Cameras' X-Ray Vision: Seeing Through Clothes

Infrared cameras can see through some clothes, particularly thin or light materials. This is because infrared light passes through certain materials in a way that visible light does not, making these materials appear transparent. While thermal cameras can detect heat signatures through clothing, they cannot produce a clear image of what is underneath. Infrared cameras have been used by smartphones for face unlock systems, and the Fujifilm X-T1 IR camera is geared towards crime scene investigators, healthcare applications, and scientists.

Infrared cameras can see through thin, dark clothing

Infrared (IR) cameras operate by detecting and imaging infrared radiation, which has a longer wavelength than visible light. This technology allows IR cameras to capture images beyond what the human eye can perceive. Certain fabrics, such as thin, dark clothing, may be transparent to specific infrared wavelengths, enabling IR cameras to "see through" them.

One notable example of this phenomenon is the OnePlus 8 Pro smartphone, which includes a "Photocrom" colour filter that utilizes infrared sensors to see through certain thin black plastics and fabrics. This feature provides a level of transparency that is more of a novelty than a privacy concern. Additionally, the Sony Nightshot camera, with its IR lamp and "night mode," could also see through certain types of clothing, such as cotton, although the images were of poor quality and had a light green tint.

It is important to note that the ability of IR cameras to see through clothing is not consistent across all fabrics and camera setups. The material of the clothing plays a significant role, with some fabrics being more transparent to infrared wavelengths than others. Additionally, the weave and thickness of the fabric can impact the visibility.

Furthermore, different types of IR cameras image different wavelength ranges. Ordinary infrared cameras typically image near-infrared up to 1100 nanometers (nm), while thermal imaging cameras detect much longer infrared waves. The specific wavelength range of an IR camera influences its ability to penetrate different materials.

While IR cameras can see through thin, dark clothing in certain situations, it is not a universal capability. The specific circumstances, such as fabric type and camera specifications, play a crucial role in determining the level of visibility achieved.

Thermal cameras can detect heat signatures through clothing

Thermal cameras, also known as infrared cameras, have the ability to capture heat signatures and produce images based on temperature variations. They work by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by objects and then converting this data into an image that represents the temperature distribution.

However, there are certain situations where thermal cameras may be able to provide more information about what is under the clothing. For instance, if an individual is wearing tight-fitting clothing or garments made from thin or light materials, the thermal camera may detect more heat escaping the body and, consequently, provide a stronger indication of the person's presence. Similarly, if a person has been exercising or is experiencing high levels of stress, their elevated body temperature may make it easier for a thermal camera to detect them.

It is important to note that the use of thermal cameras to see through clothing without an individual's consent is illegal in many places and may be considered a form of voyeurism or sexual harassment. Therefore, it is crucial to use these devices responsibly and with respect for people's privacy.

Sony manufactured an infrared camera that could see through clothing in 1998

In 1998, Sony manufactured an infrared camera that could see through certain types of clothing. The camera was equipped with night vision and infrared technology, allowing users to take pictures in the dark. However, when the infrared lens was used in daylight, it had the unintended consequence of being able to see through thin, dark-coloured clothing, such as swimsuits. This was due to the fabric's ability to absorb infrared light waves.

While the camera could reveal what was underneath the clothing, such as tattoos, underwear, and body parts, it was not a true "X-ray" vision. The camera did not produce a clear, detailed image, but rather a translucent effect, and only worked under specific conditions. Sony was quick to address the issue and initiated the biggest product recall in the company's history, recalling 700,000 cameras and changing the way it manufactured its night-vision mode.

The incident highlights an interesting aspect of technology: sometimes, features or flaws can go unnoticed during product testing and only come to light after the product is released to the public. In this case, the camera's ability to see through clothing was an unintended consequence of its infrared and night-vision capabilities.

It's important to note that using cameras to see through clothing without consent is illegal in many places and can be considered a form of voyeurism or sexual harassment. While the Sony camera recall was due to an innocent mistake, it underscores the importance of responsible technology use and respect for people's privacy.

OnePlus 8 Pro has a camera that can see through some plastics and dark clothing

The OnePlus 8 Pro smartphone has a unique feature that allows its camera to see through some plastics and dark clothing. This feature, called "Photocrom" or "Photochrom", is a colour filter in the camera app that uses the phone's infrared sensors to achieve this effect. While it is not true X-ray vision, it does provide a level of transparency that can be intriguing and even useful in certain situations.

To use this feature, users can open the camera app and access the "Photocrom" filter, which is typically the furthest to the right in the list of available colour filters. Once selected, the camera can then be pointed at objects covered in thin black plastic or dark fabric. It is important to note that the filter is quite selective and tends to work best with very thin black plastic, such as the casing on an Apple TV, or on objects that already have a semi-transparent appearance, like the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

The reason this works is due to the infrared sensors on the phone. Infrared radiation is invisible to the human eye, but it can be captured by specialised equipment, such as night vision goggles, which use it to provide a clear view in complete darkness. Similarly, the OnePlus 8 Pro's infrared sensors can capture this radiation and allow users to see through certain materials that visible light cannot penetrate. This capability is not limited to the OnePlus 8 Pro, as other devices like the iPhone TrueDepth camera can also be manipulated to create similar see-through images, although it currently requires a jailbroken iPhone.

While this feature may raise privacy concerns, particularly regarding the potential to see through clothing, it is important to note that its capabilities are limited. The filter is quite selective, and the clothing needs to be made of thin, dark fabric for it to work. Nevertheless, OnePlus may need to address this issue through a software update to alleviate any potential privacy risks, similar to what Sony had to do with one of their camcorders in the 1990s.

Fujifilm's X-T1 IR camera can see through thin clothing

The Fujifilm X-T1 IR camera can see through thin clothing. This is because it's able to ""see" infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. Visible light falls within a wavelength of 390nm (violet) and 700nm (red). Beyond that 700nm ceiling, you enter the near-infrared range between 750nm and 950nm. The Fujifilm X-T1 IR can capture light at wavelengths up to 1,000nm, dipping into the mid-infrared range.

Infrared photography can create artistic pictures. It captures surreal, dreamlike images of landscapes. For example, in broad daylight and the thick of summer, trees and grass can look like they're dusted with snow. At high noon, a light-blue sky takes on a dark-purple hue.

However, one unintended side effect of infrared photography is that it can see through thin clothing. The Fujifilm X-T1 IR camera is not the only device with this capability. Thermal cameras, for instance, can also detect heat signatures through clothing, but they cannot produce a clear image of what is underneath. This is because clothing acts as a barrier to infrared radiation, allowing only a small amount of heat to escape and be detected by the camera.

The Fujifilm X-T1 IR camera is designed for professionals, particularly crime-scene investigators, healthcare applications, and scientists. In the world of forensics, infrared photography can be used to analyse bloodstains, detect deep-tissue injuries, and see through scratched-out passages on documents. It is not intended for voyeuristic purposes, although there is a risk of it being misused by individuals with malicious intentions.

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