Triple-mode camera system and method of using the same

A capture device, comprising:

• a camera ensemble, comprising at least one camera, the camera ensemble adapted to obtain high resolution images and low resolution images;
• at least one processor configured to receive the high resolution images and the low resolution images from the camera ensemble and process the high resolution images and the low resolution images, and to output images or metadata;
• and
• a three-way switch, having an “Off” state, an “Auto” state and a “Stream” state, wherein when the three-way switch is in “Off” state, no image or metadata is outputted by the processor,
• when the three-way switch is in “Auto” state, only metadata resulting from the high resolution images and/or low resolution images is outputted by the processor, and
• when the three-way switch is in “Stream” state, metadata resulting from the high resolution images and/or low resolution images and high resolution images can be outputted by the processor.