One of the worst-kept secrets about the Apple iPad 2 is that it will include two cameras in order to enable FaceTime video chatting but reports have come out now saying that Apple has finally selected the supplier of these cameras – Largan Precision will likely providing the equipment for the cameras on the iPad 2.
The report is a little suspect, as it comes from the hit-or-miss publication DigiTimes, but this is another sign that the Apple iPad 2 will have multiple cameras. Largan hasn’t confirmed this to the press but it did file documents saying it is the exclusive supplier of the lens module that will be in the iPad 2.
Over at TUAW, the good folks point out an interesting fact: Largan doesn’t have a 5-megapixel camera module on its homepage but it does have one for an 8-megapixel camera. Can we expect an 8-megapixel camera in the iPad 2?
That might be a bit too much to expect when you consider the iPhone 4 only has a 5-megapixel shooter but it would be quite a cool feature. The front-facing camera will likely be the VGA variety, which should be good enough to make FaceTime video calls.
The next Apple iPad will have to have cameras in order to compete with what other tablet makers are offering. The Galaxy Tab from Samsung already has multiple cameras and these can be used for video chatting with apps like Fring.
As tablets roll out from Research In Motion, Motorola, LG and others, being able to use these devices for video calling should be an expected feature.
I think the rear lens actually doesn’t get noticed much on tablets and I think it could be important. Sure, you’re probably not going to carry it around as your primary shooter but having that on the tablet will let you access fun photography apps like Path and Instagram.
