ReaCanon Record: Canon DSLR Integration for REAPER

This toolset integrates Canon DSLRs directly into REAPER, treating the camera as a native media source. It handles recording triggers, automatic file downloading, and sample-accurate audio/video synchronization using a clap/slate.

Features

• Remote Trigger: Start/Stop camera recording directly from REAPER.
• Auto-Import: Automatically downloads the video file to your project after recording.
• Auto-Sync: Uses FFT-based audio cross-correlation to align the camera video with your high-quality audio recording (requires a clap/slate).
• Background Processing: Keeps REAPER responsive while the camera is recording.

Support

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1. Prerequisites

Hardware

• Canon DSLR/Mirrorless Camera supported by EDSDK.
• USB Cable.

System Dependencies

• Python 3.6+
• FFmpeg installed on the system path.

Python Libraries

Install the required scientific libraries for the sync algorithm:

pip3 install numpy scipy ffmpeg-python

Canon SDK Library

You need the compiled Canon EDSDK binaries for your operating system. These can be obtained from the Canon Developer Community or other compatible sources.

Windows:

1. Locate EDSDK.dll and EdsImage.dll (usually found in the Dll folder of the SDK).

2. Place both files inside this script folder.

macOS:

1. Locate EDSDK.framework.

2. Install it to /Library/Frameworks/ OR place the EDSDK.framework folder inside this script folder.

Linux:

1. Locate libEDSDK.so.

2. Place libEDSDK.so inside this script folder (or in /usr/local/lib/).

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2. Installation

Enabling Python in REAPER

This script relies on REAPER's internal Python environment. You must configure REAPER to point to your installed Python library.

1. Open REAPER and go to Options > Preferences.
2. Scroll down to Plug-ins > ReaScript.
3. Check the box Enable Python for use with ReaScript.
4. In the Custom path to Python dll directory box, enter the folder where Python is installed (e.g., C:\Python312\ or /usr/local/bin/).
5. Important: In the Force ReaScript to use specific Python .dll box, you must enter the exact name of the DLL file for your version.
   • Example (Windows): python312.dll or python310.dll
   • Example (macOS): libpython3.12.dylib
6. Click OK and restart REAPER.

Note: If you are using the Windows Store version of Python, these DLLs are often protected. It is highly recommended to install the official release from python.org.

Installing ReaCanon Record

To ensure the dynamic pathing works correctly, you must use the standard REAPER directory structure.

1. Locate your REAPER resource path (usually ~/.config/REAPER/).
2. Navigate to the Scripts folder.
3. Create a folder named exactly reacanon-record.
4. Copy all .py files and your OS-specific library files into this folder.

Target Path Structure:

.../REAPER/Scripts/reacanon-record/
├── Record Camera.py            (Main REAPER Action)
├── canon_edsdk_controller.py   (Background Service)
├── edsdk_defs.py               (C-Types Wrapper)
├── audio_sync_detector.py      (Sync Logic)
└── libEDSDK.so                 (Required Library)

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3. Usage in REAPER

1. Load the Script:

   • Open REAPER.
   • Open the Actions List (?).
   • Click New Action > Load ReaScript...
   • Select Record Camera.py.

2. Run the Recording:

   • Ensure your Camera is connected via USB and awake.
   • Run the Record Camera.py action (double-click or assign a shortcut).
   • Status: A dialog box will appear saying "Recording active".

3. The Workflow:

   • Clap / Slate: Make a loud clap visible to the camera and audible to your microphones.
   • Record: Perform your take.
   • Stop: When finished, click Yes (Save & Sync) on the dialog box.

4. Result:

   • The script will stop the camera.
   • It will download the video file.
   • It will analyze the audio waveforms.
   • It will insert the video onto a "Video" track and slide it to align perfectly with your audio.

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4. Troubleshooting

"Script folder not found!"

The script expects to live in Scripts/reacanon-record/. If you see this error, ensure the folder name matches exactly and is located inside the REAPER resource path.

"Sync failed"

• Ensure ffmpeg is installed and accessible in your terminal (which ffmpeg).
• Ensure the clap was loud enough.
• The sync scan duration is set to 60 seconds. Ensure you clap within the first minute of recording.

Camera not recording / "Zombie" process

If the script crashes or the USB cable is pulled, the camera might remain "Locked" by the driver.

• Disconnect USB.
• Turn off Camera.
• Re-run the script (it includes a "Force Unlock" mechanism on startup).