What cameras offer an open interface or scripting for automated image capture from a PC?
Asked 1/30/2012
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I’m building a setup to photograph small insect parts as they drop through fluid in a test tube. I need the camera to trigger automatically and possibly stream video, ideally under PC control or through a programmable interface.
I’ve looked at machine-vision cameras, but I’m also considering consumer cameras because of their image quality. Are there cameras or firmware options with a well-documented/open interface, SDK, or scripting support for triggering, automation, motion detection, or video streaming?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I don't know about an open interface for cameras, but there may be another solution to your problem.
Something like TriggerTrap may be a good option for you. Hook a laser that shines though the tube onto a light sensor that's hooked up to the TriggerTrap and set it to go off when the beam is broken.
This is how some high speed photography is done.
Originally by user1917. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1917
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—Canon cameras are a practical option to investigate because community answers point to two established firmware projects with automation features.
- Magic Lantern (for compatible Canon cameras) can trigger stills using motion detection and allows sensitivity adjustment. Whether it’s fast enough for your exact setup depends on the scene and timing.
- CHDK (Canon Hack Development Kit, for compatible Canon compact cameras) is described as more scriptable, with Lua scripting support and features such as motion detection and video-related control/streaming.
If you want a PC-controlled system, another approach is to avoid image-based triggering entirely and use an external trigger: for example, a laser beam and sensor that fires the shutter when the falling object breaks the beam. That can be more reliable for fast events than software motion detection.
So the short answer is: yes, some Canon models can be automated, especially via Magic Lantern or CHDK, but compatibility varies by camera model. For highest reliability in your use case, pair a compatible camera with external triggering if possible.
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