OV5648 5MP USB Camera Module with Auto Focus (AF) 68° FOV for PC & Raspberry Pi

Specifications:

• Sensor: OV5648 (1/4" CMOS)
• Resolution: 5 Megapixels (2592 × 1944)
• Focus Type: Auto Focus
• Field of View (FOV): 68°
• Interface: USB 2.0 (UVC Compliant)
• Output Formats: YUY2, MJPEG
• Operating Voltage: 5V DC (via USB)
• Operating Current: 150mA – 200mA 
• Compatible Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android (with UVC support), Raspberry Pi

Minimum hardware to get started:

• Raspberry Pi (Model 3B+ or newer) or a standard PC : to process the UVC video stream and run your computer vision scripts (like OpenCV).
• Stable 5V Power Supply (for your board) : the camera draws up to 200mA via USB, so your host board must have a robust power supply to prevent sudden brownouts during auto-focus motor actuation.
• USB 2.0 port : to connect the camera directly to your host device.

Safety Warnings:

• Current Draw: The auto-focus mechanism can cause brief current spikes. Ensure your Raspberry Pi or host device is powered by a high-quality 5V/3A power supply to avoid voltage drops that can crash the system.
• Static Sensitivity: The exposed CMOS sensor and surrounding circuitry are sensitive to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Always ground yourself before handling the bare module.
• Cable Stress: Do not pull or put tension on the internal ribbon cable connecting the lens to the board, as this can permanently misalign the focus mechanism.

Accessories
Included in the Box:

• 1× OV5648 5MP USB Camera Module with Auto Focus
• 1× Attached USB Cable 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

• Is the OV5648 USB camera compatible with Raspberry Pi?
  Yes, it works natively with Raspberry Pi 3, 4, and 5 running standard Raspberry Pi OS using built-in UVC drivers.
• Can I use this camera with a Windows PC or laptop?
  Yes, it is fully plug-and-play on Windows 10 and 11, appearing automatically as a standard webcam.
• Does this module work with Arduino or ESP32?
  No, this is a USB video peripheral that requires a host controller with an operating system and standard USB ports, not simple GPIO pins.
• Is it compatible with Android devices?
  Yes, it works with most modern Android smartphones and tablets using a USB OTG adapter and a compatible UVC camera app.
• What voltage does the OV5648 module require?
  It requires standard 5V DC, which is supplied directly through the USB connection.
• How much current does the camera draw during operation?
  It draws approximately 150mA to 200mA, with slight spikes when the auto-focus voice coil motor actuates.
• Can I power it from a USB hub?
  Yes, but if you are running multiple cameras, we strongly recommend a powered USB hub to prevent voltage drops.
• How do I connect this camera to my host device?
  Simply plug the included USB Type-A cable directly into a free USB 2.0 or 3.0 port on your computer or Raspberry Pi.
• Are there any GPIO pins to wire or solder?
  No, this is a fully enclosed USB module that handles all power and data through the single USB connector.
• Can I extend the USB cable length?
  Yes, you can use a standard USB 2.0 active extension cable if you need more than the built-in 40cm reach.
• What software do I need to capture images in Python?
  OpenCV (cv2) is the standard and most reliable library for grabbing frames from UVC cameras in Python scripts.
• Do I need to install custom drivers for Linux?
  No, Linux kernels include the uvcvideo module natively, meaning the camera is recognized automatically upon plugging it in.
• How do I trigger the auto-focus programmatically?
  The camera handles auto-focus internally, but you can override and manage focus steps on Linux using the v4l2-ctl command line tool.