ESP32 Cam DLSR Body

Learning and playing with ESP32 hardware is only limited by a person’s imagination. What better way to start and learn your next ESP32 project than with the cost effective ESP32 Cam module.

This camera body design is best printed on a multi-colored capable printer for best results. All parts are printed with PLA+ for best quality. For some of the detailed parts, 0.25mm nozzle is used, otherwise 0.4mm for the rest. Print at 0.1mm layer height for the best details, 15% infill, 3 to 5 perimeters, no supports required. 

For camera consideration, this design is base around the ESP32 Cam Module with USB programming adapter, and OV2640 65-75° camera lens. Once the program is downloaded to your ESP32, the USB adapter will be removed. There are many websites with the source code to make your camera operate. After that, the fun begins. What will you do with your camera? At some point I plan to incorporate mine with PRUSA Connect.

Items you will need for this project:

Qty 5 : M2x5 flat head screws

Qty 3 : M2x5 button head screws

Qty 1 : Red and Black Female to Female Dupont Jumper wires, 10cm

Qty 1 : ESP32 Cam module / OV2640 65-75° FOV, USB programming module

Qty 1 : Micro USB Female to DIP breakout board https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09WQTR1H3?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Build Steps:

• Prepare the Micro USB breakout board. Cut approximately 35mm length of both the red and black Dupont F-F jumper wire and remove the housing from the pins.

• Gently bend the female socket slightly and slide 10mm of heat shrink on each of the exposed jumpers and then bend to around 90°.

• Solder the jumper wire ends to the appropriate pads on the Micro USB breakout board.

• Attach the camera frame to the camera bottom with a M2x5 button head screw. Tighten enough so the frame can still slide.
• Place the ESP32 Cam module into the slot of the camera frame, ensuring it is seated. Take the alignment tool and hold it against the camera bottom and slide the camera and frame so the lens is centered properly, then tighten the M2x5 button screw to affix the camera frame.

• Attach the USB breakout board to the USB holder with two (2) M2x5 button head screws. Then insert the assembly into the designated slot in the camera bottom.

• Affix the USB holder to the bottom with a M2x5 flat head screw from the bottom side.

• Attach the red and black jumper wires to the appropriate 5V and GND pins on the ESP32 Cam module. The ESP32 Cam module has been programmed and verified working and then the USB programming module is removed at this point.

• Remove the print-in-place support on the back of the camera body.

• Insert the ESP32 Cam module into the camera frame to adjust the wires appropriately.

• Insert the ESP32 Cam module and camera bottom into the camera body carefully. There is an alignment slot for the ESP32 Cam module to slip into inside the top of the camera body. You can use a plastic spudger to help manipulate the module as required.
• Once you have it fitted, use the remaining M2x5 flat head screws to affix the camera bottom to the camera body.

• Insert the lens holder and carefully press onto the lens body gently. Use a spudger to help align the supports into the grooves.

• Screw the printed std lens on snuggly but not too tight.

• Thread the dial knob onto the top left side of the camera body.
• With 3 openings left, carefully insert the USB cover, the right cover, and the display cover.

• The camera is now compete.