In 1998, why did Sony have to suddenly modify five of their Handycam camcorders before they went on sale to the general public?

Senior Moments

Not long after the new Handycam had become popular, someone in Japan discovered that when filming in the dark using the built in infrared emitters, peoples underwear showed through their clothes. The effect was not seen in daylight and so it became obvious that by filtering out all visible light and allowing only infrared to pass the effect could be extended to work under bright sunshine. The gentleman in question, according to reports, acquired an infrared filter (reported to be a Hoya RM90) and paid a visit to a local swimming pool to observe people in bathing costumes and put it to the test. Unfortunately for him he was caught and his antics uncovered. Shortly after, a men’s magazine in Japan published information on seeing through clothes with the Handycam and the news spread like wild-fire. It has since become apparent that photography enthusiasts who have taken infrared pictures using still cameras have occasionally stumbled across this effect. However, it is very difficult to achieve using a conventional camera and so it remained mostly unknown. Nov 24 03, 3:53 AM