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10 Best Ideas for the Raspberry Pi Camera Module
Using a camera module on Raspberry Pi is not limited to taking photos. Many projects require a camera module, from creating a timelapse, building a photo booth or a doorbell camera, everything is possible.
1. Use it as an IP camera
An IP camera is the technical term for a camera stream you can watch from your web browser (computer or smartphone).
You can even share it over the Internet, depending on your goal.
You probably know famous webcam spots over the world, where you can watch a city place or a beautiful landscape (if not, check the Times Square live cam).
You can absolutely build this with your Raspberry Pi and a camera module.
2. Create a timelapse
On Raspberry Pi, it’s simple to create one.
You already know how to take a picture, you just need to automate this at a regular interval (crontab, python, or bash script can do this).
Then FFmpeg or a most intuitive video editing software can help you to create a video with your picture’s folder.
3. Add a movement detector
The next idea is to use a movement detector sensor, or even software, to record the live stream only when something happens.
This is a simple improvement to the first idea: IP Camera.
The motion software I mentioned can do this directly, with a few configuration lines.
You can try Motion to get the first version of your motion detector camera.
But for better results, you’ll probably need a physical motion sensor (this one from Amazon is perfect and cheap, compatible with any Raspberry Pi).
4. Build a photo booth in Minecraft
The Raspberry Pi official website shows you how to assemble, build and code a photo booth in Minecraft.
As you may know, on Raspberry Pi you can interact with the Minecraft game in Python.
And Python allows you to control the camera, so it’s possible to have a link between a Minecraft game action (walking on a pressure plate, for example) and a camera action (taking a picture).
5. Use it as a security camera
Yes, here is a new step in your IP camera solution.
Basic IP camera ⇒ motion sensor ⇒ security cameras.
Home security is an increasingly important market.
Manufacturers build sophisticated cameras to monitor your home.
6. Build a doorbell camera
The Raspberry Pi camera module is so small that you can use it to replace your old peephole.
For a simple check, you can absolutely keep your existing doorbell, and use your smartphone to see the live stream.
Some projects even go further, by using Alexa to start a facial recognition of the person at your door.
7. Install an outdoor camera (solar-powered)
As you know, the Raspberry Pi consumes very little, and it is possible to power it via batteries.
It’s also possible to directly connect it to a solar panel, they are not so expensive anymore. It allows you to power or recharges the batteries during the day.
8. Film underwater
Nothing technical here, but you’ll need to be smart enough to find a way to build an underwater camera.
With this, you’ll be able to take pictures of everything under sea level, or at the pool, without risk.
9. Build your own Polaroid
It’s possible to build a similar device with a Raspberry Pi (any model) and a thermal printer (this one on Amazon for example).
Yes, it’s white and black and low quality, but it’s fun enough to try it.
10. Create movies with a drone
Drones and especially drone movies are very popular now, but the hardware is expensive (over $600 for good products).
As a DIY expert, an idea can be to build your own with a Raspberry Pi and a few components.
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