How to Use esp32came: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The ESP32-CAM is a low-cost development board that combines the powerful ESP32 microcontroller with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, along with a camera module. This compact and versatile board is ideal for applications requiring wireless connectivity and image or video processing. Its small form factor and rich feature set make it a popular choice for IoT projects, home automation, surveillance systems, and AI-based image recognition tasks.

• Wireless video streaming and surveillance
• IoT-based smart home devices
• Face and object recognition systems
• Remote monitoring and control
• AI-powered image processing projects

The ESP32-CAM is equipped with a range of features that make it suitable for various applications. Below are its key technical details:

• Microcontroller: ESP32-D0WDQ6 with dual-core processor
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE)
• Camera Module: OV2640 (2MP resolution)
• Flash Memory: 4MB (PSRAM: 8MB)
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V
• Input Voltage Range: 5V (via external power supply or USB)
• GPIO Pins: 9 available for user applications
• Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, ADC
• MicroSD Card Slot: Supports up to 4GB for storage
• Power Consumption: ~160mA (active mode)
• Dimensions: 27mm x 40.5mm

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

Note: GPIO0 must be connected to GND during programming. Disconnect it after flashing the firmware.

The ESP32-CAM can be used in a variety of projects. Below are the steps to get started:

1. Power Supply: Provide 5V to the 5V pin or use an external USB-to-TTL adapter.
2. Programming Mode: Connect GPIO0 to GND to enable programming mode.
3. Connect to a Programmer: Use a USB-to-TTL adapter to connect the ESP32-CAM to your computer:
   • TX of the adapter to U0RXD (GPIO3)
   • RX of the adapter to U0TXD (GPIO1)
   • GND of the adapter to GND of the ESP32-CAM
   • 5V of the adapter to the 5V pin of the ESP32-CAM
4. Install Drivers: Ensure the USB-to-TTL adapter drivers are installed on your computer.

• Use the Arduino IDE to program the ESP32-CAM. Follow these steps:
  1. Install the ESP32 board package in the Arduino IDE.
  2. Select the board as "AI-Thinker ESP32-CAM" under Tools > Board.
  3. Select the correct COM port for your USB-to-TTL adapter.
  4. Write or upload a sketch (e.g., a basic camera web server example).

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

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

// Camera configuration for AI-Thinker module
#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);
  Serial.println();

  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("");
  Serial.println("WiFi connected");
  Serial.println("IP address: ");
  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());

  // Initialize the camera
  camera_config_t config;
  config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL_0;
  config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER_0;
  config.pin_d0 = Y2_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d1 = Y3_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d2 = Y4_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d3 = Y5_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d4 = Y6_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d5 = Y7_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d6 = Y8_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d7 = Y9_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_xclk = XCLK_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_pclk = PCLK_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_vsync = VSYNC_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_href = HREF_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_sscb_sda = SIOD_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_sscb_scl = SIOC_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_pwdn = PWDN_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_reset = RESET_GPIO_NUM;
  config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000;
  config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG;

  if (!esp_camera_init(&config)) {
    Serial.println("Camera initialized successfully");
  } else {
    Serial.println("Camera initialization failed");
    return;
  }

  // Start the camera server
  startCameraServer();
}

void loop() {
  delay(10000); // Keep the program running
}

• After uploading the code, disconnect GPIO0 from GND and reset the board.
• Open the Serial Monitor to find the IP address of the ESP32-CAM.
• Enter the IP address in a web browser to access the camera feed.

• Ensure the power supply provides sufficient current (at least 500mA).
• Use a heat sink if the ESP32-CAM overheats during prolonged use.
• Avoid using GPIO1 and GPIO3 for other purposes when programming.

1. Camera Initialization Failed:

   • Ensure the camera module is properly connected to the ESP32-CAM board.
   • Verify the camera configuration in the code matches the hardware.

2. Wi-Fi Connection Issues:

   • Double-check the SSID and password in the code.
   • Ensure the Wi-Fi network is within range.

3. Serial Monitor Shows Garbage Characters:

   • Set the baud rate in the Serial Monitor to 115200.

4. ESP32-CAM Not Detected by Computer:

   • Verify the USB-to-TTL adapter connections.
   • Ensure GPIO0 is connected to GND during programming.

• Q: Can I use the ESP32-CAM without a programmer?
  A: Yes, you can use an external power supply and pre-flashed firmware, but a programmer is required for custom code.

• Q: What is the maximum resolution of the camera?
  A: The OV2640 camera supports up to 1600x1200 (UXGA) resolution.

• Q: Can I use the ESP32-CAM for battery-powered projects?
  A: Yes, but ensure the battery can provide sufficient current (at least 500mA).