Mini Digital Camera With ESP32-S3 Cam & ST7789 Display

DIY Mini Digital Camera (XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense & ST7789)

Overview

This project utilizes the Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense as the primary controller to capture real-time images through its integrated OV2640 camera sensor, streaming the video feed directly onto a 240x240 px ST7789 TFT LCD display.

The standout feature of this build is its Triple-Button Interface, which allows users to interact seamlessly with their media by toggling between live streaming, capturing high-resolution photos, and instantly reviewing them from the microSD card storage.

Step 1: PCB Design & Fabrication

To achieve such a compact form factor, I designed a custom PCB using EasyEDA. This ensures all components—from the XIAO module to the triple-button interface—fit perfectly into a handheld size.

Note on Fabrication: If you want to replicate this build with a professional finish, the design is fully compatible with JLCPCB’s manufacturing service. Ordering the boards through them is a great way to ensure the 0603 SMD pads are precise, making the soldering process much smoother and the final result more durable.

Step 2: Soldering & Hardware Modification

Assembly requires a bit of patience due to the SMD 0603 footprints.

1. Small Parts First: Solder the resistors (R1-R3) and capacitor (C1).

2. Switches & Transistor: Solder the S8050 transistor, power switch, and tactile buttons.

3. Core Modules: Attach the ST7789 LCD and the XIAO module.

Critical Hardware Hack: To prevent communication conflicts between the LCD and the SD card:

Action: Locate the J3 pad on the XIAO expansion board. This step is essential for the SD card to initialize properly.

Step 3: Firmware & IDE Setup

Upload the code via Arduino IDE. You can find the library and its documentation on GitHub here: https://github.com/pajrigithub/ESP32-S3-Mini-Camera. Make sure to install it via the Library Manager or by downloading the ZIP from the link provided.

Optimized IDE Settings:

- Board: Seeed XIAO ESP32S3

- PSRAM: OPI PSRAM (Required for the camera buffer)

- Flash Mode: QIO 80MHz

Button Navigation:

- BTN_SHOOT: Capture Photo / Return to Live View.

- BTN_NEXT: Enter Gallery / Next Image.

- BTN_PREV: Previous Image.

Result :

Check Video for result