Using SDK without 3D camera

[Ron_R_]

Can I use the RealSense SDK without the 3D camera?  I would like to use the facial recognition on a image file or possibly a standard security camera.

[MartyG]

I believe that an ordinary webcam may suffice for some of the simple RGB and audio based functions.  For instance, you may be able to get facial emotion recognition and "blob tracking" to work with a security camera but not features that require dedicated RealSense hardware, such as depth analysis and real-time joint and face-point tracking.

Edit: since the RealSense camera uses the USB 3 PC port, you may also need to use a USB 3 port for your webcam or security camera in order for the SDK to be able to communicate with it.  I'm not sure about that one though.

[AndreCarlucci]

Speech features work just fine too, no need for the camera :)