Electronic Experts - I have a question...

[BrendanStewart]

Forgive me for posting this here, as it's not MF/LF related. But i have a question about something that some people here probably have quite a bit of expertise in. As i know a lot of Electrical Enginnering types hang out in this sub-forum.

I was recently in another forum where we had a conversation about how today's dSLR's have trouble focusing in low-light, particularly in conjunction with the assist beam from speedlights. I too have experienced this problem on occasion when trying to use a speedlight to light up fast moving people dancing in very low to non-existant lighting.

We then moved to the idea that the beam patter for flashes isn't adequate. For instance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9kLFD_SLxw  is fired by LED's which aren't strong enough nor hold precise contrast over long distances.

Then the idea of lasers was brought into the discussion. Something that doesn't blind someone and illuminates for less than a second came to mind.

As it turns out, after a short amount of research, someone had tried this in the past: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydscf707/14

The problem (in my opinion) is that they implemented it in the wrong camera. The camera they implemented it in has no focus points at all. The only complaint was they it would sometime focus on large objects in the frame as opposed to the intended object. Which is to be expected considering how it works.

Then, after a little more searching, it turns out that someone else made a device for AF purposes in dark situations also: http://deluxgear.com/products/pinpoint/pinpoint/

This product has a single beam, and requires the user to press the button to use the system. Not really efficient and the unit itself is rather bulky.

Lastly, it was requested by someone in that forum to show a beam patter that would be usable by a modern dSLR's focus points and be able to work in the darkest of conditions and traverse a little bit of distance without losing much resolution/contrast in the lines and i came up with this:
http://www.ghoststop.com/Laser-Grid-Scope-p/laser-greengrid.htm

What say you, EE gods? Does this seem entirely ridiculous to incorporate into a camera body or a flash system? Or even an intermediate unit that is placed between the camera body and flash?

For the automatic naysayers:
Lasers can be purchased at any local store. The fact that Sony invested in this technology on a consumer level camera also shows it can be implemented at a relatively low cost and not eat up too much battery. Lastly, DJ's at weddings now incorporate laser light shows and those don't really blind anyone either.

Any information/insight is GREATLY appreciated!

[Sareesh Sudhakaran]

Simple answer: It's a legal quagmire - each country has its own regulations. Major manufacturers can't please everyone and don't need the legal headache.

Also, not everyone agrees on the hazards, even for class 1 lasers; and, a moron with good intentions but poor design skills can make someone blind.

[BrendanStewart]

I'm confused then. Sony did it. Of all companies surely Sony would be cautious.

Next?

[bill t.]

Saw a prototype for a terrific cinema focusing system that would work in any light.  But not automatic.

Two slightly separated lasers project horizontal lines in front of the camera.  One of the lasers is rigged through a cam connected by gears to the lens focusing ring.  Converge the two lines on your subject by focusing the lens, and you've nailed focus.  Extremely decisive and totally non-ambiguous, you really knew when you had it.  The laser assembly allowed a slight amount of viscous pan and tilt relative to the camera center of interest, so the camera did not have to be pointed exactly at the desired focus point.  One concept was to make the beams emit in non visible light which the camera assistant could view through goggles.  Never went anywhere, but I believe you could find it on a patent search.

On the ghost hunting laser, they're claiming 8 miles visibility without the filter.  Worrisome.

[Douglas Fairbank]

If this helps, the way that Hasselblad solve the problem is to project a verticle line pattern on to the subject using a powerful LED and grid. No secret, just try one in low light and see for yourself. Older cameras use deep red LEDs and H4#s use white light LEDs.

[ondebanks]

http://www.ghoststop.com/Laser-Grid-Scope-p/laser-greengrid.htm

Folks, we're in the wrong business. The real money is to be made in selling gizmos to idiots who believe in ghosts!

Ray

[BrendanStewart]

If this helps, the way that Hasselblad solve the problem is to project a verticle line pattern on to the subject using a powerful LED and grid. No secret, just try one in low light and see for yourself. Older cameras use deep red LEDs and H4#s use white light LEDs.

Right my Hasselblad does this. And the Canon 580EXII does something similar. But they still hunt a bit in the darkest of light. I suspect it's because they get hazy over small distances. I was hoping a low powered laser could overcome that.