camsnap

Automates frames and clips from RTSP/ONVIF cameras via camsnap and ffmpeg.

Updated Feb 6, 2026

Search Tags:#snapshots #onvif #capture #cameras #clips #rtsp

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/dcarmitage/claws --skill camsnap-dcarmitage

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: camsnap
Source: https://github.com/dcarmitage/claws/tree/main/skills/camsnap
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dcarmitage/claws --skill camsnap-dcarmitage

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill enables automated capture of frames and video clips from network cameras, reducing manual monitoring effort and ensuring evidence is collected consistently.

Core Features & Use Cases

Automated snapshots and clips from RTSP/ONVIF cameras.
Motion-event capture and basic surveillance workflow.
Simple integration into monitoring pipelines with camera discovery.

Quick Start

Add a camera: camsnap add --name kitchen --host 192.168.0.10 --user admin --pass secret Take a snapshot: camsnap snap kitchen --out shot.jpg Record a 5-second clip: camsnap clip kitchen --dur 5s --out clip.mp4

Frequently Asked Questions about camsnap

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I capture snapshots and video clips from RTSP cameras?▼

Capture frames and clips from RTSP cameras by adding the camera's host and credentials, then executing snap or clip commands. This automates image extraction and video recording for monitoring workflows.

What is ONVIF camera discovery and how does it work for network surveillance?▼

ONVIF camera discovery identifies configured surveillance cameras on your network to integrate into monitoring pipelines. It automates finding available devices, ensuring consistent evidence collection without manual setup.

Do I need ffmpeg installed to record video clips from ONVIF cameras?▼

Yes, recording video clips from ONVIF cameras requires ffmpeg on your PATH. The capture operations rely on ffmpeg alongside the CLI to process and save the extracted surveillance footage.

Can I automate motion-event capture for network cameras in a monitoring pipeline?▼

Yes, you can automate motion-event capture and basic surveillance workflows for network cameras. The system targets consistent evidence collection by triggering snap and clip operations based on configured camera events.

What's the best way to extract a short video clip from an RTSP stream?▼

The best way to extract a short video clip from an RTSP stream is using an automated capture command with a specified duration. This records timed segments directly from the camera to a designated output file.

Why does my camera snapshot command fail to discover network devices?▼

Snapshot and discovery commands fail if ffmpeg or the CLI are missing from your PATH. Ensure both dependencies are installed and that your camera's host, user, and password are correctly configured.