Report: New iPhone Could Include Flash Camera

If you are one of the many iPhone owners frustrated by the camera’s inability to capture images in low-light situations, Apple may have heard your complaints. The Cupertino, Calif. company has ordered “tens of millions” of LED camera flashes, according to a Friday report.

“The electronics maker is seeking allotments of LED camera flash components in the tens of millions for delivery during the 2010 calendar year,” writes AppleInsider, citing people familiar with Apple’s intentions. Amsterdam-based Philips Lumileds Lighting is said to have won the contract.

The push comes as rivals use phone cameras with flash to sell their handsets. Google’s Nexus One, Motorola’s Droid and Palm’s Pre all offer flash-supported cameras. Another potential reason is the increasing use of iPhones as a point-and-shoot camera.

Although the iPhone 3GS included a 3.2-megapixel camera, Apple is also reportedly planning to upgrade a new handset to 5 megapixels. The move would even the playing field with other companies also offering a 5 megapixel product. Apple has reportedly chosen Omnivision for the camera image sensor upgrade.

If this latest report is correct, adding a flash would allow iPhones to take brighter pictures and video in dim lighting situations. Only recently has flash technology progressed to where it is practical for camera phones. The new process reduces power consumption, along with offering more miniaturized circuitry.

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[Via AppleInsider]

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