Abstract: A camera (10) having a light source (20) that produces a beam of light (22) extending in the direction the camera (10) is aimed. A light pattern produced by reflection of the beam of light (22) by an object informs the user where the camera (10) is aimed. Actuation of a shutter trigger (16) deactivates the light source (20) and then actuates a shutter mechanism in the camera (10), with the camera (10) at this time being properly aimed. The shutter trigger (16) may also actuate an autofocus system (230).

Abstract: The invention includes a method used with a camera that is aimed toward a field of view by a light beam that produces a light pattern indentifying at least a part of the field of view. The method photographs the field of view without photographing the light pattern produced by the light beam. The method includes the steps of receiving light, producing signals representative of the received light, intermittently reading the signals to create a video photograph, where the intermittent reading results in intermissions between readings, recognizing the intermission and causing the light beam to produce the light pattern during intermissions only. The beam produces a light pattern on an object within or near the camera's field of view, thereby identifying at least a part of the field of view. The radiant energy source is often a laser and the radiant energy beam is often a laser beam.