litle red light???

[Scoot]

I've got a Panasonic FZ series bridge camera that I really like to use for taking pics of deer, bear, elk, etc. because of its electronic shutter and complete lack of noise when I snap a picture. However, there's a little red/orange light that goes off when I take a picture and sometimes the deer will see this light. They're particularly likely to see it from inside of a ground blind or when the light is getting a little dimmer outside.

1) what is this light for? Is it somehow related to the autofocus?

2) can I shut this light off?

3) what are the implications of shutting it off?

4) can I cover the light with tape?

5) if I can't cover it with tape, can I put something in front of it that would allow the light to "see" for a few inches, but block a critter's line of sight to the camera/light?

Any info and your thoughts would be appreciated!

[delcecchi]

It isn't some sort of red eye reduction thing, right? Check the flash/redeye settings and see.

[pulsar_nx]

It's probably an autofocus assist lamp. My guess is you should be able to disable this in the menu.

[Scoot]

Thanks guys- I'll check in the menu again. Maybe I just haven't been searching for the correct term.