webcam-capture

name

webcam-capture

description

Capture photos and short videos from a connected webcam. Use when: (1) user wants to share a screenshot or image via camera, (2) user asks to take a photo or capture from webcam, (3) analyzing something physical held up to the camera, (4) documenting a whiteboard or workspace, (5) capturing any visual from the webcam. Also use when a skill needs a visual input captured before processing. Triggers on: "take a photo", "capture from camera", "use the webcam", "snap a picture", "record video", "webcam capture".

Webcam Capture

Capture still images or short video clips from a connected webcam using ffmpeg.

Quick Use

# Single photo (saves to ~/.openclaw/workspace/captures/)
python3 skills/webcam-capture/scripts/capture.py

# Auto-named with timestamp
python3 skills/webcam-capture/scripts/capture.py --timestamp

# Custom output path
python3 skills/webcam-capture/scripts/capture.py -o /path/to/output.jpg

# Specific device if multiple cameras
python3 skills/webcam-capture/scripts/capture.py -d /dev/video1

# List available cameras
python3 skills/webcam-capture/scripts/capture.py --list-devices

# Record a 10-second video clip
python3 skills/webcam-capture/scripts/capture.py --stream --duration 10

After Capture — Analyze Image

After capturing, use the image tool to analyze:

Tool: image
  image: /home/mikesai1/.openclaw/workspace/captures/capture_20260323_143052.jpg
  prompt: [describe what you see / analyze the content]

Captures save to: ~/.openclaw/workspace/captures/

Device Selection

Most systems have /dev/video0. If multiple cameras exist:

• /dev/video0 — typically built-in webcam
• /dev/video1 — typically USB/second camera

Use --list-devices to confirm before capturing.

Requirements

• ffmpeg must be installed
• Video device must be accessible (check /dev/video* permissions if needed)

Notes

• The camera light will briefly blink when capturing — no silent surveillance possible
• Images are JPEG, ~150KB per frame
• Videos are H.264 MP4, ~1MB per second
• Webcam must be physically connected and powered on