Multi-camera / multi-stream support in QGroundControl using MAVLink Camera Protocol

[toradora477]

Feature Description

Description

This is a follow-up to an earlier attempt to add multi-stream video support in QGC:

#8017

That PR was closed because it relied on manual RTSP stream configuration, which is not aligned with the MAVLink Camera Protocol approach used in QGC.

Use case

Modern drone setups often include more than one camera, and it is useful to view more than one video stream in QGC at the same time, or switch between different stream qualities.

Idea

It would be useful if QGC could:

• work with multiple cameras via MAVLink Camera Protocol
• support showing more than one camera view in the UI
• allow switching between available streams in a consistent way

Question

Is support for multi-camera / multi-view video display using MAVLink Camera Protocol something that is aligned with the current QGC direction?
Is this something currently being worked on or planned for future development?

Use Case

No response

Flight Stacks

No response

Vehicle Types

No response

Platforms

No response

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[DonLakeFlyer]

Yes this would be a nice feature. Before writing any code, mock out how you want to expose this in the UI so we can review it.

• allow switching between available streams in a consistent way

QGC should already supports this with the single video view and Mavlink camera V2. Can't remember exactly, but I think selection is in the Settings for camera, the gear icon.

[toradora477]

Thanks for the feedback!

I created a quick UI mockup to better illustrate the idea. My intention is not to redesign the existing QGC interface, but simply to show how multiple camera streams could fit into the current layout with minimal changes.

In this concept:

The map remains the primary view.
Up to three camera views are displayed in the bottom-left corner, similar to the current single video widget.
Each panel represents a separate MAVLink Camera and can display its own selected stream.
The layout stays compact so it doesn't interfere with the flight map.
Clicking a camera could expand it to the current single-camera fullscreen view, while the others remain minimized.

This is only a layout concept to start the discussion. The exact UI and interactions can of course be adjusted to better match the existing QGC design language.

Looking forward to your feedback.

[DonLakeFlyer]

FYI: Discussion on this is going to stall until we can get Stable 5.1 out the door.

[toradora477]

Thanks for the update!

Just out of curiosity, do you have an estimated timeline for the 5.1 stable release? And is there any rough expectation for when 5.2 might be released?