A portable communication device includes an image capture device, a light source unit operable to provide a flash of light and a flash ignition device. The flash ignition device includes a light emitting diode (LED) that provides optical output of an appropriate wavelength that is operable to trigger a flash of light from a gas discharge tube within the light source unit. The provision of a LED in the flash ignition device provides ionization of gas within the gas discharge tube via photoionization and/or the photoelectric effect.