Just as expected, the iPad 2 has added cameras. Two of them, one front and one back facing. Here are the details on them:
- Back camera: Video recording, HD (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio; still camera with 5x digital zoom
- Front camera: Video recording, VGA up to 30 frames per second with audio; VGA-quality still camera
- Tap to control exposure for video or stills
- Photo and video geotagging over Wi-Fi
Apple has also added two new built-in apps to the iPad 2, to take advantage of the new cameras – FaceTime for video chat, and PhotoBooth for taking pictures of yourself (or you plus friends) and applying fun effects to them.
FaceTime on the iPad 2 will let you video chat with anyone on another iPad 2, an iPhone 4, the latest iPod Touch, or a Mac.
PhotoBooth will use the iPad 2’s front-facing camera for taking snaps of yourself or perhaps you and a close friend. Here’s a little of Apple’s blurb on it on their iPad 2 pages:
When the mood strikes, turn the camera on yourself, make some faces, and start shooting snapshot-style. Choose from artsy, wacky, and weird effects. Twist up your face, see yourself doubled, or look like you stepped into a comic book. Photo Booth is great for parties or just for kicks. And the fun keeps coming as you keep snapping.
FaceTime is a great app to have around, though I have to admit I haven’t used it that much on my iPhone 4. Maybe the bigger iPad screen will have me using it more often. Photo Booth is an app my daughter and I have had big fun with on the Mac, so I expect it will be more of the same on the iPad 2.
Patrick Jordan
Founder and Editor in Chief of iPad Insight. Husband, father to a lovely daughter, Commander of the Armies of the North, dog lover (especially Labs), Austinite, former Londoner, IT consultant, huge sports nut, iPad and mobile tech blogger, mobile apps junkie.
Follow Me: 
Facetime looks far more impressive on such a large screen. This will be insane for people that are constantly on the move, still being able to see friends and family wherever they may be.