How to Use ESP32-CAM: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-CAM is a low-cost development board manufactured by ESP32. It features a built-in camera module and Wi-Fi capabilities, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. Powered by the ESP32 chip, this board combines powerful processing capabilities with wireless connectivity, making it ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) projects, surveillance systems, remote monitoring, and image processing tasks.

• IoT-based surveillance and security systems
• Smart home automation with video streaming
• Remote monitoring and control
• Face recognition and object detection
• Wireless camera systems for robotics
• Educational projects and prototyping

The ESP32-CAM is a compact and feature-rich module. Below are its key technical specifications:

The ESP32-CAM has a total of 16 pins. Below is the pinout and description:

The ESP32-CAM is a versatile module that can be used in various projects. Below are the steps to get started:

• The ESP32-CAM requires a 5V power supply, which can be provided via the 5V pin or an external USB-to-serial adapter.
• Ensure that the power supply can provide at least 500 mA to avoid instability.

• The ESP32-CAM does not have a built-in USB interface, so you will need a USB-to-serial adapter (e.g., FTDI module) to program it.
• Connect the USB-to-serial adapter to the ESP32-CAM as follows:
  • GND to GND
  • 5V to 5V
  • TX to U0RXD (GPIO3)
  • RX to U0TXD (GPIO1)
• To enter programming mode, connect GPIO0 to GND before powering the module.

• Install the ESP32 Board Manager in the Arduino IDE:
  1. Open the Arduino IDE and go to File > Preferences.
  2. Add the following URL to the "Additional Board Manager URLs" field:
     https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
  3. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager, search for "ESP32," and install it.
• Select the AI-Thinker ESP32-CAM board from the Tools > Board menu.
• Write or load your code and upload it to the ESP32-CAM.

Below is an example code to set up the ESP32-CAM as a video streaming server:

#include <WiFi.h>
#include "esp_camera.h"

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";

// Camera configuration
#define PWDN_GPIO_NUM    -1
#define RESET_GPIO_NUM   -1
#define XCLK_GPIO_NUM     0
#define SIOD_GPIO_NUM    26
#define SIOC_GPIO_NUM    27
#define Y9_GPIO_NUM      35
#define Y8_GPIO_NUM      34
#define Y7_GPIO_NUM      39
#define Y6_GPIO_NUM      36
#define Y5_GPIO_NUM      21
#define Y4_GPIO_NUM      19
#define Y3_GPIO_NUM      18
#define Y2_GPIO_NUM       5
#define VSYNC_GPIO_NUM   25
#define HREF_GPIO_NUM    23
#define PCLK_GPIO_NUM    22

void startCameraServer();

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);

  // Wait for Wi-Fi connection
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("");
  Serial.println("WiFi connected");

  // Start the camera server
  startCameraServer();
  Serial.println("Camera ready! Use the IP address to view the stream.");
  Serial.print("Camera Stream URL: http://");
  Serial.print(WiFi.localIP());
  Serial.println("/stream");
}

void loop() {
  // Nothing to do here
}

• After uploading the code, open the Serial Monitor to find the ESP32-CAM's IP address.
• Enter the IP address in a web browser to view the video stream.

• Ensure proper heat dissipation, as the ESP32-CAM can get warm during operation.
• Use a stable power supply to avoid unexpected resets or crashes.
• Avoid using GPIO pins reserved for the camera or MicroSD card for other purposes.

1. The ESP32-CAM does not power on.

   • Ensure that the power supply provides at least 5V and 500 mA.
   • Check all connections for loose wires or incorrect pin mapping.

2. The code upload fails.

   • Verify that GPIO0 is connected to GND during programming.
   • Ensure the correct COM port and board are selected in the Arduino IDE.

3. The video stream is not accessible.

   • Check the Serial Monitor for the correct IP address.
   • Ensure that the ESP32-CAM is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your device.

4. The module overheats.

   • Use a heatsink or ensure proper ventilation to dissipate heat.

• Use a multimeter to check voltage levels at the 5V and 3.3V pins.
• If the module is unresponsive, try resetting it by pressing the RESET button.
• Double-check the wiring and ensure no pins are shorted.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the ESP32-CAM for a variety of projects and applications.