ESP32, as a powerful microcontroller, is very popular among developers due to its low cost and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth functions, especially in the fields of Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems. Developers can easily build an application using jumper wires, a breadboard, and a camera module.
ESP32 Applications
The following picture is application examples provided by Espressif.
The applications with ESP32 are very wide. When it comes to camera module sensors compatible with ESP32, we immediately think of the OV2640. However, due to its EOL and the market supply shortage, finding alternative solutions has become particularly important.
Compatible Sensors Information
The following are several ESP32-compatible sensors information that we have collected for your reference:
GC2145 (2MP): This is 2MP camera modules similar to OV2640. GC2145 can serve as a direct replacement, suitable for applications requiring basic image capture functions, such as simple video monitoring or face recognition.
OV5640 (5MP): OV5640 has a high resolution of 5 megapixels, providing higher quality images than OV2640. This makes it very suitable for applications requiring high-resolution images, such as HD video recording and advanced image recognition. However, it’s worth noting that higher pixels may lead to increased computational demands and power consumption, and the frame rate may be relatively lower.
OV3640 (3MP): This is a 3MP camera module, offering a resolution option between OV2640 and OV5640. It strikes a good balance between price, performance, and power consumption. Due to its lower price, this sensor is also a good alternative to OV2640.
OV7670 (1MP): This is also a classic CMOS image sensor module that can achieve VGA resolution shooting at up to 30fps. It’s also compatible with ESP32 development boards.
NT99141 (1MP): This is a 1-megapixel camera module. Although it has a lower resolution, it may have a higher frame rate and lower power consumption, suitable for applications with lower image quality requirements, such as simple monitoring or motion detection.
Conclusion
Anyway, when choosing a camera module, in addition to resolution, other factors such as frame rate, power consumption, size, and cost should also be considered. Moreover, different camera modules may require different drivers or libraries for support, so appropriate software support needs to be ensured. Overall, based on your specific requirements (such as resolution, frame rate, power consumption, etc.) and budget, you can choose the most suitable camera module for your project from the above alternatives.
