How to set cv2.VideoCapture() image size in Python

Use cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_WIDTH and cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_HEIGHT in order to tell OpenCV which image size you would like.

import cv2

video_capture = cv2.VideoCapture(0)
# Check success
if not video_capture.isOpened():
    raise Exception("Could not open video device")
# Set properties. Each returns === True on success (i.e. correct resolution)
video_capture.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_WIDTH, 160)
video_capture.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_FRAME_HEIGHT, 120)
# Read picture. ret === True on success
ret, frame = video_capture.read()
# Close device
video_capture.release()

Note that most video capture devices (like webcams) only support specific sets of widths & heights. Use uvcdynctrl -f to find out which resolutions are supported:

$ uvcdynctrl -f
Listing available frame formats for device video0:
Pixel format: YUYV (YUYV 4:2:2; MIME type: video/x-raw-yuv)
  Frame size: 640x480
    Frame rates: 30, 20, 10
  Frame size: 352x288
    Frame rates: 30, 20, 10
  Frame size: 320x240
    Frame rates: 30, 20, 10
  Frame size: 176x144
    Frame rates: 30, 20, 10
  Frame size: 160x120
    Frame rates: 30, 20, 10