camsnap

Capture snapshots, video clips, and motion events from RTSP/ONVIF cameras.

3|Updated Feb 26, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #video #snapshot #onvif #camera #surveillance #rtsp

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/ybsa/sovereign-kernel --skill camsnap-ybsa

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: camsnap
Source: https://github.com/ybsa/sovereign-kernel/tree/main/crates/sk-tools/skills/camsnap
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ybsa/sovereign-kernel --skill camsnap-ybsa

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires camsnap, ffmpeg, and includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a command-line interface for capturing snapshots, short video clips, and monitoring motion events from RTSP/ONVIF compatible cameras, simplifying remote surveillance and monitoring tasks.

Core Features & Use Cases

Snapshot Capture: Grab still images from cameras.
Clip Recording: Record short video segments.
Motion Detection: Trigger actions based on detected motion.
Use Case: Automatically capture a snapshot every minute from your home security camera to create a time-lapse of activity.

Quick Start

Use the camsnap skill to capture a snapshot named 'kitchen' from your camera and save it as 'shot.jpg'.

Frequently Asked Questions about camsnap

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I capture snapshots from an RTSP or ONVIF camera?▼

To capture snapshots from an RTSP or ONVIF camera, you can use a command-line automation tool to grab still images and save them as image files. This simplifies remote surveillance by retrieving frames directly from compatible cameras.

How can I automate recording short video clips from IP cameras?▼

You can automate recording short video clips from IP cameras by running command-line instructions that fetch video segments from RTSP streams. This process requires ffmpeg to be installed and available in the system's PATH for video processing.

Can I trigger automated actions based on surveillance camera motion detection?▼

Yes, you can trigger automated actions based on surveillance camera motion detection. By monitoring motion events from RTSP or ONVIF cameras, the system can automatically capture snapshots or record video clips when movement is detected.

Do I need ffmpeg installed to process RTSP camera snapshots and clips?▼

Yes, you need ffmpeg installed and available in your system's PATH to process RTSP camera snapshots and clips. Ffmpeg handles the underlying video processing required for capturing and recording from surveillance cameras.

What is the best way to create a time-lapse from a home security camera?▼

The best way to create a time-lapse from a home security camera is to automate snapshot capture at regular intervals, such as grabbing a frame every minute. These captured still images can then be compiled into a time-lapse video.

Does ONVIF camera discovery work for finding available surveillance devices on a network?▼

Yes, ONVIF camera discovery works for finding available surveillance devices on a network. This feature allows you to automatically locate compatible RTSP and ONVIF cameras, simplifying the initial configuration and monitoring setup.