So, I got an email from Google engineer Dimi Shahbaz a little while ago …
I have been working on a command-line only version of CamStudio, for use internally (at Google) to record automated tests, where the GUI is not usable.
About my changes: I run my version from the command-line only, and it records the entire screen, with no audio. It picks the best codec out of the ones available, or you can specify your own on the command line. I took out about 95% of the code that made up the GUI version CamStudio, so I don’t know how well my version will fit, but I’d love to help. :)
So, here’s the download link: http://camstudio.org/CamStudio_cl.01.zip
For those of you who don’t know, you have to run this this version CamStudio (now called CamStudio CL) from a DOS box (Start Menu > Run > type “cmd” without quotes.)
If you’re not experienced with DOS stuff and command lines, probably best to leave this one alone.
But for the old school nerds out there (and I’m one of ‘em) use “-help” to get the syntax of the various options.
PLEASE NOTE
CamStudio CL is very basic - there aren’t a lot of options and development of this version won’t be a priority. We’re concentrating on getting the 2.6.x release done and dusted and there are a LOT of things that need fixing and tidying up.
The CamStudio CL source code should be on Sourceforge by the time you read this post, but it’s possible this version was based on the old 2.0 source code, so if you decide you’d like to help develop it further, you might need to use Dimi’s source as a “template” and recreate it using the existing 2.6.x source code as your starting point. (I’ll get clarification from Dimi on this and post his answer here.)
CamStudio CL 0.1 Source Code Location:
https://camstudio.svn.sourceforge.net
Path to repository: /svnroot/camstudio
I only know as much as you when it comes to CamStudio CL, so if you have any questions, send them to me at support@camstudio.org and once every 2 or 3 weeks I will send them to Dimi so he can reply and I’ll post his answers here.
A big shout out and thanks to Dimi for donating code back to the community.
Cheers and enjoy!
Nick 
4 responses so far ↓
1 megamanbnw1 // Jan 10, 2009 at 6:27 am
A great idea to go with the CamStudio is a movie creater. A program with special effects and can plug in cameras, something like the imovie in apple mac computers but for windows instead.
2 johnywhy // Feb 4, 2009 at 2:37 am
cant wait to try this. i’ve been searching for a command-line screen capture, so that i can set up my users with a 1-click solution. i hope it includes switches for all the goodies!
3 johnywhy // Feb 4, 2009 at 3:08 am
oops… i see, no options or audio. that’s my wishlist!
4 wendyritsonjones // Mar 15, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hi there,
I’ve used this version and it records pretty well. However I’m having problems with the sync. Do you have preffered settings? I’ve played about with them but can’t seem to get it quite right and the default settings don’t make it any better. Kind regards.
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