TEQmart.com

• Digital Cameras use something called "contrast detection" when they focus on a subject. I'm not going to go into the technical explanation of how it works since it doesn't really help with this question.
• When light levels are low, the camera may not be able to decide on a focus distance. Some cameras won't take a picture, while others default to some preset focus distance (usually infinity). This can be a real problem.
• That's where AF illuminator -- also called AF assist lamps -- come into play. They cast a bright, focused beam of light -- usually white or orange -- onto the subject, so the camera can "see" a little better and focus properly. Other cameras use infrared or laser-based focusing, but it's the same result in the end.
• What is low light exactly? For me, that's indoors without very strong lighting. There are some cameras that I can't even do the redeye test on because they won't focus.
• Cameras with an AF illuminator do a much better job in low light situations, and that's probably why you'll want one.
  

If you do lots of outdoor or studio photography it's not a big deal, but for indoor candids, it's a good id.

Also read these articles....

The Two Types of Digital Cameras

What Are Megapixels & Should I Care?

Things you should look after while buying your Digi cams

Comments (0)