IR Modeling light idea?

[mddolson]

Do digital autofocus cameras see IR light.

More specifically can digitaL autofocus cameras FOCUS on IR light at night?
I have noticed my dive light disturbs and scares off some fish and nocturnal crtitters like crayfish.

I know there are IR LED's readily available and I'm an avid DIY project guy,
So the idea is to build an IR , LED modeling light.
This is outside the visible spectrum for most of us and hopefully the fish too.
However it would be pointless if the camera can't use the IR light to focus on the object.

Mike D

 

[sharkbaitDAN]

You could try using a plain red light. From what I have witnessed and heard, a lot of animals that live underwater do not see the red wavelength very well (maybe not at all?). I don't know if the camera would have trouble focusing with red light, I wouldn't think so. White balance might also be thrown off with a red focus light if it was set to auto, but again, that's only speculation.

 

[MarkH]

Do digital autofocus cameras see IR light.

More specifically can digitaL autofocus cameras FOCUS on IR light at night?
I have noticed my dive light disturbs and scares off some fish and nocturnal crtitters like crayfish.

I know there are IR LED's readily available and I'm an avid DIY project guy,
So the idea is to build an IR , LED modeling light.
This is outside the visible spectrum for most of us and hopefully the fish too.
However it would be pointless if the camera can't use the IR light to focus on the object.

Mike D

I know at least some cameras had a built-in infra-red modeling light for auto focusing. Some cameras probably still do, but I have no idea about modern digitals.