guvcview

guvcview [OPTION]... [filename]

-d, --device=DEVICE
    Video device (default: /dev/video0)

-a, --audio=DEVICE
    Audio device (default: default)

-f, --format=FORMAT
    Video format index (use -l to list)

-x, --width=WIDTH
    Video width in pixels

-y, --height=HEIGHT
    Video height in pixels

-r, --resolution=RES
    Resolution string like 640x480

-F, --fps=FPS
    Frame rate (default: 30)

-i, --image=FILE
    Capture single image to FILE

-v, --video=FILE
    Record video to FILE

-c, --control=NUM
    Change specific control

-p, --profile=FILE
    Load settings from profile FILE

-s, --stream
    Enable streaming mode

-C, --no_display_controls
    Hide control sliders

-g, --nogui
    No GUI, capture only

-l, --list
    List available formats/controls

-h, --help
    Show help

--version
    Print version info

guvcview is a lightweight, open-source application providing a simple GTK+ interface for previewing, recording, and capturing images from Video4Linux2 (V4L2) compatible devices, such as USB webcams and capture cards. It supports UVC (USB Video Class) cameras natively and offers real-time video preview with adjustable controls for brightness, contrast, saturation, and more.

Key features include video recording in formats like AVI, OGV, and MKV; image capture in JPEG, PNG, or BMP; audio recording from ALSA or PulseAudio devices; and streaming capabilities. Users can select resolutions, frame rates, and pixel formats from the GUI or command line. Profiles allow saving and loading custom camera settings for quick setup.

Ideal for Linux users needing a no-frills tool without heavy dependencies like GNOME's Cheese, guvcview runs on minimal desktops. It displays a live window with sliders for controls, OSD info, and buttons for capture. Command-line options enable headless operation, specific device targeting, and automation scripts for surveillance or testing.

Requires V4L2-compatible hardware; some cameras may lack full control support or have driver issues. No H.264 encoding without external libs. GUI may lag on low-end hardware.

Save/load camera settings via File > Save Profile for reuse across sessions.

Run guvcview -l to enumerate formats, sizes, controls before capturing.

Developed by Mauricio Falcón Suárez starting in 2008 as 'GTK+ UVC Streamer'. Evolved into full viewer/capturer by 2009. Actively maintained on SourceForge; latest versions support modern V4L2 features and Wayland.

v4l2-ctl(1), qv4l2(1), ffmpeg(1), cheese(1)