Replacing React Native Camera: A Guide to VisionCamera and Alternatives

Finding the Perfect Camera Library for Your React Native App

With the deprecation of React Native Camera, developers are left searching for alternative solutions to integrate camera functionality into their apps. In this article, we’ll explore React Native VisionCamera and other options to help you make an informed decision.

Introducing React Native VisionCamera

VisionCamera is a feature-rich camera library that offers full control over the camera, including frame rate and device selection. Its key benefits include:

• Rich developer support with extensive documentation and a large community
• Easy-to-use API with Hooks and functions
• Support for both physical and virtual camera devices

Some essential functions you’ll frequently use with VisionCamera include:

• Taking photos: Enable photo capture and use the takePhoto method
• Taking snapshots: Utilize the takeSnapshot function
• Recording video: Enable video capture and start recording with the startRecording function

Building a QR Code Scanner with VisionCamera

To demonstrate VisionCamera’s capabilities, we’ll create a simple QR code scanner.

Setting up the project

1. Create a new React Native project using the following commands:
   bash
npx react-native init VisionCameraExample
cd VisionCameraExample

2. Install the required dependencies:
   bash
npm install react-native-vision-camera
npm install vision-camera-code-scanner
npm install react-native-reanimated

3. Update your babel.config.js file:
   javascript
module.exports = {
presets: ['module:metro-react-native-babel-preset'],
plugins: [
'react-native-reanimated/plugin',
],
};


Creating the QR Scanner Screen

Update your App.js file to work with VisionCamera:

“`javascript
import React, { useEffect, useState } from ‘react’;
import { View, Text } from ‘react-native’;
import { Camera, useCameraDevices } from ‘react-native-vision-camera’;
import { scanBarcode } from ‘vision-camera-code-scanner’;

const App = () => {
const [hasPermission, setHasPermission] = useState(false);
const [cameraDevice, setCameraDevice] = useState(null);

useEffect(() => {
const requestPermissions = async () => {
const status = await Camera.requestCameraPermission();
setHasPermission(status === ‘authorized’);
};
requestPermissions();
}, []);

useEffect(() => {
const getCameraDevice = async () => {
const devices = await useCameraDevices();
setCameraDevice(devices[0]);
};
getCameraDevice();
}, []);

if (!hasPermission || !cameraDevice) {
return No access to camera;
}

return (



);
};

export default App;
“`

Using Frame Processor Plugins

To scan or detect images with the camera, you’ll need to use a frame processor. In this example, we’re using the vision-camera-code-scanner plugin to scan QR codes.

React Native Camera Library Alternatives

While VisionCamera is a powerful solution, there are other alternatives to consider:

• React Native Camera Kit: A lightweight and easy-to-use camera library
• React Native Video: A <Video/> component for React Native
• React Native Image Picker: A library for selecting photos or videos from the device library or camera

Ultimately, the choice of camera library depends on your specific use case and requirements. If you need full control over the camera and advanced features, React Native VisionCamera is an excellent choice.