Inspired by Kodak Charmera and similar toy cameras, the Optocam Zero is a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W-based DIY digital camera made of off-the-shelf components and 3D-printed parts.
It connects the Pi Zero 2 W SBC with a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3, a 1.3-inch LCD, a 14500 Li-Ion battery holder, and other components. The camera supports autofocus, eight photo filters, USB-C charging, and lasts 70 to 80 minutes on a charge.
Optocam Zero camera key features:
- Based on Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W SBC
- Display
- 1.3-inch LCD with 240 x 240 resolution
- 15–20 FPS camera preview on the screen.
- Screen dimming when inactive to preserve battery
- Camera features
- 2592 x 2592 JPEG image capture.
- GIF recording and playback support.
- Autofocus support
- 8 photo filters included.
- Misc
- Image transfer through custom hotspot interface.
- Fully 3D printed case parts
- 3D printable TPU protective sleeve and lanyard design is available.
- 22-second boot time
- Power
- Replaceable 14500 Type Li-Ion battery
- USB-C charging, and the device can be used while charging.
- Dimensions – 71 x 51 x 18 mm, excluding camera and screen bump
Besides the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W without header, you’ll need to acquire the following components
- Camera module – Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3
- Storage – Class A2 MicroSD card with at least 16GB capacity
- Display – Waveshare 1.4″ IPS 240×240 LCD Display HAT for Raspberry Pi ($18.99 on Amazon)
- Misc and connectors
- Camera Adapter Cable – Raspberry Pi Zero compatible (200mm)
- Micro JST 1.25-pitch 2-pin male and female connector set with 24 AWG cable, or 24 AWG cable (≥50cm length)
- 2×20 GPIO Header
- 0.3mm Ø enameled copper wire (≥30cm length), or any thin signal cable
- Various fasteners
- Power
- 14500 Type 3.7V 900 mAh Li-ion Battery
- Waveshare Li-ion Battery HAT for Raspberry Pi ($20.29 on Amazon)
You’ll also need to print the case parts mainly using PETG filament, although the optional camera sleeve requires TPU since the part needs to be flexible. All you need for the hardware part, including the bill of materials, a PDF build guide, Bambu Studio project files, individual STL files for camera parts, and a CAD file for customization, can be found in the hardware directory on the project’s GitHub repository. The cost to reproduce the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W-based digital camera should be around $100 – $120 before shipping.
The software folder comes with the Optocam Zero camera software installer and installation guide, as well as camera controls information. Note that the Python code running on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W has been developed with Anthropic Claude, but a quick analysis doesn’t reveal any big issues. The developer also shared a few photos, for which the quality is average at best, but it should be expected.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress. We also use affiliate links in articles to earn commissions if you make a purchase after clicking on those links.
