DIY ONVIF-Compatible Camera with ESP32-CAM

In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through creating an ONVIF-compatible IP camera using the ESP32-CAM module. ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is a global standard for IP-based security products, making your camera compatible with a wide range of NVRs (Network Video Recorders) and VMS (Video Management Systems).

Materials Needed:

• ESP32-CAM module
• FTDI USB-to-Serial adapter
• Breadboard and jumper wires
• MicroSD card (optional, for video storage)
• 5V power supply

Step 1: Setting Up the ESP32-CAM

1. Connect the ESP32-CAM to your computer:
   • Connect the FTDI adapter to your computer via USB.
   • Wire the FTDI adapter to the ESP32-CAM as follows:
     • FTDI VCC to ESP32-CAM 5V
     • FTDI GND to ESP32-CAM GND
     • FTDI RX to ESP32-CAM U0T
     • FTDI TX to ESP32-CAM U0R
   • Connect GPIO 0 to GND to enable programming mode.
2. Install the Arduino IDE:
   • If you haven’t installed the Arduino IDE yet, download and install it from here.
3. Set Up the Arduino IDE:
   • Open the Arduino IDE.
   • Go to File > Preferences and add the following URL in the “Additional Board Manager URLs” field:

https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json

• Go to Tools > Board > Board Manager and search for “ESP32” and install the package.
• Select AI Thinker ESP32-CAM from the Tools > Board menu.
• Set the upload speed to 115200.

Step 2: Writing the Arduino Code

We will use the ESP32-CAM as a basic IP camera streaming video over RTSP, then integrate the ONVIF protocol for compatibility with NVRs.

#include <WiFi.h>
#include "esp_camera.h"
#include "OV2640.h"
#include "ESPmDNS.h"
#include "WiFiUdp.h"
#include "ArduinoOTA.h"
#include "ONVIF.h"

// Replace with your network credentials
const char* ssid = "your_SSID";
const char* password = "your_PASSWORD";

// OV2640 camera
OV2640 cam;

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.setDebugOutput(true);
  Serial.println();

  // Connect to Wi-Fi
  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("");
  Serial.println("WiFi connected.");
  Serial.print("Camera Stream Ready! Go to: http://");
  Serial.print(WiFi.localIP());

  // Start the camera
  cam.init(esp32cam_config);
  cam.run();

  // Initialize ONVIF service
  ONVIF.onvif_start(WiFi.localIP());

  // Enable mDNS
  if (!MDNS.begin("esp32cam")) {
    Serial.println("Error setting up MDNS responder!");
  } else {
    Serial.println("mDNS responder started");
  }

  // OTA Update Setup
  ArduinoOTA.begin();
}

void loop() {
  ArduinoOTA.handle();
  ONVIF.onvif_loop();
}

Step 3: Flash the Code

1. Upload the code to the ESP32-CAM:
   • Press the Upload button in the Arduino IDE.
   • Once the code is compiled, hold the RST button on the ESP32-CAM module, then release it after a moment to enter the programming mode.
2. Monitor the Serial Output:
   • After uploading the code, open the Serial Monitor (Ctrl + Shift + M) to check if the ESP32-CAM connects to your Wi-Fi network.

Step 4: Testing the Camera

• Open a web browser and enter the IP address shown in the Serial Monitor to view the camera feed.
• Use an ONVIF-compatible viewer or NVR to detect and stream from your ESP32-CAM.

Step 5: Troubleshooting

• Wi-Fi Connection Issues: Ensure your Wi-Fi credentials are correct and that the ESP32-CAM is within range of your router.
• Camera Initialization Issues: Ensure that the camera module is securely connected and that you’re using the correct camera model in your code.
• ONVIF Compatibility: Make sure your ONVIF viewer or NVR is set to detect devices on the same local network.

This tutorial gives you a basic setup for an ONVIF-compatible camera using the ESP32-CAM. The ONVIF protocol allows you to integrate this camera with a wide range of security systems, making it a flexible and powerful addition to your DIY projects.