How can i control my Sony camera?

I really need to control a sony HDR-AS30V through MATLAB image processing toolbox. I bought it specifically for this function and now I can't do it.

Can anyone help me? I can connect my webcam and other cameras but not this specific camera..

I really need to do this.

I really appreciate any help.

[Sean de Wolski]

Do you have the image acquisition toolbox?

Answer 1

[Image Analyst]

What operating system do you have? If you have Windows, does Windows see it in the Device Manager? Can the Sony software run it? If you run imaqtool and you see winvideo and you connect to that, does it use the Sony camera, or some built in or attached webcam? The Sony camera is supported by the Image Acquisition Toolbox: http://www.mathworks.com/hardware-support/index.html?q=product%3A%22Image%20Acquisition%20Toolbox%22&page=2

[Miguel Lopes]

First of all, knowing that it works, it's a relief. I just don't know how to make it work yet, but I'm confident I'll get there.

I think the problem is one that you mentioned, windows does not recognize it as a camera, but rather as a disk drive.

My version of windows is Windows 8.1 64bits

Thank you

[Image Analyst]

If you call up Device Manager, it needs to show up under the "Imaging Devices" category. I think if it's not there then MATLAB won't see it. Work with your vendor to get to that point, and then after that it should work with MATLAB.

[Miguel Lopes]

Ok, thank you for the answer, but I don't know how to make it appear under imaging devices, since this specific camera seems to only work in mass storage mode, when connected to USB, and thus is seen as a disk drive.

Do you have any other suggestion??

[Image Analyst]

No. My suggestion of "Work with your vendor" is my best/only suggestion. Well, other than call the Mathworks and ask them for help. Just to be clear, you said you want to control it under the Image Processing Toolbox but that's not the toolbox to control cameras. It's the Image Acquisition Toolbox. You do have that right? Post a screenshot of the video adapter modes you see when you run imaqtool.

[Miguel Lopes]

I can only see my webcam. And yes, it's Image Acquisition Toolbox, no processing.

But this sony camera doesn't work when connected through usb. It only chargers and acts like a memory card. I can't take pictures or surf the menus.

[Image Analyst]

Does it work with Sony's own camera control software? And you need the Image Processing Toolbox as a requirement for the Image Acquisition Toolbox so you probably DO have it.

[Miguel Lopes]

There's no software from Sony to control it. This is an action cam, like GoPro. All Sony has is the PlayMemories, which is a library/editor.

[Image Analyst]

Why did you get that camera? Is it mobile? Or going to be attached/controlled by the computer? Why did you get that instead of sticking with your webcam or get one that works with MATLAB, like some of the others listed? Anyway, your only hope now (other than using a different camera), since Sony probably has no tech support regarding MATLAB for a mass produced camera like that, is to call the Mathworks and see if they can help you.

[Star Strider]

As strange at it may seem, not all USB ports are created equal. Plug the camera into various USB ports until your computer recognises new hardware. Plugging it into one of the ‘correct’ USB ports should bring up a pop-up window that says Windows is searching for a driver. It should then find the appropriate one and install it. (I discovered this when I had problems installing some gaming hardware. All my USB ports work, but only the two on the right side of my HP laptop trigger the search-and-install behaviour for some reason.)

[Star Strider]

I suppose you’ve already looked here?

[Guillaume]

If the camera only presents itself as a mass storage device and not as a camera, then you're out of luck. Even writing your own drivers probably wouldn't help as the camera is not designed to be controlled.

The only thing you could, if the camera can be programmed to record still images at fixed intervals is set it to do so, and check the mass storage for new files appearing. Not exactly real time but possibly close enough

Answer 2

[Miguel Lopes]

So I contacted Sony in 3 different languages but they all said the same: it's not possible to get images in real time with this camera in windows. Not by usb cable, not by wireless. There is just no way, at least a legal one. That's what they said.

[Image Analyst]

Check the link I gave you for a list of cameras that you should buy that will work.

[Image Analyst]

I have no idea. If Windows Device Manager sees it as an imaging device, then it should be supported at least as a generic winvideo device. Or you can try the webcam package http://www.mathworks.com/support/2014a/matlab/8.3/demos/webcam-support.html