Is it possible to use an Infrared LED, as an invisible AF Assist light.

[MomentCapture]

Does anyone know if modern DSLR's can see invisible IR light (probably 850nm if any), and focus with that light instead of the annoying bright red grid from a flash, or the even more annoying bright white light in Nikon camera's?

If so I thought about making a light like in the below link, but based on infra red light. It wouldn't have to be very powerful, so it shouldn't affect exposure much.

http://prodmod.com/2007/12/15/make-your-own-led-camera-light-for-only-2-lasts-longer-than-camerabright/

 

[fixedimage]

Dunno about making/modding something but thr Konica Hexar uses infrared to focus, not only is it invisible but it can focus in pitch black.

 

[ohara]

I bet it would work in the live view contrast detection AF mode, but I'm not sure about the normal phase detection AF. If you have a powerful IR light, give it a try?

Also, the red AF grid from speedlite flashes works very well I've found, even at a fair distance.

 

[farrance]

You can buy an IR filter and after a massively long exposure, all you will see is the IR light. So theres nothing stopping you from buying an IR filter and then painting your scenery with the IR light.

Answering your question though, yes. DSLR's do see IR light. Not in the viewfinder though. Phone cameras see IR light better than most though.