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Proton AI Core supports two camera modules — the OV2640 and the OV3660 — through its dedicated FPC connector. Both sensors use a parallel DVP interface and are compatible with the ESP32-S3’s camera peripheral, letting you capture images, stream JPEG frames, and feed data into on-device vision models without any additional hardware.

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Supported Cameras

The table below compares the key specifications of each module so you can choose the right sensor for your project.
FeatureOV2640OV3660
Resolution2 MP (1600×1200)3 MP (2048×1536)
InterfaceDVP (Parallel)DVP (Parallel)
Output FormatsJPEG, YUV422, RGB565JPEG, YUV422, RGB565
Field of View~65°~66° (To be confirmed)
Power Supply3.3V / 2.8V / 1.8V3.3V / 1.8V
NotesWidely supportedHigher resolution option

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Connecting a Camera Module

Before you connect a camera module, make sure the board is completely powered off. The FPC connector uses a friction-lock latch — handle it gently to avoid damage.
Always connect or disconnect the camera module with the board powered off. Inserting or removing the ribbon cable while the board is live can damage the sensor or the FPC connector.
1

Power off the board

Disconnect the USB-C cable and confirm that all indicator LEDs are off before handling the connector.
2

Lift the FPC connector latch

Use a fingernail or a non-conductive tool to gently flip the small retaining latch upward. Do not force it — it pivots open with light pressure.
3

Insert the camera ribbon cable

Slide the ribbon cable into the open connector with the metal contacts facing down (toward the PCB). Make sure the cable is centred and fully seated.
4

Press the latch closed

Push the latch back down until it clicks flat. A secure latch holds the cable firmly with no wiggle.
5

Power on and verify

Reconnect the USB-C cable, then upload and run a camera test sketch. Confirm that you receive a valid frame before integrating the camera into your application.

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Choosing a Camera

If you are just getting started or need the broadest library and community support, choose the OV2640. It is the most widely used ESP32 camera sensor, and most open-source camera examples — including those in the ESP-IDF and Arduino ESP32 ecosystem — target it by default. Its 2 MP resolution is sufficient for object detection, QR code scanning, face detection, and general image capture tasks. Choose the OV3660 when your application demands higher image resolution. The 3 MP sensor produces sharper frames at the cost of slightly larger data buffers, so ensure your firmware allocates enough PSRAM for the frame size you select. Verify field-of-view and power requirements against the To be confirmed values in the table above before designing your enclosure or optics.
For software initialisation code, pin configuration constants, and frame size settings, see the Camera Guide.