"Cheese started out as a Google Summer of Code project entitled
Photobooth-like application for the GNOME-Desktop. (See this GNOME
Journal interview with Daniel Siegel). Several additional GSoC
projects involved Cheese, these include Cheese integration into
Gnome with student Felix Kaser and mentor Daniel Siegel and Extend
Cheese with OpenGL effects with student Filippo Argiolas and mentor
Daniel Siegel.
"The main features of Cheese include:
Real-time video monitor window.
Supports the selection of multiple video resolutions.
Ability to take still .jpg photos with optional video effects.
Has a countdown timer for taking still photos.
Makes a click sound when a still photo is taken.
Ability to record .ogv movies with sound and optional video
effects.
Can chain multiple video effects together.
Built-in thumbnail library that shows recorded photos and
movies.
Displays photos with Eye of GNOME.
Plays movies with Totem Movie Player.
Images and movies can be saved to files, emailed or exported to
F-spot."