3D Printed Mini Time-Lapse Camera with Xiao ESP32 S3 Sense

Capturing the passage of time through time-lapse photography is a brilliant way to showcase dynamic scenes—whether it’s a blooming flower, cityscapes, or even engineering projects. But high-end time-lapse cameras can be expensive.

That’s where a DIY 3D printed mini time-lapse camera comes in—using the Xiao ESP32 S3 and professional-grade 3D printing from JUSTWAY, this compact device will let you shoot impressive time-lapse videos on a budget.

And, if you're looking to save on production costs, JUSTWAY is offering 15% cashback on all orders placed between June 1 and August 31, 2025! More on that later.

Why Use the Xiao ESP32 S3 for Time-Lapse Photography?

The Xiao ESP32 S3 is an ultra-compact and efficient microcontroller, making it a perfect fit for a portable time-lapse camera. It boasts:

• ESP32-S3 MCU with dual-core processing for smooth image handling.
• Built-in USB connectivity, making programming hassle-free.
• WiFi integration, allowing remote adjustments of time-lapse settings.
• Low power consumption, extending the operational time significantly.

With its small footprint and powerful capabilities, the Xiao ESP32 S3 is ideal for building an ultra-portable time-lapse rig.

Designing & 3D Printing the Camera Housing

Optimizing the 3D Printed Enclosure

A high-quality custom enclosure ensures:

• Protection for internal electronic components.
• Compact & portable design that’s easy to mount.
• Customization options, like tripod mounts or waterproofing.

Instead of using a home 3D printer with potential precision issues, we turned to JUSTWAY’s professional 3D printing services, which offer: ✔ Durable materials (ABS, PETG, Resin) to withstand outdoor conditions. ✔ Precision manufacturing, eliminating inconsistencies in small designs. ✔ Affordable, reliable service, plus SUMMER CASHBACK EVENT to save 15% on your order!

💡 Want to 3D print your enclosure with expert precision? Use JUSTWAY to get cashback! Details below.

Hardware & Assembly

Required Components

• Xiao ESP32 S3
• OV2640 or OV5640 Camera Module
• Micro SD Card for Storage
• Custom 3D-Printed Case (Ordered via JUSTWAY)

Step-by-Step Assembly

1️⃣ Connect the Camera Module and the SD Card securely using its designated pins.

2️⃣ Fit all components into the 3D-printed enclosure for protection.

Programming and Testing the Xiao ESP32 S3 Camera

Setting Up the Xiao ESP32 S3 for Camera Use

• Install Arduino IDE – Download and install the latest version of Arduino IDE.
• Add ESP32 Board Support – In Arduino IDE, go to Preferences and add the following URL in "Additional Board Manager URLs":

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json

• Install ESP32 Board Package – Open Boards Manager, search for ESP32, and install the latest package.
• Select Xiao ESP32 S3 Board – Under Tools > Board, choose Xiao ESP32 S3.

Uploading Camera Firmware

• Open Example Code – Go to File > Examples > ESP32 > Camera > CameraWebServer.
• Modify Code for Xiao ESP32 S3 – Update the code with this below code:

#include "esp_camera.h"
#include <WiFi.h>

#define CAMERA_MODEL_XIAO_ESP32S3 // Has PSRAM

#include "camera_pins.h"

// ===========================
// Enter your WiFi credentials
// ===========================
const char* ssid = "**********";
const char* password = "**********";

void startCameraServer();
void setupLedFlash(int pin);

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  while(!Serial);
  Serial.setDebugOutput(true);
  Serial.println();

  camera_config_t config;
  config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL_0;
  config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER_0;
  config.pin_d0 = Y2_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d1 = Y3_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d2 = Y4_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d3 = Y5_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d4 = Y6_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d5 = Y7_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d6 = Y8_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d7 = Y9_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_xclk = XCLK_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_pclk = PCLK_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_vsync = VSYNC_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_href = HREF_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_sscb_sda = SIOD_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_sscb_scl = SIOC_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_pwdn = PWDN_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_reset = RESET_GPIO_NUM;
  config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000;
  config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_UXGA;
  config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG; // for streaming
  //config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_RGB565; // for face detection/recognition
  config.grab_mode = CAMERA_GRAB_WHEN_EMPTY;
  config.fb_location = CAMERA_FB_IN_PSRAM;
  config.jpeg_quality = 12;
  config.fb_count = 1;
  
  // if PSRAM IC present, init with UXGA resolution and higher JPEG quality
  //                      for larger pre-allocated frame buffer.
  if(config.pixel_format == PIXFORMAT_JPEG){
    if(psramFound()){
      config.jpeg_quality = 10;
      config.fb_count = 2;
      config.grab_mode = CAMERA_GRAB_LATEST;
    } else {
      // Limit the frame size when PSRAM is not available
      config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_SVGA;
      config.fb_location = CAMERA_FB_IN_DRAM;
    }
  } else {
    // Best option for face detection/recognition
    config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_240X240;
#if CONFIG_IDF_TARGET_ESP32S3
    config.fb_count = 2;
#endif
  }

  // camera init
  esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config);
  if (err != ESP_OK) {
    Serial.printf("Camera init failed with error 0x%x", err);
    return;
  }

  sensor_t * s = esp_camera_sensor_get();
  // initial sensors are flipped vertically and colors are a bit saturated
  if (s->id.PID == OV3660_PID) {
    s->set_vflip(s, 1); // flip it back
    s->set_brightness(s, 1); // up the brightness just a bit
    s->set_saturation(s, -2); // lower the saturation
  }
  // drop down frame size for higher initial frame rate
  if(config.pixel_format == PIXFORMAT_JPEG){
    s->set_framesize(s, FRAMESIZE_QVGA);
  }

// Setup LED FLash if LED pin is defined in camera_pins.h
#if defined(LED_GPIO_NUM)
  setupLedFlash(LED_GPIO_NUM);
#endif

  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);
  WiFi.setSleep(false);

  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("");
  Serial.println("WiFi connected");

  startCameraServer();

  Serial.print("Camera Ready! Use 'http://");
  Serial.print(WiFi.localIP());
  Serial.println("' to connect");
}

void loop() {
  // Do nothing. Everything is done in another task by the web server
  delay(10000);
}

• Connect the Board – Use a USB-C cable to connect the Xiao ESP32 S3 to your computer.
• Select Port – Under Tools > Port, choose the correct COM port.
• Upload Code – Click Upload and wait for the process to complete

Testing the Camera

• Open Serial Monitor – Set baud rate to 115200.
• Find IP Address – The board will display an IP address in the Serial Monitor.

• Access Camera Stream – Open a browser and enter the IP address to view the live camera feed.

• Capture Images – Use the modified code to take snapshots and store them on an SD card.

Next use this python script to make a video out of the images.

import cv2
import os
import numpy as np
from natsort import natsorted

def create_timelapse(image_folder='img', output_path='timelapse.mp4', fps=24):
    # Get the list of images from the folder
    images = [img for img in os.listdir(image_folder) if img.endswith((".jpg", ".jpeg", ".png"))]
    
    if not images:
        print("No images found in the specified folder!")
        return
    
    # Sort the images naturally (1.jpg, 2.jpg, 10.jpg instead of 1.jpg, 10.jpg, 2.jpg)
    images = natsorted(images)
    
    # Read the first image to get dimensions
    frame = cv2.imread(os.path.join(image_folder, images[0]))
    height, width, _ = frame.shape
    
    # Define the codec and create VideoWriter object
    fourcc = cv2.VideoWriter_fourcc(*'mp4v')
    out = cv2.VideoWriter(output_path, fourcc, fps, (width, height))
    
    # Counter for progress
    total_frames = len(images)
    
    print("Creating timelapse video...")
    for idx, image in enumerate(images):
        frame = cv2.imread(os.path.join(image_folder, image))
        out.write(frame)
        
        # Show progress
        print(f"Processing: {idx+1}/{total_frames} images", end='\r')
    
    # Release the video writer
    out.release()
    print(f"\nTimelapse video created successfully at {output_path}")

if __name__ == "__main__":
    create_timelapse()

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Follow this link to get a Summer cashback from JUSTWAY

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✔ Exclusive 15% Cashback on all manufacturing services!

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1️⃣ Place an order with JUSTWAY between June 1st – August 31st, 2025.

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• Your JUSTWAY user ID or email
• Order number

A short message requesting cashback.

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🧠 Pro Tip!

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Final Thoughts

By combining Xiao ESP32 S3, JUSTWAY’s expert 3D printing, and an optimized enclosure, you can create a powerful, budget-friendly time-lapse camera for capturing stunning visual sequences.

Follow this link to get a Summer cashback from JUSTWAY

And with JUSTWAY’s Summer Cashback Event, this is the best time to save 15% on your manufacturing orders! Whether it’s 3D printing, CNC machining, or sheet metal fabrication, you can bring your ideas to life at a lower cost.