camera
CammyCam: What Sets It Apart
✈️ Table of Pages
Below is a quick reference table of the main documentation pages.
| Page | Description |
|---|---|
| What Sets it Apart | Why you should just do it yourself and the cost |
| MVP | High level project goals and summary |
| Status Tracker | Feature progress table |
| Unit Testing | Test and coverage instructions |
| Build It Yourself | Clone & Docker setup guide |
| Firmware | Firmware API reference |
| Hub Guide | Hub API reference |
| Communication Methods | Communication and architecture |
Self-Hosted Privacy
CammyCam is completely self-hosted, ensuring all your video data remains private and secure on your own devices. Unlike cloud-dependent systems, you control where your data resides, providing maximum privacy and reducing reliance on third-party services.
Flexible Operation Modes
CammyCam stands out with its versatility, offering multiple operation modes to cater to different user needs:
- Ad-hoc Mode: Operates independently with its own SSID, perfect for on-the-go or temporary installations.
- Standalone Mode: Connects to existing personal Wi-Fi networks, suitable for stable, long-term installations.
- Hub Mode: Aggregates multiple cameras into a unified interface, allowing simultaneous monitoring, configuration, and data management from a central hub.
Directly Embedded Web UI
Unlike typical DIY camera solutions, CammyCam serves a comprehensive, responsive web UI directly from the ESP32’s SD card. This unique approach ensures the interface is always accessible locally, independent of external servers.
Robust Security Measures
CammyCam utilizes advanced encryption for video streams via WebSockets, ensuring that all data exchanges are secure. Authentication is robust, with multiple user roles providing precise control over access to configurations and sensitive data.
Wi-Fi credentials are stored encrypted on the SD card using AES-CTR with an HMAC tag to detect tampering. The firmware supports a secondary network with an optional fallback access point so cameras remain reachable if the primary connection fails.
See Security Notes for implementation details.
Comprehensive Diagnostics and Management
Built-in diagnostics deliver real-time status of Wi-Fi connectivity, battery health, storage usage, and system performance, all accessible through a user-friendly interface. This empowers users with the insight necessary for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.
OTA Firmware Updates with Rollback
The integrated OTA firmware update system includes a rollback mechanism, providing a safe and reliable method to update devices while minimizing risk.
Accessible and Affordable DIY
CammyCam is designed so anyone can build their own setup easily and affordably. Here’s a detailed cost breakdown and links (non-affiliate) to recommended components:
Components & Costs
| QUANT | PRICE (USD) | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| 1x | $5 | SD Card (3 pack) |
| 1x | $24 | ESP32 Seed Studio XIAO Microcontroller |
| 1x | $5 | LiPo Battery |
| 2x | $3.20 | Solar Panels (10 pack) |
| 1x | $0.67 | 5V 1A Charging Module (15 pack) |
| 1x | $13 | Optional USB-C Cable |
Total Cost: Approximately $44 per camera