webcam-display.py

#!/usr/bin/env python2

# Simply display the contents of the webcam with optional mirroring using OpenCV
# via the new Pythonic cv2 interface.  Press <esc> to quit.

import cv2

def show_webcam(mirror=False):
    cam = cv2.VideoCapture(0)
    while True:
        ret_val, img = cam.read()
        if mirror:
            img = cv2.flip(img, 1)
        cv2.imshow('my webcam', img)
        if cv2.waitKey(1) == 27:
            break # esc to quit
    cv2.destroyAllWindows()

def main():
    show_webcam(mirror=True)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()