Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteYou can repurpose a PlayStation 4 Camera (CUH-ZEY1 family) as an experimental stereo-depth camera on Linux, then use Python and OpenCV to estimate depth from its two image streams. The camera supplies stereo images; the software setup, camera identification, and calibration are what turn those images into a depth result. It is a hands-on project, not a validated plug-and-play depth camera.
What this PS4 camera project does
Sony’s PlayStation 4 Eye has two cameras, and Sony described the pair as able to recognize depth and capture 3D space. The DIY project connects the camera to a Linux computer and processes the two views as a stereo pair. The resulting depth estimate depends on the software pipeline and calibration, not just the fact that the device has two lenses.
Sony’s 2013 announcement specified a maximum of 1280 × 800 pixels per camera at 60 fps, with lower-resolution modes of 640 × 400 at 120 fps and 320 × 192 at 240 fps. These are manufacturer specifications for the camera modes, not measured quality or speed for a DIY depth pipeline. Sony also listed an 85-degree diagonal field of view and a four-channel microphone array; it described the specifications as tentative and subject to change. Sony’s 2013 PlayStation 4 Eye announcement.
What you need
- A PlayStation 4 Camera, CUH-ZEY1 family. The Hackster project author reports support for V1 and V2 units; confirm the revision and condition of the camera you obtain. Hackster project instructions.
- A Linux computer running Ubuntu 18.04 or later, as specified by the Hackster guide.
- A USB 3 Type-A connection: the guide’s conversion route modifies the proprietary-shaped AUX cable connector, while its instructions also mention an adapter route. Check adapter compatibility before relying on it.
- Cutters and soldering equipment if you modify the cable.
- Python/OpenCV stereo-camera software, the project’s firmware-loader approach, and a printed chessboard calibration pattern. The exact setup steps are repository-specific rather than a general compatibility guarantee.
The Hackster author called the camera a “$30” component in 2020. That is a historical author claim, not a current price; present availability and cost have not been established.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Connect the camera and prepare Linux
Choose a USB connection route
The Hackster build changes the camera’s AUX cable to USB 3 Type-A. It warns to connect the finished cable to a USB 3 port and to keep the cable under 2 m. If using an adapter instead of modifying the cable, verify that it supports this camera and the required connection; the source does not establish universal adapter compatibility.
Install and initialize the camera software
Follow the relevant community repository’s instructions to install PyUSB and run its firmware-loader script. The documented workflow initializes the camera firmware before accessing its video streams. One Python implementation notes that firmware injection is not persistent unless its setup rule handles it, so the initialization may need to be repeated after reconnecting or restarting. Treat this as behavior documented for that implementation, not a universal promise for every setup. PS4 Eye community implementation.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Identify the video devices
After initialization, identify the two video device nodes created by the camera. The Hackster sample scripts direct users to choose the lower-index device node. Device numbering can vary between Linux systems, so check the nodes on your own computer rather than assuming a particular index.
Calibrate the stereo pair before estimating depth
Stereo depth depends on relating corresponding image points from the left and right cameras. The Python/OpenCV workflow documented by the community project uses a printed chessboard pattern to calibrate the pair before viewing depth. Calibration data is specific to the camera setup and image capture; skipping this stage means the software lacks the documented calibration input for its depth workflow.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Print the project’s chessboard pattern at its intended scale; do not resize it casually, because the pattern’s known dimensions are part of calibration.
- Capture images of the chessboard in multiple positions and orientations using the paired cameras, following the repository’s capture procedure.
- Run the repository’s calibration scripts to generate calibration data for the stereo pair.
- Use the generated data with the project’s depth-viewing scripts and inspect whether both camera streams and the resulting view behave as expected.
Consult the repository for the exact script names, arguments, and file locations, which can change independently of the camera hardware. Python/OpenCV calibration and depth implementation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect—and what is not established
The available project instructions describe an experimental DIY setup. They do not provide independent bench measurements, depth-error statistics, or a controlled comparison with a dedicated depth sensor or another stereo camera. Sony’s resolution and frame-rate figures describe camera output modes; they do not establish the accuracy, usable distance range, or frame rate of the host-computed depth output.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Expect to troubleshoot Linux device enumeration, USB connection, firmware initialization, and repository-specific software steps.
- Expect calibration to be part of the work rather than an optional convenience.
- Do not assume that a high-resolution camera mode automatically produces high-resolution or accurate depth.
- Check the project repositories and the camera revision on hand for current compatibility; community instructions are not a maintained vendor-support commitment.
This is best suited to learning stereo vision or experimenting with a low-cost camera you already have, not to applications that require independently verified depth performance. Current camera pricing and stock have not been established, so “cheap” should not be read as a present-day price guarantee.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
