What’s Directshow compatible camera?
DirectShow is a collection of instructions, functions and conventions that can be used for conversion libraries and programs of videos provided by Microsoft. In a very brief explanation, it means directshow compatible camera can operate with a common command (programmed).
If PC recognizes USB camera, the application software can operate without using the one attached to the camera. (It may be necessary to separately require the PC to recognize the camera.)
In other words, you can use application software from another company. (Due to common instructions (programmed).) You can obtain and use necessary software according to the application such as: Viewer software like AMcap, measuring software like Lanoptik's Pixit Integrator, automatic visual inspection software, 3D synthesis software, and so on.
However, there are several types of shadow image format output from the camera and it is necessary for the application software to support this video format. Video formats include YUY 2, RGB 24, RAW 16, etc. Those sold only by software cover a typical video format but some of these items attached to the camera correspond only to the video format of that camera.
What are the differences between the DirectShow and TWAIN/AVI drivers for USB cameras?
DirectShow is the more modern interface of the two.
The choice of which one to use mainly depends on the software application you plan on using to interface with your imaging device. For example, most Photo ID / Badging (snapshot) software applications require the TWAIN driver, while most Instant Messaging type (motion video) software applications require the DirectShow driver.
If you plan on using your imaging device with Windows-based software, as "DirectShow-based" cameras, using the DirectShow driver will result in better performance, generally speaking.
Note that you cannot run both Direcshow driver and Twain driver at the same time.
Lanoptik MC series USB microscope cameras support Direcshow drivers, which means that in a Windows environment, there is no need to install drivers, plug and play, very convenient and no need to worry about driver loss.