I have last years model. it came with the camera which gets used a lot for my work as a housing inspector. The light is the flash for the camera. Hold the speaker button down and the light will come on. I did not realize it had the light until a coworker showed it to me. It's really bright! used it in the backyard two weeks ago looking for my house keys. (Had to take a detour around the back of the house to avoid the skunk)