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dorukkumkumoglu/optocamzero

A compact, pocket-sized digital camera built on a Raspberry Pi Zero, designed to be 3D printed and assembled from off-the-shelf parts.

Open-source alternative to:Kodak Charmera

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What is it?

Optocam Zero is a DIY digital camera built around a Raspberry Pi Zero, with a 240x240 LCD, an autofocus camera module and a 14500 Li-ion battery. The project targets a playful, toy-camera feel in the spirit of the Kodak Charmera, and it is intended to be simple enough for others to build.

The camera captures 2592x2592 JPEG images, saves them in the background while the preview keeps running, and offers eight built-in photo filters plus GIF recording and playback. Users can create up to five custom filters through a hotspot web interface, which is also used to transfer images to a phone or computer. The device supports USB-C charging while in use and has a screen that dims when idle to save battery.

The repository contains the 3D print files, a bill of materials, a PDF build guide, CAD files and the Python software with installation instructions. The case is fully 3D printed apart from fasteners, and an optional TPU sleeve and lanyard are included.

Key features

  • 01Captures 2592x2592 JPEG photos with a 240x240 LCD preview at 25-30 fps.
  • 02Records and plays back GIFs.
  • 03Includes eight photo filters and supports up to five custom filters.
  • 04Transfers images through a hotspot interface usable from mobile or desktop.
  • 05Charges over USB-C and can be used while charging.
  • 06Case parts are fully 3D printable apart from fasteners.

Use cases

  • Building a pocket camera as a weekend electronics or 3D printing project.
  • Taking casual, filter-driven snapshots and short GIFs.
  • Learning how to combine a Raspberry Pi Zero with a camera module and display.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Review the BOM and build guide in the hardware folder

  2. 2

    3D print the case parts from the hardware print files

  3. 3

    Follow the software folder guide to install the Optocam Zero code

Things to know

  • Requires building physical hardware, including 3D printing and a Raspberry Pi Zero with electronics.
  • The license is not clearly specified in the project metadata.

Topics

#raspberry-pi#camera#diy-electronics#3d-printing#python#embedded#photography#diy#diy-cam#open-source-hardware

FAQ

What is optocamzero?
A compact, pocket-sized digital camera built on a Raspberry Pi Zero, designed to be 3D printed and assembled from off-the-shelf parts. Optocam Zero is a DIY digital camera built around a Raspberry Pi Zero, with a 240x240 LCD, an autofocus camera module and a 14500 Li-ion battery. The project targets a playful, toy-camera feel in the spirit of the Kodak Charmera, and it is intended to be simple enough for others to build.
Is optocamzero free to use? What license does it have?
optocamzero is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is optocamzero still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to optocamzero was on Oct 18, 2026.
What can I use optocamzero for?
Building a pocket camera as a weekend electronics or 3D printing project. Taking casual, filter-driven snapshots and short GIFs. Learning how to combine a Raspberry Pi Zero with a camera module and display.
How do I install optocamzero?
Review the BOM and build guide in the hardware folder 3D print the case parts from the hardware print files Follow the software folder guide to install the Optocam Zero code
Where can I get optocamzero?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/dorukkumkumoglu/optocamzero

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