ESP32-CAM [8M] without camera without CAM Download board

SKU: FA1053-2-2-0
Processor

ESP32-D0WD Dual-core LX6 (Up to 240MHz)

External PSRAM

8MB (High-Speed Octal/Quad)

SPI Flash

32Mbit (4MB)

Camera Interface

24-Pin DVP (FPC)

Wireless

2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) + BT 4.2 / BLE

Storage

MicroSD Card Slot (Supports up to 4GB)

Operating Voltage

5V DC (Stable 4.75V – 5.25V required)

Onboard Peripherals

Ultra-bright white Flash LED

This product is the ESP32-CAM [8M] Core Logic Board, supplied as a standalone module without the camera lens and without the USB download baseboard. This specific SKU is designed for B2B procurement, specialized engineering, and industrial replacement where users require the upgraded 8MB PSRAM memory capacity but already possess custom optics or existing programming infrastructure. 
Product Description
The ESP32-CAM [8M] Core is a high-tier wireless controller based on the ESP32-S SoC, optimized for 2025 AIoT standards. While standard camera modules are often limited to 4MB of RAM, this unit is equipped with a massive 8MB of External PSRAM. This provides the essential memory overhead required for high-resolution UXGA image encoding and complex Edge AI algorithms without the system instability common in lower-memory variants. 
By offering the board “core-only,” it serves as a professional “base component.” It allows engineers to pair the module with specialized FPC optics—such as wide-angle (fisheye), telephoto, or night-vision lenses—while avoiding the waste of standard stock components. It is the ideal choice for high-volume deployments where the camera sensor and programming tools are managed separately. 
Key Features
  • Upgraded 8MB PSRAM: Double the industry-standard memory, providing superior stability for high-definition video streaming and AI inference.
  • High-Speed Dual-Core CPU: Powered by the 240MHz Xtensa® LX6 processor, capable of handling wireless stacks and heavy image processing simultaneously.
  • Modular Lens Compatibility: Features a standard 24-pin DVP FPC connector compatible with OV2640, OV5640, and OV7670 sensors.
  • Local Data Archiving: Includes an integrated MicroSD card slot for offline data logging or localized image storage (up to 4GB).
  • Industrial Standard Footprint: Compact DIP-16 package (27mm x 40.5mm) for seamless integration into existing hardware backplanes.
  • Hardware Security: Built-in cryptographic hardware accelerators for secure data transmission. 
Usage Scenarios
  • Specialized Optics Integration: Used by engineers who require custom lens focal lengths or infrared (IR-Cut) filters not found in standard bundles.
  • Business Maintenance: A direct replacement part for existing industrial camera nodes where the original lens remains functional.
  • Edge AI Prototyping: Ideal for running lightweight “TinyML” models for face detection or object recognition that demand the 8MB RAM buffer.
  • Industrial Logging: Acts as a powerful Wi-Fi/BT sensor node with built-in SD storage, even in applications where the camera is optional.
Q: Does this product include the OV2640 camera lens?

No. This is the Core Logic Board only. You must provide your own 24-pin DVP FPC camera (such as an OV2640 or OV5640) to use the imaging features.

Q: How do I flash code onto this board without the Download Board?

You must use an external USB-to-Serial (FTDI/CH340) adapter. Connect TX to RX, RX to TX, and ensure you bridge GPIO 0 to GND during power-up to put the board into “Flash Mode.”

Q: Why choose the 8MB PSRAM version over the standard 4MB?

The 8MB PSRAM is critical for stability at high resolutions (UXGA 1600×1200) and for applications running complex web servers or AI models alongside the camera. It prevents “out of memory” crashes.

Q: Is this board compatible with the Arduino IDE?

Yes. Select “AI Thinker ESP32-CAM” in the Board Manager. To use the full 8MB RAM, ensure you enable the PSRAM option in the Tools menu.

Q: Why does the board reboot when Wi-Fi starts?

This is usually due to insufficient power. The ESP32-CAM requires a very stable 5V supply. If the voltage drops below 4.75V during a Wi-Fi burst, the brownout detector will trigger a reset.

Q: Can I use this for high-volume business production?

Yes. This core module is designed for automated assembly and integration into custom enclosures. It is the cost-optimized choice for businesses that source their own lenses and programming tools.