The CRDS technique has been used to record CaBr and CaI absorption spectra at temperatures (about 350 K) much lower than the spectra observed previously with the traditional techniques (T = 1300-2000 K). For the CaBr A (2)Pi-X-2 Sigma(+) transition, the bandhead intensity distributions of the CRD and LIF spectra are similar. In contrast, one observes a significant intensity weakening of the C-2 Pi(3/2)-X-2 Sigma(+) heads in the LIF spectrum of CaI. This is further manifestation of a spin-orbit selective pre-dissociation of the Omega = 3/2 component of the C-2 Pi state, confirming the recent observation of its anomalously short lifetime. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.