What is an "AF Illuminator"?

What is an "AF Illuminator"?

Mark Comon (Vice President, Paul's Photo, Torrance, CA) gives expert video advice on: What are some helpful features my digital camera could have?; What are features of some digital cameras that I don't need?; What is the difference between an "optical zoom" and "digital zoom"? and more...

With special features of a digital camera, the AF illuminator, or autofocus illuminator allows the camera to focus in low light. Remember we talked about with focusing; the camera needs light to see. So, if there's no light or low light, the camera sends out a red, white or orange beam to allow the focus engine in the camera to see the subject and take the picture. When you're using the autofocus illuminator it could take a little bit longer for the digital camera to focus; if you want to shoot further distance and in lower light, adding an external flash to your digital camera increases the power to the autofocus illuminator, this will allow you to shoot better in low light or at distances with more light.