Alpha 550 AF assist

[mdcromer]

How do I get AF assist in A mode without having the flash fire?

[Javelin]

the only way to add an AF assist lamp to a camera that doesn't have one built in is to add an external flash that has a built in lamp.

[Chris Malcolm]

There is another way. Just use a small hand held torch (US flashlight).

[TomB]

There is another way:
1. Set flash mode to slow.
2. Press the shutter half way down to focus - AF assist flash will help if needed. Keep the shutter button pressed.
3. Shut down the flash. The camera will notice the change but it will keep selected exposure.
4. Press the shutter completely to take a picture.

Tested with A350 in P, A, S and M modes. You can use exposure compensation to supply more light for missing flash.

[Dr. Harout]

There is another way:
1. Set flash mode to slow.
2. Press the shutter half way down to focus - AF assist flash will help if needed. Keep the shutter button pressed.
3. Shut down the flash. The camera will notice the change but it will keep selected exposure.
4. Press the shutter completely to take a picture.

Tested with A350 in P, A, S and M modes. You can use exposure compensation to supply more light for missing flash.

Nice way to fool the camera.

[bfitzgerald]

As it happens I was expecting the A5xx models to have a built in AF assist..and quick nav.
We got neither..but it's ok as nobody ever needs this kind of stuff at this level

lol

[Javelin]

That worked witht eh A200 too. Might be too complex for some users though

[twm47099]

How do I get AF assist in A mode without having the flash fire?

The way I got AF assist with my KM-7D was to buy an inexpensive used 2000xi compact flash (about $15). When mounted on the hot shoe and turned OFF the flash will fire its red AF assist light (if AFassist is turned on in the camera), but will not flash the main flash. Note this flash would only fire at full power on a DSLR if you try to use it as a flash.

I can't guarantee that this method will work on all the newer Sony cameras.

tom