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I want to develop software that can connect to a digital camera that is attached to my computer. The software will then control the camera so that it can. for example, take a picture or record a video.

Which digital cameras can be used for this purpose?

Edit: I want "Live View" on my computer screen.

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    \$\begingroup\$ There's huge variety of cameras that will allow this, more information on what you want to shoot and price range would be helpful \$\endgroup\$
    – Matt Grum
    Commented Mar 17, 2011 at 20:39
  • \$\begingroup\$ Another key question: do you want "live view" on the computer screen, or is simply sending control commands sufficient? \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Commented Mar 17, 2011 at 22:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ The Canon 7D is capable of tethering and comes with a software for that. Connection via USB is necessary. \$\endgroup\$
    – user11619
    Commented Sep 15, 2012 at 22:43

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The feature you're looking for is called "Tethering" and it's supported by many recent DSLR cameras from manufacturers such as Canon and Nikon.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ There's also some nifty software which runs on an iPhone / iPad to control a tethered set-up via WiFi: ononesoftware.com/products/dslr-camera-remote \$\endgroup\$
    – Maynard Case
    Commented Mar 18, 2011 at 11:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ sofortbildapp.com is a Mac application that does live view, and tethering capture for many Nikon and Canon DSLRs. \$\endgroup\$
    – camflan
    Commented Sep 16, 2012 at 15:16
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Most modern dSLRs from both canon and nikon offer this capability, and have developer programs offering an API to help you with your code. There's such a wide range of options that you probably should start with some other criteria first, and come back and filter by this one later in the decision making process.

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See the list of compatible cameras on this link:

http://alkenius.no-ip.org/Cam4you_remote/

That is, by the way, the BEST tethered-shooting software I've ever found (after testing them all). Best of all, it's now FREE. It has more options than any other remote-shooting software available at any cost.

You might also want to check into the long list of Canon Powershot cameras now supported by CHDK: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK

CHDK's experimental PTP mode has now been implemented as a default on all camera models (it seems). And while it is experimental and requires installing some additional software to the PC, it will also allow for tethered shooting and automatic off-loading of photos.

Do a search for PTP and PTPCamGUI on the CHDK Discussion Forum (link found on that Wiki page) to learn more.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ It looks like the Cam4you software is a little bit outdated, at least from the officially supported cameras. \$\endgroup\$
    – ysap
    Commented Apr 7, 2011 at 3:53
  • \$\begingroup\$ Also it only supports Canon cameras. Not that Canon is bad, but if you're looking for an answer to the question here, that's worth knowing without clicking the link. It'd also be nice to hear why it is the best. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Commented Apr 6, 2012 at 12:03
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If you use Windows you can use NCC, "A DSLR camera remote control open source software".

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If you're looking for live-view support and have a Mac, check out http://www.sofortbildapp.com

It has live view and tethering control for many Canon and Nikon DSLRs.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Nikon only; it does not support Canon. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael Stern
    Commented Jan 27, 2018 at 0:46

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