Rumorville: Apple ordering "massive" number of cameras for iPods?

Camera-packing iPods might become the rule rather than the exception if the latest rumors and spy shots are true.

TechCrunch says that "one of our sources in Asia" is claiming that Apple has ordered a "massive number of camera modules" similar to those in the iPhone—indeed, the order is so big that the plan might be for Apple's entire iPod line, save the diminutive Shuffle, to get built-in cameras.

Now, we've heard chatter before that the iPod Touch might get its own camera, and MacRumors has new, purported snapshots of Touch cases with holes cut in the back that would accommodate a camera.

But cameras for almost every iPod, including the Nano and the Classic? Interesting … and again, MacRumors followed up with more photos of (what appears to be, anyway) a Nano case with a camera opening. (Macrumors also points to this iLounge story from May that speculates about a camera-ready iPod Nano.)

As TechCrunch points out, it seems likely that only the iPod Touch would share the iPhone 3GS's video-capture capabilities, while the Nano and Classic would probably only take still photos.

It's also worth noting that Apple usually announces its refreshed iPod line in September, so we've probably got a couple of months to wait before we get any concrete news.

Personally, I'm hoping for a video-ready iPod Touch with the iPhone 3GS's faster processor and more storage—perhaps up to 64GB. And with portable Wi-Fi hotspots like the MiFi now available, a new, souped-up Touch will become an even more attractive alternative to the iPhone, especially for those who don't want to be tethered to AT&T's spotty data network.

So, what do you think: Want a camera in your next iPod?

Related:
Prepare Yourself For iPod Video [TechCrunch]