"steve c l" <steve.c.l@btopenworld.com> wrote in message news:bdclss$j6h$1@hercules.btinternet.com...
> ok. Also found interesting tiny tots-style article in howstuffworks. I'm,
> hoping to find info on specific aspects of digicams - for instance, how's
> the focusing done?

This of submarine sonar pinging but with light waves.


> Tiny stepper motor on rack and pinion connection to lens?

Probably.  Or something similar.


> If so this would suggest  that the firmware could easily arrange for the
> last focus before shutdown to be remembered for the next time - a feature I
> for one would find welcome. I asked Fujifilm about this and got a typical
> robot-type reply: such firmware isn't available. I know it isn't, but why
> not?  Anyway, I'm ranting. Sorry.


NP.  The closest you can get that I know of, to what you're describing
is a camera that will let you turn off the autofocus all together.  And
yes it's very usefull.  Most (if not all) SLR type cameras will let you
do this.  I haven't seen too many (ie. none) of the "pocket" digitals
that will let you though.  Some of them will let you use what they call
"Manual Focus" which is pretty close.