In the next article we are going to take a look at Entangle. This is one control tool for open source cameras which allows users to take photos with a computer controlled digital camera. All camera settings can be controlled through this tool. Supports live previews, automatic download and photo viewing. Furthermore, this tool is very easy to install in any version of Ubuntu.
This application can be especially useful when you need precise control or a larger view of images captured during shooting. We too it can be very useful when we are looking to work in stop motion animation. Entangle will allow us to take photos, adjust camera settings, and much more, directly from the desktop. We will no longer need to look into the viewfinder of the camera.
Because everything goes through USB, things should be faster than in mobile apps based on Wi-Fi. Attaching a digital camera to a Gnu / Linux laptop or PC couldn't be easier. We will only need to connect it to our Ubuntu machine using the USB cable that usually comes with the cameras.
Once our camera is connected through the USB cable, we will only have to open Entangle from the Ubuntu application browser. If you have more than one camera connected, Entangle is going to ask us to choose the one we want to use.
This tool uses the Image Transfer Protocol (PTP) to control digital cameras and DSLRs. For this, we may need to disassemble the Nautilus camera in order to use it in Entangle. If so, the application will ask us to do this if necessary.
General characteristics of Entangle
Depending on which camera we are using, Entangle will also allow us to adjust its settings directly from the application:
- We can modify the aperture.
- El shutter speed adjustment will also be available.
- May modify ISO sensitivity.
- We will be able perform white balance.
- La image quality It can also be modified, like the size of this.
- If the camera we are using is compatible with «live view«, We will be able to see what the camera is seeing in the window of Entangle preview.
- The availability of these options will vary depending on the make and model of the connected camera.. Some cameras may not be recognized by this tool. For camera reference, the Entangle website says that Nikon and Canon DSLRs are the best compatible devices.
To test this example I have connected my camera Nikon D5300 DSLR. I have not been able to use all of these options described above, only a limited number of them were available.
Install Entangle on Ubuntu and Linux Mint
Install from Ubuntu Software option
Entangle is a pretty decent open source tool for Gnu / Linux-connected shooting. The application is easy to install on Ubuntu, I have tested it on version 16.04. For install using Ubuntu software option, just click on this link.
Alternatively, we will be able to open the Ubuntu software application and search it for this tool:
In this case we will only have to click on the button "Install".
Install from Ubuntu terminal
If you prefer install the software via the command line, you can install Entangle on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and above by opening a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and typing the following command in it:
sudo apt install entangle
Uninstall Entangle
We will be able to eliminate this program from our operating system in a simple way. We just have to open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and write the following command in it:
sudo apt remove entangle
We can also uninstall this tool by opening the Ubuntu software application and using the search engine to find the tool to uninstall. Once found, we can easily remove it from the system.
El source code of this application we will be able to find it in the project's Gitlab page. In case of wanting learn more about the Entangle app, we can consult the application website.
Hello, is there the possibility of adding a camera that is not in the list of recognized devices? It happens that I have a camera or rather a microscope which in other systems with another sw works but etangle does not recognize it.
Hi, I don't think you can add a camera that is not on the list. But I can't assure you either. Check the documentation of the project, perhaps there you will find the answer. Salu2.