Handle Camera Video Recording

Facing an error

I'm facing an error when stopping video recording in an Expo app with the new Expo Camera SDK. The message states, "Recording was stopped before any data could be produced."

The user suggests checking the latest expo camera documentation to troubleshoot an error with video recording. The code imports CameraView and manages the camera through useRef. Functions handleTakePhoto and handleTakeVideo are designed for capturing photos and video recordings, respectively.

Examining video recording issues

I’m exploring why video recording fails ("Video Recording failed: Recording was stopped before any data could be produced"). Conflict between immediate calls to handleTakePhoto and handleTakeVideo, along with potential issues from simultaneous onPress and onLongPress in React Native, are the main areas of focus.

Identifying the issue

OK, I’m working through the fact that both onPress and onLongPress might trigger simultaneously, stopping the recording prematurely. This setup seems to be the root of the issue.

Handling touch events

OK, let me see. I'm working through the issue where onPress is firing with onLongPress. Using delayPressIn and delayLongPress props or setting a flag in onLongPress to prevent onPress could solve this.

Adjusting touch handling

I’m figuring out how to manage presses in React Native, especially when differentiating between short and long presses. Setting 'delayPressOut' longer than 'delayLongPress' could prevent 'onPress' during 'onLongPress'.

Eager to refine the functionality of handleTakePhoto and handleTakeVideo, I pinpointed that handleTakePhoto is mistakenly initialized after handleTakeVideo, interrupting recording processes. To address this, I must prevent onPress from being triggered during onLongPress.

Evaluating press functions

I’m weighing options for managing video recording delays. Considering touch handlers, delay props, and dedicated buttons. Analyzing differences between onPress and onLongPress. Checking React Native documentation and StackOverflow insights.

Navigating conflicting events

I’m digging into how to handle 'onPress' and 'onLongPress' conflicts. Setting 'delayPressOut' longer than 'delayLongPress' or using 'onPress' as undefined post-long press seem viable.

Managing function calls

OK, let's think it through: managing states to control function calls. Adding console logs to 'handleTakePhoto' and 'handleTakeVideo' helps track immediate calls and identify potential inconsistencies.

Evaluating strategies

I’m outlining various methods to prevent 'handleTakePhoto' from executing during a long press, including flags, nullified 'onPress', 'Pressable', 'e.preventDefault()', and state management.

Implementing functionality

I’m detailing functions to toggle isLongPress and considering a delay to reset it. Also, I suggest using a separate button for video recording to resolve React Native issues.

Balancing touch events

I’m piecing together a strategy to manage conflicting touch events by distinguishing between short and long presses, potentially separating actions like taking a photo or video.

Evaluating event handling

I'm gathering info on using Pressable for event control, considering delayLongPress, hitSlop, pressRetentionOffset, and delayPressIn props to manage recording effectively.

Managing flag activation

I’m opting for a flag to prevent 'handleTakePhoto' from triggering when 'handleTakeVideo' is called. This approach efficiently manages the event flow, ensuring accurate function execution.

Setting up the scenario

I’m setting up a state variable to track long press events during video and photo capture. Adjusting the response logic ensures a smooth user experience.

Controlling functionality

I’m refining 'handleTakeVideo' to manage interruptions from 'handleTakePhoto', opting for 'onPress' and 'onPressIn'/'onPressOut' for better control over concurrent actions.

Mapping out approaches

I’m thinking through different button configurations for photo and video. Using 'onPressIn' to start and 'onPressOut' to stop video recording seems efficient, keeping 'handleTakePhoto' focused on photos.

Identifying the problem

I’m mapping out an issue where 'handleTakePhoto' immediately follows 'handleTakeVideo', cuttin' off the recording. Preventing 'onPress' from triggering post 'onLongPress' seems key.

Adjusting my approach

I’m refining the approach to manage press interactions. By setting a timeout, I can distinguish between a quick tap and a prolonged hold, effectively triggering either photo or video functions.

Setting a flag

OK, let me see. To ensure 'onPress' doesn't interfere with 'onLongPress', I introduce a 'longPressActive' flag. Initially set to false, it prevents 'onPress' when 'onLongPress' is triggered, freeing up resources.

The issue you're encountering arises because both the onPress and onLongPress handlers are being called when you perform a long press on the button. In React Native, when you long-press a TouchableOpacity, the onLongPress event is triggered first, followed by the onPress event when you release the touch. This behavior causes your handleTakePhoto function to execute immediately after handleTakeVideo, resulting in stopRecording() being called almost immediately after recordAsync(), which in turn produces the error:

Video Recording failed: Recording was stopped before any data could be produced.

Solution:

To fix this, you need to prevent handleTakePhoto from executing if a long press (video recording) has been initiated. You can achieve this by introducing a state variable that flags when a long press is active. Here's how you can modify your code:

1. Introduce a State Variable:

   Add a state variable longPressActive to track whether a long press is in progress.

   javascript
   const [longPressActive, setLongPressActive] = useState(false);

2. Modify handleTakePhoto:

   Update handleTakePhoto to check if a long press is active before proceeding. If it is, simply return without executing the rest of the function.

   javascript
   const handleTakePhoto = async () => {
     console.log("handleTakePhoto called");
     if (longPressActive) {
       console.log("Ignoring onPress because of long press");
       return;
     }
     if (mode == 'video') {
       if (cameraRef.current) {
         cameraRef.current.stopRecording();
         setMode('picture');
       }
     } else {
       if (cameraRef.current) {
         const options = {
           quality: 1,
           base64: true,
           exif: false,
         };
         const capturedImage = await cameraRef.current.takePictureAsync(options);
         setImage(capturedImage);
       }
     }
   };

3. Modify handleTakeVideo:

   In handleTakeVideo, set longPressActive to true when the function starts and reset it to false after the recording is complete.

   javascript
   const handleTakeVideo = async () => {
     console.log("handleTakeVideo called");
     setLongPressActive(true);
     if (!microphonePermission) {
       if (!microphonePermission.granted) {
         await requestMicrophonePermission();
       }
     } else {
       if (cameraRef.current) {
         setMode('video');
         const capturedVideo = await cameraRef.current.recordAsync();
         console.log(capturedVideo);
         setVideo(capturedVideo);
         setLongPressActive(false); // Reset the flag after recording
       }
     }
   };

4. Ensure Asynchronous Flow:

   Make sure to await the requestMicrophonePermission() call to ensure permissions are handled correctly before proceeding.

   javascript
   if (!microphonePermission.granted) {
     await requestMicrophonePermission();
   }

5. Testing:

   With these changes, when you perform a long press, handleTakePhoto will detect that a long press is active and will not execute, preventing the immediate call to stopRecording(). This should resolve the error you're experiencing.

Explanation:

• The longPressActive flag ensures that handleTakePhoto doesn't interfere when a video recording is in progress.
• By resetting longPressActive after the recording is complete, you allow subsequent presses to function normally.
• This approach maintains your existing UI design, allowing you to use the same button for both photo capture and video recording without unintended interference between the two actions.

Additional Tips:

• Consider adding error handling to manage scenarios where permissions are denied.
• You might also want to provide visual feedback to the user when a recording is in progress.

Revised Code Snippet:

Here is the modified portion of your code with the necessary changes:

javascript
export const MediaCapture: React.FC<MediaCaptureProps> = ({navigation}) => {
  // ... existing code ...

  const [longPressActive, setLongPressActive] = useState(false);

  const handleTakePhoto = async () => {
    console.log("handleTakePhoto called");
    if (longPressActive) {
      console.log("Ignoring onPress because of long press");
      return;
    }
    if (mode == 'video') {
      if (cameraRef.current) {
        cameraRef.current.stopRecording();
        setMode('picture');
      }
    } else {
      if (cameraRef.current) {
        const options = {
          quality: 1,
          base64: true,
          exif: false,
        };
        const capturedImage = await cameraRef.current.takePictureAsync(options);
        setImage(capturedImage);
      }
    }
  };

  const handleTakeVideo = async () => {
    console.log("handleTakeVideo called");
    setLongPressActive(true);
    if (!microphonePermission) {
      if (!microphonePermission.granted) {
        await requestMicrophonePermission();
      }
    } else {
      if (cameraRef.current) {
        setMode('video');
        const capturedVideo = await cameraRef.current.recordAsync();
        console.log(capturedVideo);
        setVideo(capturedVideo);
        setLongPressActive(false);
      }
    }
  };

  // ... existing code ...
};

By implementing this solution, you should no longer encounter the error, and your video recording functionality should work as expected.