The Sigma DP1 is a high-end compact digital camera introduced by the Sigma Corporation. The Foveon X3 sensor delivers high quality images for such a compact camera. Unfortunately, the auto focus of this camera doesn’t work that great in low light conditions. If there’s no light at all and want to use the flash as only light source, the camera mostly is unable to focus. Of course, you could use the manual focus dial, but I found out a small trick to help auto focus when there hardly is any light.

‘Normal’ point and shoot cameras have a focal assist beam. The 100 dollar Canon Powershots have a focal assist beam. You can clearly see this orange light that emits to help the auto focus when you press the shutter button half way). The Sigma does not have such a focal assist beam. Now here’s the trick. It’s a bit silly, but orange LEDs aren’t that expensive…you probably know these bicycle LED lamps (I do, I’m from Holland!). I removed the cap, so you can see the orange LEDs. And yes, battery lineup is a mess. We’re improvising here.

LED light

Now, the trick. Aim the orange LED lamp to your subject. Then auto focus the DP1 at the exact same spot. This works for a iso 800 shot without flash, but also for a flash exposure in the dark. To show you an example:

I went to a completely dark bathroom. I tried to auto focus on the faucet, which failed continuously. When I aimed the LED at the faucet and pressed auto focus, it turned green. I took a photo with flash and it was sharp. Click for a larger photo. This image is pretty ugly, yes. I did not try to be artistic, but every DP1 owner knows that the DP1 does not focus when there is no light at all. The picture is ugly, but focus was correct.

DP1 test shot

I tried several shots and every time, the DP1 was able to auto focus with the orange LED. The forthcoming days, I’ll be trying out this new trick during daily life…
So let me know: does this trick work for you as well? Is it handy? Should we modify our DP1s with LED add-ons?