Hi. I'm looking for a digital camera for Christmas and when I go out, I see cameras that flash a red or orange light at the subject when the person presses down on the button a little bit so they can see what they're taking as a picture. If I'm in pitch black or VERY dark, I can't see what I'm taking a picture of. If you can let me know what feature it's called when they flash the light to see what they are taking the picture of, that would be great. Thanks.
2006-12-10 10:41:33 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
It's just a focus aid for low light situations. Most cameras have one of some kind. Some you can see (white) and some you can't see so much (infra-red).
2006-12-10 10:43:22 · answer #1 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If it's red or orange, it's called a auto-focus assist light.
It's so that camera can see to focus, but if it helps you also, so much the better!
Some of them are infrared, like a remote control, but you want one that also shows some visible light.
You're just going to have to do some checking on them and see which have it.
I'd recommend a camera store. They will even, I'm sure, have a dark room or box where you can check it in.
If they are white flashes from the flash unit, that's a "pre-flash" used to reduce red-eye.
Red-eye is the reflection of the flash off of the back of the retina (which is red). The pre-flash causes the subjects pupils to contract, thus minimizing the reflection.
This is most visible when the lens is near the flash, and thus has become a common problem starting with 126 and 110 cartridge cameras, and has gotten more prevalent as cameras get smaller.
2006-12-10 18:53:12 · answer #2 · answered by Jon W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the brand and model then yes this is a "low light focus assist" As described by others, it shines a light that the camera can auto focus on when there is not enough light for it to auto focus otherwise.
Some cameras also flash this light just before the photo is taken, the idea is that the flash of light causes a person's pupils to contract thus reducing or hopefully eliminating red-eye. This auto focus light is used to save the "charge" in the flash unit for full power.
2006-12-10 20:49:49 · answer #3 · answered by teef_au 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sam's got it right. As usual. The (continuous) red/ orange light is "auto-focus assist". It's not really intended as an aid for the photographer, but so the camera can lock on. Creative thinking though!
Regarding the answers directly above and below mine - that's called "pre-flash" (when the flash blinks a few times before the shot is taken to reduce red eye)
2006-12-10 18:45:55 · answer #4 · answered by OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
O that! It's red eye reduction which means if u are taking a picture and there is some lights, it reduces a red dot in ur eyes. Only use the
red eye reduction when say ur under a light or sunny day!! Hope that help you out!
2006-12-10 22:12:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The reason that the camera flashes is that it's trying to reduce red eye... not so you can see what you're shooting.
Bright light reduces the size of the pupil (dark light make pupil dialate-- which causes red eye).
The feature is called "red eye reduction."
Hope that helps.
2006-12-10 18:46:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Red eye reduction.
2006-12-10 18:43:36 · answer #7 · answered by They call me ... Trixie. 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Night-vision?
2006-12-10 18:43:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋