Guvcview is the best webcam application for Linux I have encountered so far. It is no-frills, but it does the job well and allows for more customization than Cheese and Kamoso. #MondayMemo
I have tried it out today. Compared to Guvcview, it has a nicer user interface and more filters, but at the expense of a slightly reduced number of webcam controls (at least for me).
Interesting - do you think it would work with USB microscopes/etc. ? In particular the focus settings are somewhat crucial for such things. Cheese was always my scope choice...
Regarding focus settings, it depends whether such functionality is available for your device. I have a Logitech webcam with autofocus and I can adjust the focus manually on Guvcview.