# camera.startSession

Starts a session that times out after a fixed interval. Locks the camera to the
requesting client and makes sure the camera stays awake. Please note, starting
a new session should always be allowed. If there is an existing session, it
should be closed automatically by the camera before starting the new session.
**This command was deprecated in API level 2.**

## Parameters

- **timeout:** (Optional) Requested session timeout in seconds. If omitted (HTTP request has no body), the camera should determine a reasonable timeout.

## Results

- **sessionId:** Unique session identifier of type string.
- **timeout:** Confirmed session timeout in seconds.

## Errors

- **invalidParameterName:** The input parameter name is unrecognized.
- **invalidParameterValue:** The input parameter name is recognized, but the passed value is invalid; for example, the value is out of range or its data type is incorrect.

| ## Command I/O ||
|---|---|
| **Command Input** | ``` { "parameters": { "timeout": 50 } } ``` |
| **Command Output** | ``` { "results": { "sessionId": "12ABC3", "timeout": 50 } } ``` |
| **Command Output (Error)** | ``` { "error": { "code": "cameraInExclusiveUse", "message": "Camera already in exclusive use, new session can't be started." } } ``` |