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An ESP32-CAM can create an AVI video by saving camera JPEG frames into an AVI container on an SD card. The sensor supplies the frames; firmware handles recording and file writing. A documented Arduino option is ESP32-CAM_MJPEG2SD, while Espressif’s ESP Muxer is a separate ESP-IDF-based route with different setup requirements.
How do I save an AVI video on an ESP32-CAM?
Use firmware that captures camera frames, packages them into an AVI file, and writes that file to storage. AVI is a container, not a camera sensor output mode: the camera’s available image formats depend on the camera module and its configuration, as Espressif explains in its Camera Application FAQ.
For an Arduino-based setup, the ESP32-CAM_MJPEG2SD project documents AVI recording to SD card and browser playback of timed MJPEG frames. Its instructions cover ESP32 and ESP32-S3 configurations, with listed OV2640, OV3660, OV5640, and PY260 camera modules.
Set up ESP32-CAM_MJPEG2SD in Arduino IDE
- Download the ESP32-CAM_MJPEG2SD project into an Arduino IDE sketch folder.
- In the project configuration, enable exactly one
CAMERA_MODEL_*definition that matches your board. The README givesCAMERA_MODEL_AI_THINKERfor an ESP32-CAM board andCAMERA_MODEL_FREENOVE_ESP32S3_CAMfor the named Freenove ESP32-S3 camera board. - Enable PSRAM and select the partition scheme suggested for your board family.
- Use Arduino-ESP32 core v3.1.1 or later. The project README recommends updating to the latest v3.x if you encounter compilation errors.
- Compile and upload the firmware, then use the project’s recording controls to save AVI footage to the SD card.
Check the project README for the current board-specific configuration and operating instructions; the examples above are model definitions, not a claim that every ESP32-CAM variant is supported.
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- ESP32CAM is based on ESP32 chip and OV camera module, use low-power dual-core 32-bit CPU, which can be used as an application processor.
- The main frequency is up to 240MHz, and the computing power is up to 600 DMIPS.
- Built-in 520 KB SRAM , external 8MB PSRAM ,support UART/SPI/I2C/PWM/ADC/DAC and other interfaces;Support picture wireless upload, TF card, multiple sleep modes, STA/AP/STA+AP working mode, secondary development.
- It is an ideal solution for IoT applications. The ESP-32CAM comes in a DIP package that plugs directly into the backplane for rapid production.
- ESP-32CAM can be widely used in various IoT applications. Suitable for home smart devices, industrial wireless control, wireless monitoring, QR wireless identification, wireless positioning system signals, etc.
How can I record ESP32-CAM video to an SD card?
Use a board and camera configuration supported by the firmware, plus an SD card that the board can access. The MJPEG2SD project writes AVI recordings to SD. Before changing firmware, verify the exact board variant, camera module, PSRAM availability, and storage arrangement rather than assuming all products sold as “ESP32-CAM” are equivalent.
The project README associates SD-card startup and camera initialization errors with an incorrect camera board selection. It associates repeated crash-loop warnings with an inadequate power supply. These are troubleshooting pointers for that project, not definitive diagnoses for every firmware build.
Rank #2
- Package included:2pcs ESP32-CAM-MB Camera Module and 2pcs USB-TTL Serial Adapter Module.Compared with the old model, it does not require complex wiring and supports manual and automatic downloads
- HK-ESP32-CAM-MB adopts Micro USB interface, convenient and reliable connection method, convenient to apply to various IoT hardware terminal occasions
- HK-ESP32-CAM-MB module can work independently as the smallest system
- A new W-BT dual-mode development board based on ESP32 design, using PCB on-board antenna, with 2 high-performance 32-bit LX6CPU, using 7-level pipeline architecture, main frequency adjustment range 80MHz to 240Mhz
- Ultra-low power consumption, deep sleep current is as low as 6mA. It is an ultra-small 802.11b/g/n W+ BT/BLE SoC module -->>Our technical service team is always ready to answer your questions. please feel free to contact us--）
What frame rate can an ESP32-CAM record?
There is no single guaranteed frame rate: resolution, JPEG quality, SD-card performance, and board configuration all affect the result. The ESP32-CAM_MJPEG2SD README reports the following results from a test using an AI-Thinker OV2640 board, a freshly formatted SanDisk 4GB SDHC Class 2 card, maximum JPEG quality, and a 20 MHz camera clock:
| Resolution | Reported recording rate |
|---|---|
| QVGA | 40 fps |
| VGA | 20 fps |
| XGA | 5 fps |
| HD | 5 fps |
| SXGA | 5 fps |
| UXGA | 5 fps |
Those are project-reported results under the listed conditions, not a promise for other boards, cards, or settings. The README says card speed, image quality, and image size affect performance. It also describes one no-name card labeled Class 6 that performed more slowly than the SanDisk card in that test; that example does not establish that one speed class or brand is generally faster.
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- Dual-core processor: The ESP32 module is based on the powerful ESP32-S3-WROOM N16R8 module and is equipped with a dual-core 32-bit LX7 processor. Its excellent AI computing performance, real-time processing capabilities, and low power consumption make it ideal for image recognition, edge AI, and complex IoT applications
- Integrated 2-megapixel OV3660 camera: Built-in OV3660 camera to capture clear images and stream video in real time. Perfect for smart surveillance, face recognition, and AI-based computer vision projects. It is the preferred solution for DIY makers and professionals to build camera-enabled IoT systems
- Dual Type-C ports for OTG and serial debugging: Designed with two USB Type-C interfaces - one supports USB OTG for host/device functions, and the other provides TTL serial for easy programming and debugging
- Shared antenna: Supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth 5 (LE and Mesh), using shared antennas to optimize wireless performance. Enhanced 2 Mbps PHY and long-distance communication (Coded PHY) ensure stable multitasking in harsh environments
- Multi-scenario applications: The ESP32 S3 development board maintains high stability even at high temperatures, making it ideal for industrial environments, educational purposes, and AI-driven projects. It is a versatile choice for robots, smart devices, and machine vision in lab or field applications
What is the ESP-IDF alternative?
Espressif’s versioned ESP Muxer v1.2.3 video muxer example is a distinct capture-and-mux workflow. It documents camera capture with optional microphone input, MJPEG or H.264 video and AAC audio encoding, muxing, and writing to SD. It requires ESP-IDF 5.5.2 or later.
The example lists TS and FLV containers and says MP4 and AVI are supported in code. Its defaults are 640×480 at 5 fps, or 1280×720 at 30 fps on ESP32-P4. These are example settings, not measured cross-board performance guarantees. Do not treat this ESP-IDF example as a drop-in replacement for the Arduino MJPEG2SD project or assume its prerequisites and defaults apply to a classic AI-Thinker ESP32-CAM.
Rank #4
- Dual core: Upgraded ESP32 CAM module equipped with a powerful dual-core processor, 32-bit dual-core CPU with low power consumption. The main frequency is up to 240 MHz, and the computing power is up to 600 DMIPS; integrated 520 KB SRAM, external 4 MB PSRAM.
- Flexible extension: ESP cam supports UART/SPI/I2C/PWM/ADC/DAC and other interfaces. Supports OV7670 and OV2640 cameras, built-in flash.
- Low performance: For ESP32 cam with antennas. Very low power consumption, deep sleep current is as low as 6mA. It is an ultra-small 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi + BT/BLE module. Supports STA/AP/STA+AP working mode. USB to serial port CH340G
- Easy to use: for ESP32-CAM-MB is a small camera module, with on-board PCB antenna, convenient connection. With the built-in development card and TF card slot, it is easy to set up your project and start working.
- Wide application: OV2640 supports the energy-saving Internet of Things (IoT). The ESP32 module supports image transmission for smart household appliances, wireless monitoring, wireless positioning systems, etc.
Why won’t my ESP32-CAM AVI file play?
First distinguish the recording problem from a playback-compatibility problem. Confirm that the firmware created an AVI file on the SD card and that you are using the playback method documented for that firmware. ESP32-CAM_MJPEG2SD describes browser playback as timed MJPEG frames; AVI is the file container, while MJPEG describes the video encoding used by those frames. A player that does not handle the file’s contents may fail even when recording completed.
Quick Recap
- If the firmware does not initialize the camera or SD card, recheck the selected camera model definition and board configuration.
- If the board repeatedly restarts during recording, check the power supply; the MJPEG2SD README flags inadequate power as a possible cause of crash loops.
- If playback fails only in a particular player, try the project’s documented playback method and verify that the file is complete before concluding the card or camera failed.
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