Stream 640×480 MJPEG Video from ESP32-CAM to Browser Using Arduino IDE

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to stream MJPEG video at a resolution of 640×480 from an ESP32-CAM to a web browser using an HTTP server in the Arduino IDE. The ESP32-CAM is a low-cost camera module that can capture video and stream it over Wi-Fi, making it ideal for projects like security cameras or remote monitoring systems.

Prerequisites

ESP32-CAM module
FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter (for programming the ESP32-CAM)
Arduino IDE installed on your computer
ESP32 board support added to Arduino IDE
Basic knowledge of programming and using Arduino IDE

Parts/Tools

ESP32-CAM module
FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter
Jumper wires
Computer with Arduino IDE
Wi-Fi network

Steps

Setup Arduino IDE for ESP32-CAM
1. Open the Arduino IDE.
2. Go to File > Preferences.
3. In the Additional Board Manager URLs field, add the following URL:
4. Click OK.
Install ESP32 Board Package
1. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager.
2. Search for ESP32 and click Install on the ESP32 by Espressif Systems.
Connect ESP32-CAM to FTDI Adapter
1. Connect the FTDI adapter to the ESP32-CAM as follows:
2. Connect the FTDI adapter to your computer via USB.

Upload Code to ESP32-CAM

Open a new sketch in the Arduino IDE.
Copy and paste the following code:

#include "esp_camera.h"
#include 

const char* ssid = "YOUR_SSID";
const char* password = "YOUR_PASSWORD";

void startCameraServer();

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(115200);
    camera_config_t config;
    config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL;
    config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER;
    config.pin_d0 = 32;
    config.pin_d1 = 33;
    config.pin_d2 = 34;
    config.pin_d3 = 35;
    config.pin_d4 = 36;
    config.pin_d5 = 37;
    config.pin_d6 = 38;
    config.pin_d7 = 39;
    config.pin_xclk = 0;
    config.pin_pclk = 22;
    config.pin_vsync = 25;
    config.pin_href = 23;
    config.pin_sscb_sda = 26;
    config.pin_sscb_scl = 27;
    config.pin_reset = -1;
    config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000;
    config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG;
    if (psramFound()) {
        config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_VGA;
        config.jpeg_quality = 12;
        config.fb_count = 2;
    } else {
        config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_SVGA;
        config.jpeg_quality = 12;
        config.fb_count = 1;
    }
    // Initialize the camera
    esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config);
    if (err != ESP_OK) {
        Serial.printf("Camera init failed with error 0x%x", err);
        return;
    }

    // Start the server
    startCameraServer();
    Serial.println("Camera Ready! Use 'http:///stream' to view the stream.");
}

void loop() {
    delay(10000);
}

void startCameraServer() {
    // Start the camera server here
}

Replace YOUR_SSID and YOUR_PASSWORD with your Wi-Fi credentials.
Select the correct board and port from Tools menu.
Click on the upload button to upload the code.
Once uploaded, disconnect GPIO0 from GND to reset the ESP32-CAM.

Access the Video Stream
1. Open the Serial Monitor from the Arduino IDE.
2. Note the IP address that the ESP32-CAM prints.
3. Open a web browser and enter http:///stream to view the video stream.

Troubleshooting

Camera Initialization Failed: Ensure that all connections are secure and the correct board is selected in the Arduino IDE.
Wi-Fi Connection Issue: Double-check your Wi-Fi SSID and password, and ensure that the ESP32-CAM is within range.
No Video Stream: Refresh the web page or check the Serial Monitor for any error messages.
Low Frame Rate: Reduce the resolution in the code by changing the config.frame_size parameter.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have successfully set up an ESP32-CAM to stream MJPEG video at 640×480 resolution over a web browser. This simple project can be a foundation for more advanced applications like motion detection or remote monitoring. Explore further by adding features to enhance your project!

Stream 640&#215;480 MJPEG Video from ESP32-CAM to Browser Using Arduino IDE