ESP32-CAM Video Streaming & Face Detection Using Arduino IDE | Regent Electronics
Looking for a low-cost way to stream live video or add face detection to your projects? Meet the ESP32-CAM – a compact, powerful board with built-in Wi-Fi and camera support, perfect for IoT, surveillance, and AI-based applications.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through setting up video streaming and face detection on the ESP32-CAM using the Arduino IDE. You’ll learn how to configure the board, install the necessary packages, and build your own web-based video streaming application.
🔍 What is ESP32-CAM?
The ESP32-CAM is a small Wi-Fi-enabled microcontroller with an integrated OV2640 camera module, multiple GPIO pins, and support for microSD cards. It’s widely used for real-time monitoring, security systems, home automation, and even AI-based facial recognition.
Available at Regent Electronics, this board offers an affordable entry point into advanced vision-based projects.
⚙️ ESP32-CAM Key Features
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n + Bluetooth (BLE)
- Dual-core 32-bit CPU, up to 240MHz
- 520 KB SRAM, plus external 4MB PSRAM
- Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, ADC, DAC
- Supports OV2640/OV7670 cameras with flash
- MicroSD card support for data storage
- Built-in firmware upgrade options (Serial & FOTA)
- Multiple sleep modes for low-power applications
- Compatible with STA/AP/STA+AP network modes
📦 Hardware Required
| Component | Description |
| ESP32-CAM Module | Wi-Fi + Camera development board |
| FTDI Programmer | USB to Serial interface |
| Jumper Wires | For connection setup |
🛒 You can order these components directly from Regent Electronics.
🛠️ Installing ESP32 Board in Arduino IDE
To use the ESP32-CAM with Arduino IDE, follow these steps:
- Install Arduino IDE (if not already installed).
- Open File → Preferences (Shortcut: Ctrl + ,)
- In Additional Board Manager URLs, paste:
bash
CopyEdit
http://arduino.esp8266.com/stable/package_esp8266com_index.json
- Go to Tools → Board → Board Manager
- Search for ESP32, select the latest version, and click Install
- Select ESP32 Wrover Module as your board
🔌 ESP32-CAM Wiring with FTDI Programmer
| ESP32-CAM Pin | FTDI Module Pin |
| U0R | TX |
| U0T | RX |
| GND | GND |
| 3.3V | VCC |
⚠️ Important: Short IO0 to GND while uploading the code.
💻 Uploading Code with Arduino IDE
- Open Arduino IDE and load the CameraWebServer example:
arduino
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File → Examples → ESP32 → Camera → CameraWebServer
- Modify these lines:
cpp
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//#define CAMERA_MODEL_WROVER_KIT
#define CAMERA_MODEL_AI_THINKER
- Go to Tools and set the following:
- Board: ESP32 Wrover Module
- Partition Scheme: Huge APP (3MB No OTA)
- Port: COM port of FTDI module
- Upload the code.
🟢 Once uploaded, disconnect IO0 from GND, press RESET, and open Serial Monitor.
🌐 Accessing the Video Stream
After a successful boot, the Serial Monitor will display the local IP address of your ESP32-CAM. Enter this IP into a web browser on the same Wi-Fi network.
You’ll be greeted with a web interface that:
- Streams real-time video
- Allows you to capture images (requires microSD card)
- Enables face detection and recognition
🧠 Face Detection & Recognition
The ESP32-CAM uses basic AI features to recognize human faces:
- Enroll your face by looking into the camera at different angles
- Once enrolled, the system can identify you
- Unknown faces will be flagged as intruders
This is ideal for basic access control, door locks, or surveillance systems.
🧰 Troubleshooting Tips
If you face issues:
- Ensure proper wiring (check IO0 to GND during upload)
- Verify 3.3V power supply (not 5V)
- Try pressing RESET if the module doesn’t respond
- Monitor baud rate in Serial Monitor: use 115200
- Re-flash firmware if needed
You can also explore community forums like GitHub for advanced troubleshooting or tips.
📝 Final Thoughts
The ESP32-CAM is a powerful yet budget-friendly board for projects involving video streaming, remote monitoring, and AI-based face recognition. Whether you’re a hobbyist or working on an industrial prototype, this board has all the essential features packed into a tiny footprint.
At Regent Electronics, we offer a full range of ESP32 modules, accessories, and project tutorials to support your development journey.