The GC2640 Camera Module is a 2-megapixel imaging solution built around GalaxyCore’s GC2640 CMOS sensor, designed for embedded vision and IoT camera applications where cost-efficiency and reliable image capture are priorities. This module provides a practical alternative to OV-series cameras, offering 2MP resolution at an accessible price point.
At the heart of the module is the GC2640 sensor, a 1/5-inch CMOS image sensor capable of capturing still images at resolutions up to 1600 × 1200 pixels (2MP) . The sensor interfaces through a standard DVP 8-bit parallel interface, making it directly compatible with microcontrollers and development boards that feature native camera peripherals, including ESP32 and ESP32-S3 platforms .
The module’s lens provides a 69° field of view, offering a balanced perspective suitable for general-purpose imaging, surveillance, and monitoring applications without the distortion associated with ultra-wide lenses. This field of view is well-suited for capturing scenes at moderate distances, such as room-level monitoring or object detection tasks.
One important consideration for the GC2640 is its output format support. Unlike OV-series cameras (such as the OV2640 and OV3660), the GC2640 does not include hardware JPEG compression . It outputs RAW, RGB565, and YUV formats only . This means that for streaming or storage applications, JPEG encoding must be performed by the host microcontroller or processor, which can increase CPU load and memory requirements. For applications that require on-sensor JPEG compression, an OV-series camera would be a more suitable choice.
The GC2640 is part of the GC (GalaxyCore) family of cameras, which are positioned as lower-cost alternatives to the OV series. The GC2145, for example, is noted as having the lowest cost, while the GC2640 is described as “较低” (lower) in cost compared to OV2640 and OV3660 . This makes the GC2640 an attractive option for cost-sensitive projects and volume deployments where JPEG hardware encoding is not essential.
For integration, the module uses a standard DVP connector and SCCB (Serial Camera Control Bus) interface for configuration. Development support is available through common embedded toolchains, though users should verify driver compatibility for their specific platform, as GC-series cameras may require different initialization sequences compared to OV-series cameras.
Whether you are building a budget-conscious IoT camera project, a sensor node with image capture, or an educational vision platform, the GC2640 Camera Module offers a cost-effective entry point into embedded imaging.
Features
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2MP resolution (1600 × 1200) — Captures clear still images suitable for general surveillance and monitoring.
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69° field of view — Balanced perspective without wide-angle distortion, ideal for room-level imaging.
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DVP 8-bit parallel interface — Direct compatibility with ESP32, ESP32-S3, and other MCUs with camera peripherals .
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Lower-cost alternative to OV2640 — Positioned as a budget-friendly option for cost-sensitive projects .
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RAW, RGB565, and YUV output formats — Flexible output options for different processing pipelines .
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SCCB control interface — Standard I2C-like protocol for sensor configuration.
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Compact module design — Suitable for embedding into enclosures and space-constrained projects.
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Fixed focus lens — Simple, reliable operation without autofocus complexity .
Technical Specifications
| # | Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Image Sensor | GC2640 (1/5″ CMOS) |
| 2 | Maximum Resolution | 2MP (1600 × 1200) |
| 3 | Field of View | 69° (diagonal) |
| 4 | Output Formats | RAW, RGB565, YUV |
| 5 | Hardware JPEG | Not supported |
| 6 | Interface | DVP 8-bit parallel + SCCB control |
| 7 | Focus Type | Fixed focus |
| 8 | Cost Positioning | Lower-cost alternative to OV2640 |
