IR-Cut, NoIR and Infrared Filters for Camera Modules

Choose a camera's optical filter by specifying the wavelengths the application needs to capture, the illumination it uses, and the required image appearance. Ask for the exact filter type and transmission curve with the proposed module configuration.

A useful purchase record includes the sensor, lens, filter, lighting, and processing configuration together. This guide explains the questions to resolve when comparing visible-light and near-infrared imaging options.

Define the intended imaging task

Describe what the camera must reveal. A project may need consistent visible-light colors, an image under a defined near-infrared illuminator, or separate operating conditions for day and night. Record the lighting and acceptance criteria for each condition.

Include the subject and working distance. Keep example scenes or targets that represent the task, together with a description of the features the application will evaluate. That gives the supplier a concrete requirement to review.

Identify what each filter configuration transmits

IR-cut configurations reduce infrared reaching the sensor. A documented example is Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3, whose standard variants filter infrared while its NoIR variants capture both visible and infrared light. The example illustrates why the complete optical configuration belongs in the specification. Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 variants

Optical-filter terms describe different spectral behaviors. A shortpass filter transmits a lower-wavelength region, a longpass filter transmits a higher-wavelength region, and a bandpass filter transmits a bounded region. Request the transmission range and blocking specifications for the actual part. Optical filter terminology

For a candidate described as NoIR, ask which optical elements remain in the assembly and request the applicable spectral-response information. Record whether the configuration is fixed or has a documented switching mechanism.

Read wavelength labels with the transmission curve

A label such as “650 nm” or “850 nm” needs an accompanying definition. Ask whether it identifies a cutoff, a passband center, an illuminator wavelength, or another specified property. Request the part number, curve, units, and operating conditions used to describe it.

For a bandpass candidate, obtain its center wavelength, passband width, transmission, and out-of-band blocking. For a cutoff candidate, obtain the specified transition and transmission regions. Edmund Optics defines these filter properties and describes how incidence angle can affect interference-filter behavior. Filter specifications

Use the documentation to check transmission at the wavelength your illumination actually supplies. Ask the integration team to review the lens, filter, sensor response, and light source as one proposed optical path.

Evaluate lighting and processing together

Prepare a capture plan for each intended lighting condition. Keep the light source settings, object distance, exposure, gain, focus, and processing settings with the saved image. If you compare configurations, use the same scene and document every changed setting.

Camera processing can have configuration-specific behavior. Raspberry Pi documents different autofocus behavior for Camera Module 3 under infrared illumination. For your proposed hardware, ask which focus and image-processing controls are supported and how they will be validated. Camera Module 3 autofocus documentation

Define a result your application can judge, such as a target feature being readable at the required distance under the specified illumination. For color-sensitive work, include a reference target and record the lighting and processing used to assess the result.

Use the RAW, YUV and ISP guide to document where image processing occurs. The lens and field-of-view guide helps specify coverage and focus evaluation.

Keep a configuration-specific comparison record

Use a separate row or sheet for each proposed assembly. Ask the supplier to identify the configuration that the quotation and supporting files describe.

In a two-camera project, record these details for each optical path. Include the paired evaluation conditions if the images will be processed together. Our stereo synchronization and calibration guide covers the additional timing and calibration questions.

Ask about the exact product configuration

For our dual-lens camera module, review the published configuration and ask us to confirm the filter information relevant to your lighting requirements. Include the intended wavelength, working distance, host software, required output, and quantity.

Attach a requirement sheet showing the lighting conditions and example target. Use the integration checklist for the remaining electrical and software questions, then send your project details for review before ordering.