What is ESP32-CAM Wireless Camera?

The ESP32-CAM is a low-cost development board with an onboard camera module and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. It can stream video over a wireless network, making it suitable for IoT surveillance, smart doorbells, facial recognition, and live monitoring applications.

Working Principle of ESP32-CAM as a Wireless Camera

The ESP32-CAM connects to a Wi-Fi network and hosts a web server that streams live video from its onboard OV2640 camera. Once powered and connected, users can access the video feed from any device on the same network using a web browser. It uses MJPEG streaming and HTTP protocols for camera preview.

• ESP32-CAM connects to the Wi-Fi network using predefined credentials.
• It initializes the camera module (OV2640) and starts a web server.
• Users access the IP address of ESP32-CAM on a browser to view the live camera feed.
• Captured frames are streamed in real-time using MJPEG over HTTP.

Formula: FPS = Number of Frames Captured / Total Time (in seconds)

Components Required

• ESP32-CAM module (with OV2640 camera)
• FTDI Programmer (3.3V)
• Jumper wires (Female to Female)
• Breadboard (optional)
• 5V Power supply or USB source

ESP32-CAM Pin Configuration

• U0R (RX): Connects to FTDI TX for programming
• U0T (TX): Connects to FTDI RX for programming
• GND: Ground connection
• 5V: Power supply input (5V)
• IO0: Pulled LOW during upload mode

Ensure IO0 is connected to GND during upload, and disconnect it before rebooting the module to start video streaming.

Wiring ESP32-CAM with FTDI Programmer

• U0R (RX) -> FTDI TX
• U0T (TX) -> FTDI RX
• GND -> FTDI GND
• 5V -> FTDI VCC (5V)
• IO0 -> FTDI GND (only during upload)

Arduino Code to Stream Video from ESP32-CAM

1#include "esp_camera.h"
2#include <WiFi.h>
3
4const char* ssid = "Your_SSID";
5const char* password = "Your_PASSWORD";
6
7void startCameraServer();
8
9void setup() {
10  Serial.begin(115200);
11  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
12  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
13    delay(500);
14    Serial.print(".");
15  }
16  Serial.println("");
17  Serial.println("WiFi connected");
18  Serial.println("IP address: ");
19  Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());
20
21  camera_config_t config;
22  config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL_0;
23  config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER_0;
24  config.pin_d0 = 5;
25  config.pin_d1 = 18;
26  config.pin_d2 = 19;
27  config.pin_d3 = 21;
28  config.pin_d4 = 36;
29  config.pin_d5 = 39;
30  config.pin_d6 = 34;
31  config.pin_d7 = 35;
32  config.pin_xclk = 0;
33  config.pin_pclk = 22;
34  config.pin_vsync = 25;
35  config.pin_href = 23;
36  config.pin_sscb_sda = 26;
37  config.pin_sscb_scl = 27;
38  config.pin_pwdn = 32;
39  config.pin_reset = -1;
40  config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000;
41  config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG;
42
43  if(psramFound()){
44    config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_VGA;
45    config.jpeg_quality = 10;
46    config.fb_count = 2;
47  } else {
48    config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_CIF;
49    config.jpeg_quality = 12;
50    config.fb_count = 1;
51  }
52
53  esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config);
54  if (err != ESP_OK) {
55    Serial.printf("Camera init failed with error 0x%x", err);
56    return;
57  }
58  startCameraServer();
59  Serial.println("Camera Ready! Use IP to view stream");
60}
61
62void loop() {
63  delay(10000);
64}

Code Explanation (Line-by-Line)

• WiFi.begin(ssid, password);: Connects the ESP32-CAM to the specified Wi-Fi network.
• camera_config_t config;: Structure that holds all configuration for the OV2640 camera.
• esp_camera_init(&config);: Initializes the camera with the defined configuration.
• startCameraServer();: Starts the HTTP server that streams video frames over Wi-Fi.
• Serial.println(WiFi.localIP());: Prints the IP address which can be opened in a browser to view the live stream.

Applications

• Wireless surveillance and security camera
• IoT-based home automation with visual monitoring
• Smart doorbell systems
• Remote livestock or greenhouse monitoring
• Facial recognition in embedded projects

Conclusion

The ESP32-CAM module provides a compact and cost-effective solution for wireless video streaming in IoT applications. Its onboard camera and Wi-Fi connectivity make it ideal for real-time surveillance, smart monitoring, and automation projects. With simple wiring and Arduino IDE support, it's a powerful tool for developers and hobbyists alike.