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iPhone 4 features: Using LED flash in low light video

By , Friday, Jun 25, 2010 at 3:13 pm
29

The new iPhone 4 is equipped with a much improved 5 megapixel camera with 720p HD video recording capabilities. In addition, there is a built-in LED flash to help in low light situations. We have put the camera and the flash to the test in almost every way except when using the flash to illuminate a poorly lit room while recording HD video. That is, until now!

I have recorded a quick video to see just how well LED flash works in combination with the video camera. As expected, the light does not make much of a difference on items more than a few feet away; but for objects that are close, the little light does an excellent job.

Have you tried your iPhone 4 LED flash out yet? How's it working for you?

Leanna Lofte

App and Photography Editor at iMore. Mother, wife, and math instructor.

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  1. jonar1us says:

    i thought we were able to switch from the front to back cameras while recording video?!

  2. Raul L says:

    Is that a dog?

  3. Xanadeath says:

    Unfortunately, you can't switch cameras while you are actually recording video..

    Xanadeath

  4. duvi says:

    Pretty darn good.

    @jonar1us You can switch in FaceTime, camera and video recorder.

  5. duvi says:

    Ohhhh... I read it wrong. Didn't realize he meant while recording.

  6. fastlane says:

    The 30 fps is fantastic. Can't wait to try it out at The Booby Trap.

  7. ChodaBoy says:

    My kind of girl. Tripod beside the bed and DSLR on the dresser. ;-)

  8. alabare says:

    Has there been any information on why the regular camera can zoom but video can not? Haven't seen anything anywhere talking about this.

  9. Drew says:

    Does it just automatically record in 720 or does settings have to be changed? I haven't seen any settings so I'm guess it just records 720 but I want to make sure. Anyone know?

  10. Tmoyes says:

    One unadvertised use is to use this light as an emergency flashlight. Works pretty well. Wonder when someone makes an app with it

  11. petaf says:

    What a cute dog, Leanna! Methinks you woke her up. :)

  12. dionte says:

    That was really nice

  13. Mr. Paint says:

    Yup, can't wait for a flashlight app that utilizes the LED light.

  14. Rgar3388 says:

    I just realized you could carry around a flashlight or a keychain light tonact as your led flash. Luckily I'm the proud owner of an iPhone 4. But just a tip for all owners of previous models.

  15. commo says:

    Whoah, Leanna, you got a miniature schnauzer, so do I. They're awesome dogs

  16. Lequang242 says:

    Wow! 720p. Like clean your room by 7:20pm?

  17. Arnie says:

    Great test. Thank you. And even if you weren't moving, I wouldn't judge your bedroom.

  18. Dozer56 says:

    She needs to clean up and decorate. Hang a picture or something!!

  19. Damien says:

    need I ask what that tripod is really used for?

  20. Jt says:

    Panties in film at 1:48.

    Great video test. Thanks for putting this together for us.

  21. tweger01 says:

    lol @panties

  22. Chobbs11 says:

    Looks good! I am pleased with the camera!!!

  23. BillyB says:

    Cool. Can't wait til July 14th when they send me my iPhone 4.

  24. CJ says:

    Ha! I used to date a girl with a tripod in her bedroom. She liked to make a whole bunch of homemade movies that I wouldn't necessarily want to end up on the internet....at least the ones with my face in them.

  25. AVCr8teur says:

    Just purchased a red iPhone 4 case and now everytime I use the flash, the pictures have a red tint. I think all the cases will have this problem because the opening next for the flash is too small. Will have to perform minor surgery on my case.

  26. Can you shot (using LED) in a semi dark environment and do a test on the 720p Video plus some one speaking. What about shooting yourself, can the camera switch to on yourself?

  27. Usamuchi says:

    All my photos which I took with flash on at night have a bright flare cone shaped at the left upper edge of all photos . I'm not using a phone skin or case by the way . It's either the flash is too bright or I believe because they placed it too close to the camera . Any advise Plz ?

  28. GLKHLKH says:

    YOU DIDN'T SAY HOW TO TURN THE LIGHT ON

    • Dani says:

      When you're recording a video, you should still have the little button in the top left corner that lets you turn the flash on and off. Exactly the same as when you take a picture using the flash.

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