Canon Digital Rebel XSi (450D), XS (1000D), T1i (500D), T2i (550D) & 600D Modification Instructions

by Gary Honis

Page 7 - Camera Re-assembly Completed

Removal of IR Cut Filter for Astrophotography

Completion of Re-assembly:

44. Install three screws as shown. ***500D: For 500D see Step 44A instead.

44A. ***500D only: Install four screws as shown below:

44B. ***500D only: Ribbon cable "C" needs to be slid behind small metal clip:

44C. The back of the camera is now connected to the camera body with this last ribbon cable:

45. Close up the camera by sliding the camera back fully onto the camera body. ***500D only: Install two screws as shown below:

46. Insert port cover:

47. Install one short screw and one long screw near the neck strap mounts as shown:

48. Install two screws as shown:

***1000D: both screws are short.

49. Install one screw as shown:

***1000D has 2 (short) screws instead of one long screw.

50. Install four screws as shown:

51. Install three screws as shown, slide on viewfinder cover and reapply sticky backed black rubber piece:

***1000D has no rubber grip piece. ***600D has only two screws

Modification completed.....Congratulations!

Next is the anxious moment.......turning the camera on and testing it to see if all works well. When you turn the camera on, you should get a message to reset the date and time. This is normal since the battery had been out for a long time. Reset both and test that all camera functions work well.

If you found my modifications instructions useful and would like to support my efforts to keep them updated and available, please consider a small donation via PayPal. Even a dollar or two will help me with web hosting costs. Thank You!

I took some test images with the kit lens at 18mm. The first image was taken in my backyard with the 450D before modification as a reference. The other three images were taken after the Baader modification. The second image was with auto white balance (AWB). The third image was taken with the X-nite CC1 filter added to the kit lens which corrects the camera to compensate for the original IR cut filter that was removed in the modification . The Astronomik OWB clip filter is another option to return the camera to its original white balance operation. Contact me by email if you need one. The fourth image was taken HOYA R72 Infrared Filter. I was surprised that live-view focusing worked so well for the infrared image which was 1/10 second exposure at F4.5 and ISO 400. A Full Spectrum modified camera would instead allow very short exposures for daytime infrared photogrpahy.

___1. Before Modification________________________2. After Modification____________

___3. After Modification w/ CC1 Filter___________ _4. After Mod. w/HOYA R72_______

Another method of correcting white balance with the modified camera is to use the Custom White Balance feature of the 450D. For a discussion of color balance issues continue to Page 8:

CONTINUED Next Page - Correcting Color Balance

If you completed the modification and would like to let me know how it went for you, you can contact me at the following email address:

I will add any comments to the modification instructions that might be helpful to others and a link to your site if you wish.

For comments from those that have done the modification CLICK HERE.

For an ongoing discussion of DSLR modifications see the Yahoo Discussion Group "DSLR Modifications".....JOIN HERE.

------Order these two guides by Jerry Lodriguss for DSLR Astro-imaging------

So you now have a modified DSLR for astro imaging. If you are a beginner to DSLR astrophotography, your next best step is to learn all you can about using your modified DSLR. When I complete camera modifications for owners, I get many questions afterward about how to use the camera, including: How to get precise focus? Which exposure settings to use? How to calibrate, align and stack exposures? How to adjust white balance? How to process images?

I am happy to advise and welcome all questions, but the best advice I can give is to order "A Beginner's Guide To DSLR Astrophotography". The book on CD-ROM is authored by Jerry Lodriguss, a professional photographer, amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. Based on his over 25 years of astrophotography experience, he makes it an easy learning process to capture and process astro images. Jerry also has a more advanced book on CD-ROM available: "A Guide to Astrophotography with DSLR Cameras". Consider arming yourself with both these books on CD-ROM, read them at your leisure and maximize your potential for capturing and creating the most spectacular DSLR astro images your modified camera can provide.

Those located in the United States can place orders for Jerry's Books on CD-ROM here:

Domestic orders for "A Beginner's Guide To DSLR Astrophotography".

Domestic orders for "A Guide to Astrophotography with DSLR Cameras".

Those located outside of the United States can place orders for Jerry's Books on CD-ROM here:

Foreign orders for "A Beginner's Guide To DSLR Astrophotography".

Foreign orders for "A Guide to Astrophotography with DSLR Cameras".

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