I knew we would see a smaller camera with interchangeable lenses based on the Raspberry Pi Paparazzi at some point. However, this one is a little different. Instead of walking around and taking pictures like a regular camera, this camera requires a bit of external technology to access. But you can access it from anywhere in the world, whether it’s right next to you on your desk or literally on the opposite side of the planet – as long as it’s connected to the Internet.
Designed Mukesh Sankhlaa, Pi Cam it’s “Raspberry Pi Remote Desktop/Camera/Server”. It’s kind of like an IP camera, except it runs Linux and opens the door to all kinds of potential uses from simple remote access to automated features like time-lapse photography. And all STL files and code are available for download. Assembly requires several off-the-shelf components as well as some 3D printed parts. But once you’ve printed and assembled all the parts, assembly is pretty quick.
Being a Raspberry Pi and running Linux, it has built-in WiFi and Ethernet, which means you have several options for being permanently connected to the Internet or a local network. Mukesh uses Remote.it, a SaaS-based Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) service that provides secure remote access to devices to access them from anywhere in the world. But you can just as easily connect it to your home network and use it as a security camera, to watch your 3D printer while it’s running, or just as a desktop webcam.
In addition to providing the 3D printed files for download, Mukesh has included complete instructions on how to set up the software on Instructions. I could see the infrared versions of these fantastic wildlife cameras at night!
