- name
- Cameras
- slug
- cameras
- version
- 1.0.1
- description
- Connect to security cameras, capture snapshots, and process video feeds with protocol support.
- changelog
- User-driven credential model, declared tool requirements
- metadata
- {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"📷","requires":{"bins":["ffmpeg"]},"os":["linux","darwin"]}}
Scope
This skill:
- ✅ Generates camera capture commands
- ✅ Guides integration with security systems
- ✅ Provides troubleshooting for camera issues
User-driven model:
- User provides camera credentials (RTSP URLs, passwords)
- User runs capture commands
- User installs required tools
This skill does NOT:
- ❌ Store camera credentials
- ❌ Run captures automatically without user request
- ❌ Access cameras without user-provided access info
Requirements
Required:
ffmpeg— for capture and recording
Optional (user installs if needed):
gphoto2— for DSLR/mirrorless controlv4l2-ctl— for USB cameras on Linux
Quick Reference
| Topic | File |
|---|---|
| Security camera integration | security-integration.md |
| USB/webcam capture | capture.md |
| DSLR control | photography-control.md |
| Video processing | processing.md |
Core Rules
1. User Provides Camera Access
When user requests capture:
User: "Snapshot from my front door camera"
Agent: "I need the RTSP URL. Format: rtsp://user:pass@ip/stream
Provide it or set CAMERA_FRONT_URL in env."
User: "rtsp://admin:pass@192.168.1.50/stream1"
→ Agent generates: ffmpeg -i "URL" -frames:v 1 snapshot.jpg2. Common Commands
# Snapshot from RTSP (user provides URL)
ffmpeg -i "$RTSP_URL" -frames:v 1 snapshot.jpg
# Record 10s clip
ffmpeg -i "$RTSP_URL" -t 10 -c copy clip.mp4
# Webcam snapshot (macOS)
ffmpeg -f avfoundation -i "0" -frames:v 1 webcam.jpg
# Webcam snapshot (Linux)
ffmpeg -f v4l2 -i /dev/video0 -frames:v 1 webcam.jpg3. Protocol Reference
| Protocol | Use Case | URL Format |
|---|---|---|
| RTSP | IP cameras | rtsp://user:pass@ip:554/stream |
| HTTP | Simple cams | http://ip/snapshot.jpg |
| V4L2 | USB cameras | /dev/video0 |
4. Integration Patterns
With Home Assistant:
GET /api/camera_proxy/camera.front_doorUser provides HA URL and token.
With Frigate:
- MQTT:
frigate/eventsfor alerts - HTTP:
/api/events/{id}/snapshot.jpg
5. Security
- Never log camera URLs with credentials
- Recommend user stores URLs in env vars
- RTSP streams may be unencrypted — warn about LAN security