IR eith Pentax slr

[RioRico]

On the K20D, does setting the Capture Processing function to Monochrome-Infrared actually produce an IR image (ie, is the hotmirror whisked away), or is it just a simulation???

Yes, Fuji has a small line of forensic DSLRs, with varying IR/UV capabilities. Sigma also has an IR-friendly DSLR, notable in that the IR/UV blockers are in FRONT of the reflex mirror, and are easily removed and replaced, so the user can narrow-in on any desired portion of the 'light' spectrum.

To try IR without spending in the Fuji-Sigma cost range, and/or without having your DSLR permanantly blinded to visible light, look to eBay. Many PNS cams more-or-less modified for IR are available for $200-$400. Or you can buy an old Sony DSC-V1 with NightShot which snaps-away the IR hotmirror, then get an adaptor tube and an R72 or whatever IR filter. With both the Sony V1 and Minolta Dimage F300-IR, I can shoot handheld in daylight at up to 1/250 sec. No more stinking tripod!

A note on IR conversions: If you have your DSLR's hotmirror removed (which will cost you a couple hundred bucks), it's not permanently blinded to visible light. You can always buy an expensive IR-blocking filter to give you living color again. Let's see, that filter also costs a couple hundred bucks... Hmmm...