Does face detection software make a difference?

Although I wouldn’t quite say that face detection software is all the rage more and more digital cameras are now using this. Fuji goes as far as to include FD for face detection in the name of their cameras that have this feature. This certainly gives the impression that the software is something special.

What is face detection software?
All this is really is an extra focusing method. You switch to this type of focusing when you wish to take a portrait shot. The idea is that it helps to produce a more sharply focused face in the photo.

How does face detection work?
Face detection software is intelligent enough to pick out a face or a number of faces in a group shot. It is then able to place the main focus of the photograph on the face or faces in the shot.

Does it make a difference?
Well this is the big question! To be honest I never noticed cameras having that much difficulty before in producing sharp faces in portrait shots. In my tests I have not really noticed a great deal of difference when taking a portrait shot in good light. When light gets lower, especially under artificial lighting indoors I have noticed from time to time that when I turn face detection on it does produce a sharper image than without it.

One interesting point though is when looking at a range of cameras such as the Canon Powershot range I have never really had a problem producing a sharply focused portrait even when the light wasn’t brilliant. Now though without the face detection software turned on focusing for portraits is not quite so good. I must admit to having no idea why this should be!

So my verdict on the current batch of cameras I have tested is that I wouldn’t worry too much if the camera you are looking to buy doesn’t push a face detection feature as one of its main selling points.