Canon has announced the arrival of a brand-new camera API bundle, which is largely
driven by business users’ feedback and which Canon describes as evidence of their commitment to deliver convenient solutions to developers and integrators everywhere. The newly announced EOS Digital Software Development kit [SDK] and Camera Control API [CCAPI] present unprecedented possibilities for developers and software engineers to take advantage of certain Canon cameras and lenses. The first compatible device from the Canon camp is the PowerShot SX70 HS.

Canon’s SDK’s have already proved to be extremely popular with a range of developers, making it possible for them to combine Canon’s imaging equipment within their products and solutions. The integrations mean that developers can remotely control the devices if wired via USB cable.
You’ll see the fruits of these developments in applications, such as photo booths, robotic/automated units, event photography and recording, mass portrait/passport and photogrammetry solutions.

Benefits of the newly released CCAPI will enable users to control an increasing number of Canon cameras and lenses, [remotely] from either Mac or PC computers, and will allow the use of the same code across all compatible Canon products. For speedy development, the new CCAPI highlights an agnostic OS, which provides wireless use just about any environment, [i.e. Windows, Mac, Android, iOS or Linux].

Key functions:

• Detecting, connecting/disconnecting the camera
• Checking and changing camera settings
• Remote shooting
• Downloading/erasing images
• Formatting memory cards

Yuko Tanaka, ITCG Product Marketing Director, Canon, told us: “We are delighted to be expanding our EOS Digital SDK to the PowerShot series and provide a tool that enables control of the camera and its power zoom remotely. In addition, the new Camera Control API is based on Internet Protocol, making it compatible with all operating systems”.

The PowerShot SX70 HS is Canon’s newest premium bridge camera featuring a 65x [!] optical fixed lens zoom, which is equivalent to a 21–1365mm focal range. Looking and feeling much like a mini-DSLR, the PowerShot SX70 also has a 7.5cm Vari-Angle LCD screen, 20.3 Megapixel sensor and 4K Ultra High Definition video capability.

Availability

Canon’s EOS Digital SDK is available for immediate download at www.didp.canon-europa.com. Canon’s Camera Control API will be available from March 2019 via Canon’s dedicated website for developers.