Make a Simple WiFi Security Camera with ESP32-CAM

In this video, we make an ESP32-CAM Arduino-based Homemade WiFi Surveillance Camera under $20 that even runs off a battery!
As this project may seem quite technical, software-wise I can say it sure is, though I do hope from my step-by-step tutorial you'll get yourself an ESP32-CAM, be able to make your own WiFI CCTV cam for cheap, and monitor your home/environment in a "DIY" way.

In case you're curious about the camera's power consumption, the ESP32-CAM draws around 0.75 Watts or less and lasts running for about 24 hours on a 4400mAh battery pack
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❗ Important updates regarding uploading the code ❗
Firstly you must make sure of the following:
• Once you have downloaded & unzipped full code, copy and paste config files from the data folder to MicroSD card.
• Check that your esp32 boards library is up to date, update if it's not v2.0.2 or above.
• Select "ESP32 Dev Module", partition scheme "Minimal SPIFFS (1.9MB OTA/190KB SPIFFS)", enable PSRAM.
❗ All of these important steps mentioned have to be followed since the recent (2022) update to this code. ❗
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Thanks to GitHub repository admin @s60sc and also @nnjim for helping out not only myself with getting the camera's code's misunderstandings resolved but also for all viewers here and people who would also want to recreate this project.

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Disclaimer: Amazon purchase links below are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you extra to buy through those and I just get a tiny commission. Thank you!

Instructable page of this project ➡️ (Tutorial) Link:

Code and more at repository by user "s60sc":

Materials and parts with links:

Music credits:
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Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported
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tags:
max imagination, diy cctv camera, diy surveillance camera, ESP32-CAM, ESP32cam, arduino camera, homemade surveillance camera, ESP32-CAM tutorial, DIY WiFi security camera, ESP32-CAM project, DIY home security camera, ESP32-CAM tutorial step by step, ESP32-CAM wiring, ESP32-CAM live streaming, DIY security camera system, ESP32-CAM configuration, WiFi camera module, battery-powered motion detection camera, WiFi security camera tutorial, home security camera tutorial, ESP32-CAM setup guide.

#esp32cam #homesecurity #securitycamera

[citizengkar]

Nice job. Well presented, & I liked the fact you were honest enough to show the restrictions, of your early design process. Keep it up.

[VEDAL]

One of the hardest part for me was to switch from internal antenna to external. Since that little resistor is 0 ohm I just drop a little solder to connect the external pads and I left the internal pads connected. I placed the esp32cam on my driveway and works great. Thank you for this vid!

[leonardfluhart]

I just bought one after watching your video like 6 times to convince me lol

[mohamedation]

you have earned my subscription. i would have donated if i had any. your content is very clear, fast enough not to be boring, and covers everything. keep it going.

[MaxImagination]

Thanks for understanding!

❗ IMPORTANT UPDATES REGARDING THE CODE❗

Firstly you must make sure of the following:
• Once you have downloaded & unzipped full code, copy and paste config files from the data folder to MicroSD card.
• Check that your esp32 boards library is up to date, update if it's not v2.0.2 or above.
• WiFi credentials from now on must be entered in "utils.cpp" tab and not "myConfig.h".
• Select "ESP32 Dev Module", partition scheme "Minimal SPIFFS (1.9MB OTA/190KB SPIFFS)", enable PSRAM.
❗ All of these important steps mentioned should be followed since the recent (2022) update to this code. ❗

Thanks to GitHub repository admin @s60sc and also @nnjim for helping out not only myself with getting the camera code's issues & misunderstandings resolved but also for all viewers here and people who would also want to recreate this project.

More tips and prompts to know before attempting project:
The DIY Security Camera with its current code only works when an SD card is inserted, otherwise it simply won't connect or function.
The first code I demonstrated does not include recording video or saving it to any kind of SD card, the second one (more complex code) does.
It is safe to leave the DIY Security Camera plugged in via a micro USB cable to a 5V Phone charger power-supply the whole time, that way you're able to keep the camera running, not worrying about the batteries running flat.
To reprogram the Security camera, connect some jumper wires from the extended row of pins on the ESP32-CAM module to an FTDI USB to Serial converter.
With the given camera's IP address, you're only able to connect to its webserver when in the programmed WiFi network, connecting to the camera through other WiFi networks won't work unless you Port Forward the camera's IP address through your router settings and use your network's public IP + port number (80-85...) when searching via web browser from another network.

Don't forget to leave a like if you enjoyed watching the video or found it informative, share, subscribe if you haven't yet, comment leave your thoughts on my project, & please don't be shy to throw me a question about anything in regard to the Homemade CCTV camera/any troubleshooting questions. 😊

[palolq]

Great project, the best I've found so far. The only thing I can't set is that the lamp does not light during recording in Night Time mode. Lots of success and I look forward to the next version.

[xliquidflames]

I need something to watch the intersection at the corner of my property. Is it really weather proof? And, I doubt it'll survive in the 100°F summers we have. But I guess it won't hurt to try.

[apppc.celulares]

Good morning.
Professor, can you make the ESP32 identify the Ibecon as a car tag?
Each car that arrives at the garage gate displays a 4-digit code on the monitor screen.
I am your follower in BRAZIL.

[ELXYZ]

Attaching that external antennae was a bit tricky for me. The tiny plug would not stay connected. I ended up soldering the outside ground connections together and now it works great. So much better than the on board antennae

[shailesh.ssathe]

Works well for me except i have to keep connected to 5v supply through a mobile charger. It does not work standalone, that is on the batteries as shown by you. one question, since you are using the 3.7v batteries did you connect the wires to 5v or 3v on the ESP32 board? Please help.

[antonniolim]

Hi, may I know why is the 3A switch recommended in this circuit? May I use 5 or 6A rated switch?
Can you also roughly specify the dimension of your cylindrical casing used?
Thank you so much!

[NenziTre]

Hi this is a nice video. But what was unclear to me was, which is the voltage u finally provide to cam? Thanks
! :)

[anasydpy]

Really great, I tried it and it is working perfectly,
but the camera temperature shows 80-85 c,
I am wondering is it normal or would it need some sort of cooling.
Thanks

[Mr.GeniusCreation]

This became my favorite video of your channel 🤩
Keep growing brother
Best wishes for you 👍

[aotrakstar]

Glad i found your channel Max! I'm thinking about doing this project then hooking it up to a 6v solar panel. Man, you rock!.

[chanchalsakarde]

Camera getting heated is it same with you... What measures can we take in this security cam

[DALLASAQUINO-pu]

Is it possible to power this device with 5V from the Powerbank instead of battery

[aldoseba]

What is the maximum resolution that it can handle? Is there another cameras with more res?

[CosmicNeighbors]

Great job and project! Well done and thank you!

[smartassist]

Hey again. I purchased all but batteries as they ran out of supply. Can you reference another battery website/items? Also. How do I recharge batteries that are in camera? (Not TECHY /disabled older guy.

Thanks!