How to Capture Image from Webcam in C# Windows Application

Capturing Images from Your Webcam in C#

Capturing images from a webcam in a C# Windows application can be a straightforward task when using the right libraries. The most popular choices are AForge.NET and Emgu CV, both powerful tools that facilitate video capture and processing. This article will guide you through the steps required to effectively capture images from a webcam in a C# application, making it useful for video conferencing, content creation, or any related functionality.

1. Using AForge.NET

AForge.NET is an open-source framework designed for computer vision and artificial intelligence. Here’s how to get started:

Download and install AForge.NET Framework from their official site.
Add references to the necessary AForge assemblies in your project: AForge.Video and AForge.Video.DirectShow.
In your code, initialize video capture and handle image frames.

Example Code

Below is a simple code snippet that demonstrates how to capture an image from the webcam:

using AForge.Video;
using AForge.Video.DirectShow;

private VideoCaptureDevice videoSource;

private void StartCapture() {
    var videoDevices = new FilterInfoCollection(FilterCategory.VideoInputDevice);
    if (videoDevices.Count == 0) return; // No webcam found
    videoSource = new VideoCaptureDevice(videoDevices[0].MonikerString);
    videoSource.NewFrame += new NewFrameEventHandler(videoSource_NewFrame);
    videoSource.Start();
}

private void videoSource_NewFrame(object sender, NewFrameEventArgs eventArgs) {
    // Capture image logic here, e.g. save or display to a PictureBox
    Bitmap image = (Bitmap)eventArgs.Frame.Clone();
    // Save image or process as needed
}

2. Using Emgu CV

Emgu CV is another powerful option that wraps OpenCV for .NET. Here’s how to use it:

Install Emgu CV through NuGet in your project.
Setup your camera capture logic with Emgu's VideoCapture class.
Retrieve frames similar to AForge.NET.

using Emgu.CV;
using Emgu.CV.CvEnum;

private VideoCapture capture;

private void StartEmguCapture() {
    capture = new VideoCapture(0); // 0 for default camera
    while (true) {
        Mat frame = new Mat();
        capture.Read(frame);
        // Display or save frame as needed
    }
}

Conclusion

Using libraries like AForge.NET or Emgu CV, you can easily implement webcam capture functionality in your C# applications. Depending on your project requirements, choose the library that best suits your needs. Experiment with both to see which one aligns with your development style and technical requirements. Happy coding!

Update: 05 Oct 2025