorlabs and edmundoptics you can find IR cut filters in all sizes mounted and unmounted.
    – Michael Nielsen
    Dec 30 '13 at 11:44
  • @MichaelNielsen - yes it would, use blu-tak.
    – Digital Lightcraft
    Dec 30 '13 at 11:48
  • are you talking about putting in on the sensor or the lens?
    – Michael Nielsen
    Dec 30 '13 at 11:50

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