ESP32-CAM Remote Control of DSLR Camera

[John74406]

[Jack]

Hi John,

That looks great! Do the ESP and DSLR share power? I’d love to see what’s in that case there.

[John74406]

Hi Jack.
The ESP32-CAM is powered by a powerbank via USB cable and the Canon camera is using its internal battery of 7.4v. The Canon has a socket connected to an internal switch. Closing that switch causes the Canon to focus and release its shutter. Inside that red box is a reed switch which is activated by a digital output on the ESP32-CAM.
The ESP32-CAM is seeing the same field as the Canon and is sending that image to a phone or tablet. When I press a button on the phone screen the ESP32-CAM will energise the reed switch and the Canon will take a shot. That’s the theory. I’ve tested each component, just haven’t put it all together in this contraption. It’s for taking closeup shots of birds.

[John74406]

I’ve made a box for the ESP32-CAM.

[Zach]

Nice work @John74406, super clean and self-contained! Well done.

[John74406]

Tinkercad design file here (public):

Tinkercad - From mind to design in minutes

[John74406]

The monobloc (transparent) showing the internal conduits allowing pin interconnections:

[John74406]

This is a view from Cura’s preview mode showing the internal structure. One of the conduits can be seen, running from one pin thru-hole to another.