I too purchased a Hayear camera. I too have been through the wringer, trying to find a way to use it effectively. I did not get an adapter with it, and make do with a fandom adapter that was passed along to me with a "Novel" 2MP dedicated microscope camera. The comparison has taught me a good deal. I don't know how I overlooked this forum, as many of my questions are answered in this very thread! I am a stubborn GNU/Linux user, but in this case I was forced to experiment with Windows and MacOS solutions, however since I have not used them for a long while, I don't remember much about the capabilities of the software. Like others I have noticed that the micro-SSD card must be removed for USB; also, if I am not mistaken, the power cable should not be engaged when using USB.
My camera model is "HY-2307", represented online as a 21 megapixel "industrial" camera. It is recognized by my OS as a "Venus" camera. I believe it is manufactured by Z-Star Electronics. On GNU/Linux, I was able to see the following:
Driver Info:
Driver name : uvcvideo
Card type : HY-2307
Bus info : usb-0000:00:14.0-9
Driver version : 5.15.16
Capabilities : 0x84a00001
Video Capture
Metadata Capture
Streaming
Extended Pix Format
Device Capabilities
Device Caps : 0x04200001
Video Capture
Streaming
Extended Pix Format
I have used webcamoid, which usually is the one reliable software that works and allows some access to obscure controls, like a Convolution matrix effect, inversion, black and white, but not, reliably, anything to control the exposure.
Cheese, a Gnome webcam utility, can display and take snapshots, however, the controls are almost none. Guvcview worked, and like some other utilities, like kamoso, works once, then stops working. This is a frustrating experience.
On a miniature CD that came with the camera was a utility, I believe it turned out to be ToupLite. It is almost useless on GNU/Linux.
HDMI has been the most useful, and somewhat aggravating way to access this camera. Adjusting color balance is an unusual exercise, requiring, if I recall, the use of a numerical scheme to adjust each color channel independently. I also experienced that changes I made on HDMI persist once booted up by USB2. It is possible to do some adjustments on HDMI with the remote control---an interesting piece, like something from a child's toy. Somehow, the colors are coming up pretty ok on the PC.
I also have a Canon Mirrorless camera, for which I purchased an AmScope adapter that works on my scope. I am using a nice utility, Entangle, on Linux to control that camera; so far I like it well.
The software---various versions were mentioned---is also similar to AmScope offerings that are available for GNU/Linux for some of their cameras. But for cost, I might try one of them. I am saving my money for a RisingCam camera, which comes with better software. A friend uses a camera with a cooled sensor for his fluorescence research microscopy. He uses AmScope software; it' is amazing.
I think the firmware of some cameras is more sophisticated, so giving "capabilities" of different kinds to different cameras. GNU/Linux has a single driver, V4L2, for all of these USB cameras. Guvcview gives access to a number of capabilties for the Novel Cam, in the Still image control mode, however, none at all for the Hayear Venus HY-2307.
Does anyone know whether a good programmer can take advantage of more options with these devices, or is this all the capability that is ever going to be available? Are there options that can be accessed by a good programmer? (I am not a programmer).