ESP32ESP32Draft

Expanded ESP32-CAM webcam server

A friendlier, feature-rich version of Espressif's camera example for the $8 ESP32-CAM board.

Difficulty:BeginnerCost:Under $15Source available

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Illustration

Photos

Expanded ESP32-CAM webcam server photo 1

Photos: hackaday.io

Key Facts

Chip: ESP32 (AI-Thinker ESP32-CAM)
Camera: OV2640
Stream: MJPEG over HTTP
Framework: Arduino

About This Project

This project extends the stock Espressif CameraWebServer sketch for the AI-Thinker ESP32-CAM, adding a cleaner UI, saved settings, a standalone stream viewer, OTA updates, LED control and an embeddable stream endpoint. It is a practical base for DIY security cams, 3D-printer monitors and timelapse rigs, and the README covers common power and flashing pitfalls with these boards.

Source & Attribution

Creator: easytarget (@easytarget)

Source: GitHub

License: LGPL-2.1

Last verified: 10/16/2026

How to Build It

An expanded version of Espressif's CameraWebServer example for the cheap AI-Thinker ESP32-CAM. It adds lamp control, view rotation, a cleaner UI, saved settings and better stability, turning the module into a simple Wi-Fi webcam with an MJPEG stream and still capture.

Parts Needed

AI-Thinker ESP32-CAM with OV2640
3.3V USB-serial adapter (FTDI or CH340) or an ESP32-CAM-MB programmer
Jumper wires
Solid 5V supply

Steps

1
Set up the Arduino IDE
Install the latest stable Arduino IDE and Espressif ESP32 core. The author doesn't support development builds.
2
Wire for programming
Cross the adapter's TX and RX to the ESP32-CAM's RX and TX, supply 5V and GND, and hold GPIO0 to GND at power-up to enter flash mode. Use a 3.3V logic adapter, never a 5V one.
3
Get the sketch
Download the release zip, unpack it into your sketchbook folder and rename the folder so it matches the .ino name (drop the version number).
4
Configure
Copy the example network config to myconfig.h and enter your Wi-Fi details. The default camera pinout is AI-Thinker; select another if you have a different module.
5
Upload and run
Select the AI Thinker ESP32-CAM board and upload. Then remove the GPIO0 jumper, reset, and open the IP address shown in the serial monitor.
6
Tips
Avoid PlatformIO builds for now (the README notes the stream drops). Only one stream can run at a time. Most dropouts come from weak Wi-Fi or power, so keep the module close to the router.