{"id":7145,"date":"2020-05-24T14:09:31","date_gmt":"2020-05-24T18:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dronebotworkshop.com\/?p=7145"},"modified":"2023-04-11T17:05:32","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T21:05:32","slug":"esp32-cam-intro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dronebotworkshop.com\/esp32-cam-intro\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting started with the ESP32-CAM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Download \"Parts<\/a> \"View<\/a> \"Download<\/a><\/p>\n

We have worked with the ESP32 module already, it\u2019s a powerful yet inexpensive microcontroller from Espressif and A-Thinker with advanced features like Bluetooth, WiFi, and multipurpose GPIO ports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Today we\u2019ll look at another member of the ESP32 module family, the ESP32-CAM board.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

This amazing little module packs a lot of power and features into a small package. Read on and see how you can put it to use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/span><\/h2>\n

The ESP32-CAM is a full-featured microcontroller that also has an integrated video camera and microSD card socket.\u00a0 It\u2019s inexpensive and easy to use, and is perfect for IoT devices requiring a camera with advanced functions like image tracking and recognition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ESP32-CAM\"<\/p>\n

The sample software distributed by Espressif includes a sketch that allows you to build a web-based camera with a sophisticated control panel. After you get the hang of programming the device you\u2019ll find that it is very easy to use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not bad for a board that costs about ten dollars, including the camera!<\/span><\/p>\n

Examining the ESP32-CAM<\/span><\/h2>\n

The ESP32-CAM module has fewer I\/O pins than the previous ESP-32 module we looked at. Many of the GPIO pins are used internally for the camera and the microSD card port.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another thing missing from the ESP32-CAM module is a USB port.\u00a0 In order to program this device you\u2019ll need to make use of an FTDI adapter. This will be described further on in this article.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is the pinout of the ESP32-CAM Module:<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ESP32-CAM<\/p>\n

One thing to note about this module is that it has components on both sides of the printed circuit board. The \u201ctop\u201d of the board has the connector for the camera module, as well as the microSD (sometimes called \u201cTF\u201d) card socket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ESP32-CAM<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also note a square white LED on the top of the module, this can act as a \u201cflash\u201d for illuminating the subject you are trying to view with the camera.<\/span><\/p>\n

The underside of the circuit board has the ESP32-S module. It also has a connector for an external antenna, as well as an internal antenna that is etched onto the circuit board. I\u2019ll explain how to use the external antenna shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ESP32-CAM<\/p>\n

Another key component located underneath the board is the reset switch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because there are so many components on the bottom of the module you may find it easier not to use a solderless breadboard when experimenting with the ESP32-CAM module.\u00a0 The use of jumpers with female Dupont connectors is recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n

ESP32-CAM Specifications<\/span><\/h3>\n

The ESP32-CAM is based upon the ESP32-S module, so it shares the same specifications.\u00a0 It has the following features:<\/span><\/p>\n