Acid Cam is a groundbreaking project that I initiated in 2011, starting as an open-source venture. Initially developed in Objective-C for webcam compatibility, the software has undergone a complete overhaul in the 2.0 series. The core functionality has been rewritten in C++, with the macOS user interface utilizing Objective-C++.
Acid Cam's primary function is to transform video footage into visual art. It is designed to operate as a standalone application or in conjunction with other software like Syphon. Available on macOS, Linux, and Windows, it also features a command-line interface and live webcam capabilities. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to use the software in video mode, supporting resolutions up to 2160p 4K.
To fully utilize all the filters in Acid Cam, a computer with at least 8 GB of RAM is recommended for processing 1080p videos. Processing 4K videos requires more RAM. The software allows you to adjust the Max Stored Frames setting according to the video resolution. When the set frame limit is reached, the software automatically releases frames to manage memory efficiently. For example, on a system with 32 GB of RAM, setting the frame limit to 400 for complex filters like the Random filter for 2160p video is advisable. You might need to adjust this setting lower depending on your system's RAM capacity, which can be configured through the preferences window.
Some filters require a higher frame allocation than the default setting, especially those labeled with '640' or '720'. Ensure to adjust the frame limit appropriately before starting your project if your system has sufficient RAM.
Download Acid Cam for macOS High Sierra/Mojave