5 Megapixel OV5640 Camera Module Mini Autofocus 60 Degree USB Camera for Linux

Description

✅ What the Module Offers

This type of camera module is ideal for embedded systems, PC-vision, home security, robotics, and DIY electronics because it combines a strong image sensor, autofocus lens, USB interface, and operating system compatibility (including Linux). For example:

• It uses the OV5640 sensor, a 1/4″ CMOS image sensor with 5 Mega­pixel (2592×1944) effective resolution. webcamerausb.com+3camera-module.com+3camemake.com+3

• Autofocus capability means the lens can adjust automatically to focus at various distances, which adds flexibility compared to fixed-focus modules. camera-module.com

• USB 2.0 interface (High Speed) means plug-and-play on many systems. Modules using the UVC (USB Video Class) standard support Windows, Linux, Mac, Android (depending on drivers). ELP CCTV+1

• The lens field of view around ~60° (or sometimes customizable, depending on variant) gives you a moderate wide-angle view. For example, one variant lists “Lens FOV 60°”. camera-module.com+1

• Because it’s a “mini” module, size is small enough to integrate into tight spaces (e.g., PC boards, custom enclosures). muchvision.com+1

• Linux compatibility: Many modules say “Support Linux with UVC (above linux-2.6.26)”. ELP CCTV+1

🧮 Typical Specifications

Here’s a summary of what you’ll commonly see (these will vary by manufacturer / variant):

• Sensor: 1/4″ OmniVision OV5640 CMOS. Pixel size ~1.4 µm × 1.4 µm. ELP CCTV+1

• Max image resolution: 2592 × 1944 (≈5MP) at ~15fps (MJPEG) in many modules. ELP CCTV+1

• At lower resolutions (e.g., 1920×1080) up to ~30 fps in some modules. ELP CCTV+1

• Interface: USB 2.0 high speed, UVC compliant. Power: USB bus-powered (typically 5 V). camera-module.com+1

• Lens: Autofocus (AF) type, sometimes fixed in some cheaper modules; FOV ~60°-65° typical. camera-module.com+1

• Form factor: Mini board/module, e.g., 62 mm × 9 mm flexible cable + PCB, or 30×25mm board, etc. muchvision.com+1

• OS support: Works with Windows, Linux, Android (if UVC), Mac OS X. ELP CCTV+1

🎯 Why This Module Makes Sense

• For Linux or embedded systems: Because it uses UVC, many Linux distributions will recognise it as a standard USB camera without special drivers (just use e.g., lsusb, v4l2-ctl, etc).

• Autofocus adds flexibility: If your camera needs to cover objects at varying distances (e.g., desktop, machine vision, robotics) autofocus is beneficial.

• High resolution (5MP) gives you more detail and cropping flexibility compared to standard webcams.

• Compact size: Good for embedding into custom enclosures or applications where space is limited.

• Plug & play via USB: simplifies system integration compared to custom MIPI/CSI camera modules that require specialized drivers/hardware.

🛠 Things to Verify / Consider Before Buying

• Autofocus vs Fixed Focus: Make sure the module you’re looking at truly supports autofocus (AF) if you need it. Some lower cost modules may have fixed focus lenses.

• Lens field of view (FOV): 60° is a moderate view; if you need wider (e.g., 85°) or narrower (e.g., telephoto) you might need a different lens variant.

• Frame rate vs resolution trade-off: At full 5MP resolution you may get only ~15 fps in many modules; if you need smooth 30 fps video, consider using 1080p resolution instead.

• Size and mounting / interface: Confirm module form factor (board size, cable length) fits your project, and that the USB connector is suitable.

• Operating system compatibility: While many claim UVC compliance, some modules might require firmware tweaks or may not fully support features such as autofocus control under Linux.

  For example, reddit users have noted autofocus modules based on OV5640 may still require workarounds under certain MCUs. Reddit

• Power consumption & heat: Some modules may heat up during continuous high resolution use.

• Lens quality & focus range: Autofocus has minimum focusing distance (e.g., a few cm) and max distance (to infinity) — check specs.

• Support & documentation: If you are integrating into a larger system or embedded product, good datasheets and support from the vendor are helpful.

• Availability & cost: These modules can vary in price depending on lens, board, case, quantity; ensure cost + shipping to your region (e.g., Rwanda) is viable.

📦 Example Module for Reference

One example:

• Model: ELP-USB500W02M-AFC60B — 5MP Autofocus mini USB camera module using OV5640 sensor, with 60° lens. ELP CCTV+1

• Specs: USB2.0, UVC compliant, supports Linux, Windows, Android. Max resolution 2592×1944 @ 15 fps, 1920×1080 @ 30 fps. Autofocus supported. ELP CCTV