First Look: All-in-one flashlight and digital camera

Posted on 15 Jul 2008 at 13:26

Swann's FlashlightDVR is a heavy-duty torch with a built-in digital camera - capable of capturing both video and stills. The white LED torch has three different brightness modes, and if you start taking photos or video with the torch beam switched off, the FlashlightDVR goes into infra-red mode, allowing you to record in complete darkness.

Its 640x480 resolution MP4 video files are more YouTube than Hollywood, but people were easily recognisable, despite pixellation when we tried to watch at full-screen on our monitor. Colour balance sometimes seemed a little off in well-lit rooms, but we were particularly impressed by the sharp black and white video produced in infra-red mode.

Swann is best known for its DIY security systems, but the FlashlightDVR is probably going to be more helpful for nightclub bouncers. A particularly useful feature is the ability to take still photographs, as video can't be used as identifying evidence in British courts.

The torch's heavy metal body feels like it should be able to withstand anything, although we're not sure how well the more delicate digital imaging components will handle being dropped repeatedly.

Even if you don't work in the security trade, the FlashlightDVR could appeal to home users for recording the night-time activity of animals in your garden or as portable home security camera. However, with an RRP of £200, this is more of a professional's tool than a hobbyist's toy.

The Swann FlashlightDVR has 128MB of internal storage and can be take standard SD cards of up to 2GB. The torch is powered by three C cell batteries and comes with mains and car adaptors to power its built-in charger for Ni-MH batteries. A UK release will be happening shortly.

Author: Kat Orphanides

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