v5.0.0

Crowsnest v5 is here! 🎉

After two years of development, Crowsnest v5 is finally ready!

Python instead of Bash

Internally we called it Pynest — because it's a complete rewrite of the original Bash code in Python. The most noticeable improvement: the average startup time dropped from 30 seconds to just 1 second. On top of that, the new codebase is far easier to maintain and extend, opening the door for things like a future Moonraker integration and tighter coupling with Mainsail itself. Stay tuned — some long-requested features are on the way.

No more long compile times

Installing Crowsnest is now much faster. On PiOS/MainsailOS and Debian systems, we set up our own APT repository (apt.mainsail.xyz) to ship precompiled packages for all backends. That means no more endless compilation on first install, and no more rebuilding camera-streamer every time libcamera gets updated — backend updates now just flow in through regular system updates.

Spyglass joins the crew

Spyglass is now an official Crowsnest backend. Originally started by @roamingthings and @mryel00 as a small streamer for the Picamera v3, it has grown into a reliable streaming service with WebRTC support, now maintained under the Mainsail Crew. It also brings Picamera support to the Pi 5. If you've got a Raspberry Pi and a Picamera, give it a try!

Better logging, fewer mysteries

The delete_log option has been replaced with rollover_on_start. Logs are still cleared on startup, but a copy is saved first — up to 5 previous logs are retained for troubleshooting. Logs larger than 3 MB will also roll over automatically on the next start.

We also improved log messages. Wrong device paths, invalid modes, or bad config options (looking at you, ChatGPT 👀) now produce proper warnings and errors, so you can debug most issues yourself.

Two identical cameras? No problem.

If you connect two identical cameras, only one by-id path is generated — and therefore only one camera was logged previously. v5 now handles this correctly and logs both, so you don't have to hunt down the right path manually.

No update in the Update Manager?

That's intentional. We learned from the v4 release chaos and built a dedicated upgrade path. Just open your SSH terminal and run:

cd ~/crowsnest
git pull
make upgrade

This handles everything — uninstalling the old version, switching branches, migrating your Crowsnest and Moonraker configs, and installing v5.

If you run into trouble during upgrade, drop by the #support-forum on Discord or this issue thread and we'll help you out.

Happy streaming!
— The Mainsail Crew