Sale: New modified Canon XS (1000D) "Body Only" - $775 Click Here for Details
Sale: New modified Canon XS (1000D) including "EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS Lens" - $850 Click Here for Details
Modification Service: I will convert your Canon XSi (450D) or XS (1000D) for astro or infrared imaging for a fee of $190 plus $20 return shipping, UPS ground insured. Orders accepted within continental United States only. Also selling new modified Canon 1000D cameras, both "body only" and "with Image Stabilizer 18-55mm lens".
Service Procedure:
Step 1. To initiate an order, send me an email at :
In the email tell me which camera you will be sending and the type of modification preferred along with your full shipping address. The two types of modification are:
In the email, let me know if you will also be providing the replacement filter or optical glass to me for the modification. As an alternative, I can provide a Baader UV/IR replacement filter for an additional $90.
Step 2. I will reply to your email with instructions for how, where and when to ship the camera and any replacement filter or glass. A replacement filter or clear glass can be purchased directly from these recommended dealers:
Baader UV/IR filter: Alpine Astro - Part Number FBCF-400D, Baader DSLR BCF Filter, rectangular (unmounted) Astro Conversion Filter, for Canon EOS 400XTi (400D, 40D, 450D, 50D, 1000D/Rebel XS).
Clear Glass: Life Pixel - Canon clear hot mirror replacement filter, SKU: CCLR-Be sure to select filter for Canon Rebel XSi (450D). This filter will fit the Canon XS (1000D) as well. Note: I hope to be offering a lower cost clear glass replacement soon.
Step 3. Payment of $190 plus $20 shipping is required before I begin the modification. An additional $90 is required if I will be providing the Baader UV/IR filter. You can include a personal check, money order or bank check with your camera shipment. Please allow up to five business days for personal checks to clear. If you prefer to pay by credit card, I will email an invoice to you for making payment using PayPal; a PayPal account is not required. Upon receipt I will inspect and test the camera as shipped and send an email to you with the expected completion date, usually within three business days.
Step 4. I will send you a notification by email when your camera modification is completed along with test results and shipping information.
Frequent questions:
Q. Which type of modification is best?
A. The type of modification depends on how you plan to use the modified camera. Each type has its advantages.
The Baader UV/IR filter replacement is a much milder UV-IR-Cut filter than the original Canon IR Cut filter and it allows the H-Alpha wavelength to pass for deep sky. It also blocks higher infrared wavelengths that cause poor focus and bloated stars with refractor telescopes and camera lenses. Because the Baader replacement filter is the same thickness as the original Canon IR cut filter, the camera's autofocus feature and optical viewfinder will continue to work as in the original un-modified camera. The camera's custom white balance feature can be used to correct color balance or an external color correcting filter can be used.
If a clear glass replacement is done, a UV/IR filter will need to be used in the optical train outside of the camera body if imaging with refractor telescopes and camera lenses. If the clear glass replacement is the same thickness as the original Canon IR cut filter, the camera's autofocus feature and optical viewfinder will continue to work as in the original un-modified camera. The camera's custom white balance feature can be used to correct color balance or an external color correcting filter can be used.
If the original Canon IR Cut filter is removed and replaced with nothing, the camera's autofocus and optical viewfinder will not work. Since the 450D and 1000D have the live view focusing feature, using it instead would work well for astro imaging using a telescope. Some camera lenses may not be able to focus at infinity for astro imaging.
If you have questions on which type of modification may be best for you, send me an email.
Q. What happens to the Canon Warranty?
A. Opening the camera for the modification will void your Canon Warranty. I have no way of being certain that the camera you send to me has been previously altered and I will accept only unmodified cameras. If it is clearly found during inspection of the camera you send that the camera has been previously opened, is malfunctioning or damaged; it will be immediately returned without modification and the $20 shipping cost will be retained.
I do not accept cameras for repair service.
When I receive your camera I will test its functions before beginning any modification and also afterward. Be assured that I want your camera to work well after the modification and I will correct any problems that should occur as a result of the modification for a 60 day period after you receive the modified camera.
Precautions are taken during the modification process to minimize dust particles. Minor dust motes may occur on the modified camera and these can be removed by using flat fields. The filter designated by Canon as the "Low-pass 1" filter will be left in the camera unaltered. It is an anti-aliasing filter that Canon is using as a dust cleaning surface and is explained on Canon's web site as follows:
"Self Cleaning Sensor Unit - A key element of minimizing dust is preventing it from clinging to the front surface of the imaging sensor. To combat against this, the EOS Rebel XSi features a Canon-designed Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low-pass filter at the front of the sensor shakes off dust automatically with ultrasonic vibrations, removing dust from the sensor assembly. The EOS Rebel XSi has a new coating on the front surface of the low-pass filter, to increase its resistance to dust sticking to the sensor."
When you place the modification order you will be agreeing to this: See Disclaimer
Q. How long will it take to complete the modification and return the camera?
A. As an avid astro imager, I understand your need to have your camera returned as soon as possible. As per the Service Procedure steps listed above, I will not ask you to ship your camera to me for modification or pay for the modification service until I am ready to begin and complete its conversion in short order. The usual completion time for the modification is within three business days from receipt of your camera. My service will be closed during certain New Moon periods.
Support Group:
Please contact me directly concerning any questions relating to the DSLR modification service I perform. Another way to obtain modification information is to join the DSLR Modifications yahoo group. This group is place where you can ask questions about DSLR modifications and share your ideas and experiences if you have modified your camera. As moderator of the group I will be available to answer any questions on my DSLR modification service or online modification instructions. The group is open to everyone.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLRmodifications/
About Me:
I am a graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering. I am licensed as a Professional Engineer and have over 33 years experience as an Electronic Engineer in the Telecommunications Industry as an employee of a United States Government Federal Agency. I have been modifying Canon DSLR cameras since 2004 and have been providing detailed modification instructions online since then to assist others wanting to modify their cameras. I have been involved in astrophotography and astro imaging since 1989. My images have been published in Sky & Telescope Magazine, AstroPhoto Insight Magazine and "Digital Photography". I am also a member of the International Dark Sky Association and have been actively involved in light pollution reduction efforts for over 20 years.
Click here for my Gallery of Modified Canon 450D (XSi) DSLR astro images.
Also see my modification instructions for the Canon Digital Rebel 300D.
The brand name "CANON" is the property of Canon Inc.