RPi Video CamCorder ???

I am doing something similar for my Makerfaire project using the pcDuino (competitor cheap linux board), and I haven't found any real good ways to do this.  You can use Python to access the IO and then use SimpleCV and a webcam to do still pictures and to supposedly do video without sound, though I can't seem to get the video to work, some codec issue.  It all turns out green, which is weird because it works somewhat by saving successive pictures to a video stream, and all my images look good, but the video is green. 

Anyways, right now I am going down the road of using Python to run a command line version of Mencoder.  The sticking point right now, is I don't know how to stop the recording as I typically hit CTL + C to end the recording in the terminal, but I don't think my script can pass that command or cancel the running process?  Not really sure, I've never really used Python before.

Also, for camera, I'm not sure about the Raspberry Pi cam, but UVC compatible webcams support USB Video Class and are linux compatible.  I found a cheap MS one on Amazon for like $18.

Also for software, some suggested PyFFmpeg.  I'm going to try that route for a bit.

Okay, some luck using avconv

here is a python script that will take video until you hit a key then terminate the subprocess.

from subprocess import *

import sys

 

avconv_proc = Popen(

     [

      'avconv',

      '-f'','video4linux2',

      '-r','15',

      '-video_size','hd480',

      'i','/dev/video0',

      'test.avi',

     ],

     )

raw_input()

avconv_proc.terminate()

Have not tried it with any audio, I think avconv can do that, not sure though, I don't have any audio input on this webcam. My one coming in the mail will. Need to add the ability to take pictures as well (much easier), add in time-stamping the file names, then tie into the GPIO.

Sorry I haven't replied before now but I have been busy editing sermons for our church radio station.

I have several old VHS Camcorders.. The old big shoulder mounts... I need to find the pinoust of my cams and how they connect...

I think your problem sounds like you are missing the RED and BLUE outputs from the cam.

I have a good friend who knows python well.. The CTL+C could be accomplished by retroing an old bluetooth keyboard, loose the keys and solder button in there place... Let me know how you fair. I will share any thing that I find out..

I will be quit busy over the next few weeks so be patient...

Thanks

Gregg

Oh, CTL+C thing is solved, I call .terminate() and it does a similar action.  Later this week I'll try and tie the controlling into the GPIO on the pcDuino.  I also have the reflective sensors, but am wary of shining invisible light in my eyes o_0

i have used the program motion (long before Ben mentioned it) to control a webcam on my RPI.  Everything can be done from the command line. Check it out.

sudo apt-get install motion.

Found a short term solution.... until I can build something better

I have an old ASUS tablet that runs XP ( dirty word ) but it also will use my VC500

USB video adaptor. gutted the vhs side of the cam and installed the vc500 directly.

I have yet to plug into the pi usb to see if it will accept it... I have a friend writing code for the

pi ... still tring to solve the driver issue..... if it works I will have a 128 gig sd card with all

programing on it, and it will all fit in the camcorder... will keep you posted...