ESP32-CAM [8M] with OV2640 Camera and Micro-USB‘s CAM Download board CH340

SKU: FA1053-2-1-0
Processor

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

External PSRAM

8MB (Octal/Quad High-Speed)

Download Chip

CH340G USB-to-Serial (on Baseboard)

Camera Sensor

OV2640 (2.0 Megapixel)

Wireless

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

Storage

MicroSD Card Slot (Supports up to 4GB)

USB Interface

Micro-USB (Data + Power)

Output Formats

JPEG, BMP, GRAYSCALE

Input Voltage

5V via Micro-USB

This high-performance ESP32-CAM [8M] Vision & Programming Kit is a professional-grade development solution designed for memory-intensive AIoT applications. It combines the upgraded 8MB PSRAM camera module with a dedicated CH340 Micro-USB Download Base, providing a stable, “plug-and-play” experience for advanced wireless imaging in 2025.

Product Description
The ESP32-CAM [8M] represents the high-tier evolution of the classic camera module. While standard versions are limited to 4MB of RAM, this unit features a massive 8MB of External PSRAM. This extra memory is a critical hardware advantage, allowing for high-quality UXGA (1600×1200) JPEG encoding and smoother Wi-Fi video streaming without the system crashes associated with memory overflows.
To simplify professional development, this kit includes the CAM Download Board. Featuring the CH340 USB-to-Serial chip, this baseboard allows users to program and debug the module via a standard Micro-USB cable. It eliminates the need for external FTDI adapters and manual jumper wires, while providing the stable, high-current power required for the camera and Wi-Fi to operate simultaneously.
Key Features
  • Upgraded 8MB PSRAM: Double the standard memory for stable high-resolution imaging and complex AI processing.
  • Integrated CH340 Programmer: Includes a dedicated baseboard for easy Micro-USB programming and serial debugging—no manual “Boot” button sequences required.
  • High-Sensitivity 2MP Vision: Comes with the OV2640 camera, supporting JPEG, BMP, and Grayscale outputs.
  • Dual-Core Processing: Powered by the 240MHz LX6 CPU for simultaneous wireless networking and image processing.
  • Local Storage Support: Features an onboard MicroSD card slot for offline data logging and image recording (up to 4GB).
  • Night-Vision Ready: Includes an integrated bright white flash LED for low-light environments.
Usage Scenarios
  • Business & B2B: Rapid prototyping for industrial QR code scanners, wireless production line monitoring, and smart building occupancy sensors.
  • Edge AI Development: Ideal for “TinyML” tasks such as facial recognition and object classification that require the 8MB memory buffer.
  • Advanced Makers: Perfect for high-resolution 3D printer monitoring (OctoPrint), Wi-Fi birdhouse cams, and Home Assistant security nodes.

Q: Why do I need the 8MB PSRAM version?

Standard 4MB boards often fail when trying to capture high-quality UXGA images or when running complex web servers alongside the camera. The 8MB version provides the necessary overhead for stability in professional-grade projects.

Q: Do I need to install drivers for the Download Board?
Yes. Most operating systems require the CH340 driver. You can download the latest drivers from the WCH official website.
Q: Can I use the camera independently from the USB base?

Yes. Once the code is uploaded, you can remove the camera module and power it via the 5V and GND pins for a more compact final installation in your product or enclosure.

Q: Why does the video stream occasionally lag or reboot?
This is usually caused by an insufficient power supply or a low-quality USB cable. Ensure you are using a high-quality cable connected to a USB 3.0 port or a 5V/2A wall adapter, as the module draws high current peaks during transmission.
Q: How do I select this board in the Arduino IDE?

Select the board “AI Thinker ESP32-CAM”. When using the Download Board, you can usually hit “Upload” without pressing any physical buttons on the board.

Q: Is it compatible with the OV5640 5MP camera?

The connector is compatible, and the 8MB PSRAM helps, but the ESP32-S processor is still best optimized for the OV2640. Using a 5MP sensor will significantly lower the frame rate.