Camera API Package Overview - Developer Resources - Canon South & Southeast Asia

  1. Developer Resources
  2. Digital Camera SDK CAP
  3. Camera API Package Overview

    About the CAP (Camera API Package)

    CAP is a digital camera development support package that provides a free software development kit (SDK), application programming interface (API) and other programming reference with sample programs for select Canon cameras. It enables users to control Canon's cameras remotely from the products or services they have developed.

    CAP: EDSDK & CCAPI

    EDSDK & CCAPI are jointly referred to as CAP. EDSDK and CCAPI provide the same functions in principle but differ in connection methods and compatibility of cameras and operating systems. Users can choose the one that best suits their system environment.

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    EDSDK (EOS Digital Camera SDK)

    Secure, high-speed data transfer from a wired connection

    Camera Connection USB wired control
    Supported Cameras 60 types or more in the EOS/PowerShot Series
    Supported OS
    1. Windows 10, 11 (32bit/64bit)
    2. macOS v12-14 (64bit)
      • Console apps are not guaranteed to work.
      • Apple Silicon Macs with macOS 13.0-13.2 installed can't connect to a camera. Please use macOS 13.3 or later.
      • In macOS 14.0-14.1, connection failures occur. Please use macOS 14.2 or later.
    3. Linux (ARM32/ARM64/x64)

    Updated as of October 2024

    CCAPI (Camera Control API)

    Diverse operating system support for a wide range of users

    Camera Connection Wi-Fi, Wireless control
    Note: Only EOS-1D X Mark III  and EOS R3 can be controlled via wired LAN
    Supported Cameras 15 types or more in the EOS/PowerShot Series
    Supported OS No dependence on OS
    Along with Windows/Mac OS, it also supports Android, iOS, and Linux

    Updated as of February 2022

    Main Functions

    Use Cases

    SDK Package

    Apply SDK

    Main Functions

    CAP provides a variety of functions that let users remotely operate or configure settings on the camera once it is in a fixed position without having to move it or control it directly. This offers dramatic improvements in freedom and efficiency for system development.

    Note: EDSDK and CCAPI provide the same functions in principle but differ in connection methods and compatibility of cameras and operating systems. Users can choose the one that best suits their system environment

    Enables remote shooting from a distance

    It enables advanced remote shooting with freely configurable settings for AF mode and position.

    Main Function List

    • Still image shooting
    • Video recording
    • AF (auto focus)/AE (auto exposure)/AWB (auto white balance)
    • Focus position adjustment
    • Zoom control*

    *Only supported for PowerShot (integrated lens models) 

    Enables live view monitor with various information displays

    Shots can be taken with clear and convenient displays including zoom and level confirmation.

    Main Function List

    • Acquisition of live view images for remote use
    • Live view display information (AF position, AF results, histogram, electronic level information, etc.)
    • Live view image size change
    • AF focus position setting from specified position on live view*
    • AWB setting from specified position on live view 

    *Only supported for models with touch panel

    Enables transfer and deletion of images on storage media

    Play, transfer, and delete images without having to remove the camera.

    Main Function List

    • Transfer of images on media to other device (computer, etc.)
    • Deletion of images on media
    • Acquisition of image data (height, width, tone resolution, etc.)
    • Acquisition of image thumbnails
    • Changes to image attributes (file size, last update date, rating, etc.)

    Remote setting of shooting parameters and camera status

    Freely adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and other settings to best suit the subject.

    Main Function List

    • Changes to shooting parameters (Tv, Av, ISO, WB, etc.)
    • Changes to shooting quality (recording quality, image size, aspect ratio, etc.)
    • Changing mode for built-in flash* (auto, off, slow sync)
    • Acquisition of camera status information (battery, recording media available, attached lens, etc.)
    • Acquisition of camera information (model name, serial number, etc.)

    *Only supported for PowerShot (integrated lens models) 

    CAP Use Cases

    CAP can be utilize for different purposes across industries, from automated product photo capturing for eCommerce, to examination and diagnostic needs in Medical/Health care to games and video creation in 3D Modeling industry.

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    SDK Package

    A development kit (application) including sample programs is provided. EDSDK is available in two types: a standard version and a version that includes a RAW development library. With CCAPI, the firmware for the camera is provided separately.

    EDSDK

    API Specification Gives an overview of EDSDK, explains the controllable API commands, and more
    Sample Program

    An example of implemented camera controls with EDSDK based on descriptions in the API specifications

    Windows: VB, C++, C#
    macOS: Objective-C, Swift
    Linux: C++ console, Ubuntu/RaspberryPiOS common
    Library (Main) The library lists control programs for individual functions (ex. shutter release), and these are recalled from the sample program side

    CCAPI

    API Specification Gives an overview of CCAPI, explains the controllable API commands, and more
    Sample Program

    This software is for activating the camera’s CCAPI function.

    Windows
    macOS
    Sample Program (JAVA) An example of implemented camera controls with CCAPI based on descriptions in the API specifications

    *Firmware for camera is provided separately

    Software Development Kits Application

    Submit Application

    Eligibility

    • Applications are accepted only from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Maldives and Mongolia.
    • The Applicant must be a legally registered entity, operating under the laws of the country/region in which it is established.
    • Applications from academic institutions or organisations (e.g. a university, college, polytechnic or school) may be considered only if they are made by the academic institution or organisation itself (and not by students or academic personnel in their personal capacity).
    • For all  other applicants, please contact your local Canon Sales Companies for more information.

    Important Notes

    • The annexures (if any) is to be scanned in PDF/JPG file format attached to the application form.
    • Submission of an Application does not guarantee its acceptance.  Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. may reject an Application without providing reasons.
    • A response to the application will typically be provided within 2-4 weeks from date of submission.
    • Terms and Conditions apply.