Re: Is it me or is the Nexus7 missing flash?
Children, children, children. Let's all settle down please.
Allow me this opportunity to state my opinion on this thread's topics.
First and foremost, I do not use my Nexus 7 as a point-and-shoot camera. And while I personally don't use my tablet as a point-and-shoot, it does not mean that it is not an acceptable form of photo taking. To each their own and no one in this thread (or anyone else) has the right to insult someone for not agreeing with their view. Two people at my wedding were taking photos at our outdoor ceremony using their iPads. And while I personally think it looks funny and awkward, those guests provided me with some great candid shots that I was very thankful for. And as others have pointed out, not everyone that uses a tablet also carries a smartphone with a good camera on it. So why would they just skip out on a photo op just because someone with a bit of ignorance in their blood doesn't agree with how their "life is arranged"?
Original poster, the fact that you are shocked by the lack of the flash on your Nexus 7 is your own fault. As a consumer, it is your responsibility to make sure that the device you are purchasing meets your needs. Neither Google nor Asus nor any of the carrier partners that sell it hid the fact that there was no flash. It is not advertised anywhere. Had it been hinted at or directly promised, then your argument would be valid. But it just simply isn't.
I personally feel that the cameras on tablets (such as the Nexus 7) are specific use cameras. For example, Google Hangouts where I can use the front camera to have face-to-face conversations with someone and then swap to the rear camera if I want to share something that I am seeing/experiencing with them. Same applies to any video chat application. Also, it is great if I need to snap a quick photo of something in front of me that is more for reminder purposes or quick documentation. For example, let's say I am at work and write down a ton of notes on my notepad during a meeting. I then want to review those notes when I get home but don't feel like taking home more than I need. So I snap a quick picture of my notes for easy review later. It also then acts as a backup. And then there are the "can't miss this photo op" moments where you may be using your tablet and want to snap a quick picture of something before it's too late. Based on the type of advertisements you see for products like the Nexus 7, it's pretty obvious that the manufacturers/carriers share the same views regarding the camera's purposes.
So to summarize....
Original poster, your disgust by the lack of the device's flash is solely due to you not doing proper product research before investing in it.
The person that said that tablet camera users need to "rearrange their life", you need to heed your own advice and realize that your viewpoint isn't the only one that exists. Ignorance is not always bliss.
The use of the camera on a tablet varies from person to person. There is no wrong way to use it with the exception of using it in places/scenarios where using ANY camera is wrong. Yes, many people around you will think it looks stupid and awkward so you may have to put up with that. But if you're willing to, don't let anyone stop you from breaking out that tablet and taking some selfies.