Webcam software / simple code suggestions for seemingly simple task?

[Gizmodan]

Hi, i was wondering if anyone may be able to help suggest any appropriate freeware or a way of doing this in Windows with a few lines of codes, because frankly i'm stumped....

I'm trying to find a way to use a webcam to take photos that display instantly, either windowed or full screen, and are only replaced when the next picture is taken. No live video feed required, just photos, sort of like you might see in a photo booth but with a different application in this case.
I know this can be done with 'tethering' cameras, typically DSLRs, using pricey software (and cameras!), but i'm sure it must also be possible with a basic webcam setup? Perhaps a few lines of code that can load the latest image added to a folder or something, but just can't quite get my head around it! Any ideas very much appreciated

 

[Ralston18]

Not a specific answer per se but take a look at Powershell.

You may be able to get it to launch the driver for the webcam and ultimately take the next picture based on whatever criteria is used to make that determination.

Would not expect Powershell to react to "motion detection" per se. Powershell may allow you to control or execute the webcam software based on some conditional situation relevant to your requirements.

Suggest that you post the make and model of your webcam. Plus take a closer look at any manufacturer provided software beyond just the webcam drivers.

"Instantly" is a bit tricky. I.e., take a photo based on some facial recognition versus take a photo of the squirrel raiding the bird feeder.

Possible lead...

https/gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/2b162a63-cf2b-46df-8ec2-45378599fac9

 

[Gizmodan]

Not a specific answer per se but take a look at Powershell.

You may be able to get it to launch the driver for the webcam and ultimately take the next picture based on whatever criteria is used to make that determination.

Would not expect Powershell to react to "motion detection" per se. Powershell may allow you to control or execute the webcam software based on some conditional situation relevant to your requirements.

Suggest that you post the make and model of your webcam. Plus take a closer look at any manufacturer provided software beyond just the webcam drivers.

"Instantly" is a bit tricky. I.e., take a photo based on some facial recognition versus take a photo of the squirrel raiding the bird feeder.

Possible lead...

https/gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/2b162a63-cf2b-46df-8ec2-45378599fac9

Thanks for the quick reply Ralston. I should have clarified, i'd be selecting when to take the image using just a mouse click or key press so nothing too fancy there. The camera currently is just a cheap as chips generic VGA unbranded model as it doesn't need to be anything more for this project, but I'll look into this option.. Thank you, much appreciated!

 

[Ralston18]

You are welcome.

Google "Screen window capture using powershell"

Lots of links - for example:

https/www.powershellgallery.com/packages/RoughDraft/0.1/Content/Get-Screenshot.ps1

Most likely you will need to refine or otherwise narrow the search for a more specific set of options/ideas/examples/code.

Ideal, in general, being that you are watching the camera's feed in a Window and then can click or press to capture the image.

Note: you may be able to cut and paste the example onto your system and edit/modify as necessary.

 

[USAFRet]

There are any number of webcam intervalometer applications, that will take a pic on whatever schedule you set.
A quick google for 'webcam intervalometer', returns this:
https/www.chronolapse.com/
http/www.candylabs.com/videovelocity
http/www.instructables.com/id/Time-lapse-photography-with-a-webcam/

...and others.

Then, most slideshow applications would cycle to the 'next' image in that folder, again, at whatever interval you choose.