Controlling the flash

[dsiorpaes]

Hi there, is there any API to control (i.e.: switch on/off) the flash LED on the Nokia 6680 ?


thanks

[petrib]

I'm sure there is (otherwise the Camera app wouldn't be able to do it), but it is a hardware specific feature, which hasn't to my knowledge been documented in the published (and "generic" for all devices) Series 60 SDKs.

[hskopp]

You can use the regular camera API. You need to use the API to record a video with flash light on (there's an option for this). The recorded streams can be thrown away, there's no need to display something in the viewfinder. Thus the user will not notice that actually a video is recorded - only the LED is running. Note that the flashlight is not very bright during video recording (you can try it with the installed camera app).

Hans

[dsiorpaes]

Hi, thanks for reply.
I have written a very simple application as per your suggestion but the led does not power on during video recording. It just lights when capturing pictures.
This is the code I am actually using to try to switch the led on during video recording. Am I missing something ?

TCameraInfo iCamInfo;
iCamera->CameraInfo(iCamInfo);
iCamera->PrepareVideoCaptureL(CCamera::EFormatYUV420Planar, 0, 0, 1, iCamInfo.iMaxFramesPerBufferSupported);
iCamera->SetFlashL(CCamera::EFlashForced);
iCamera->StartVideoCapture();

[dsiorpaes]

Ok, got it to work, but as you pointed out the LED is very dim... Anybody knows how it can be brightened ?

[sreerajvr]

TCameraInfo iCamInfo;
iCamera->CameraInfo(iCamInfo);
iCamera->PrepareVideoCaptureL(CCamera::EFormatYUV420Planar, 0, 0, 1, iCamInfo.iMaxFramesPerBufferSupported);
//iCamera->SetFlashL(CCamera::EFlashForced);
iCamera->SetFlashL(CCamera::EFlashVideoLight);
iCamera->StartVideoCapture();

I tried this code in a Dual LED device but the flash will run for awhile and shut itself off within 2 seconds.Can you please help me?

[petrib]

It could be an intentional restriction by Nokia, and there might not be a workaround. It could also be a bug.

If it is intentional or a bug, then you'd first need to convince Nokia to something about it, and then release a fix (which'd probably require a new firmware update for whatever phone model you are using).

Alternatively, you could try digging into Symbian^3 source code and see if it can provide any enlightement.

There is also Forum Nokia's paid technical support, if you want an official tech support reply.

[sreerajvr]

Hello petrib,

Thanks for the reply.(This problem persist with C7 and E7)
I will try it..

Best Regards,
sreerajvr

[sreerajvr]

"StartVideoCapture" is still active after the flash off ( I checked it with " iCamera->VideoCaptureActive() " ).

[TongMuan]

I tried this code in a Dual LED device but the flash will run for awhile and shut itself off within 2 seconds.Can you please help me?

Hi,

Do you release the MCameraBuffer/MFrameBuffer in the video buffer callback function?

[sreerajvr]

Thanks TongMuan for you reply..This program works all symbian devices execept symbian 3(dual flash) devices.