M5Stack S3 SE internal / external camera coding

[infraready]

Subject: Technical Support Request: CoreS3 SE Camera Init Failure & External Camera Communication

I need assistance with a project involving the M5Stack CoreS3 SE, TimerCam X, and Unit CamS3. I am currently facing two specific issues:

1. CoreS3 SE Internal Camera Initialization Failure
   I am attempting to run the standard camera test code provided for the CoreS3 series. The device fails to initialize the camera.
   • Hardware: M5Stack CoreS3 SE
   • Error: Camera Initialization Failed
   • Question: Can you confirm if the "SE" model has a physical GC0308 camera sensor? There appears to be a front facing camera above the display. If so, is there specific firmware/libraries I should be using to avoid these initialization errors in my project code?

2. Inter-Device Communication (CoreS3 <-> External Cameras)
   I am unable to establish communication between the CoreS3 SE and my external cameras (TimerCam X and Unit CamS3).
   • Goal: I need the external cameras to send data/feed to the CoreS3. Can the grove port be used?
   • Issue: I cannot get them to pair or exchange data using the standard Unit examples. I’ve coded both the camera and processor and connected them via a grove connection.
   • Request: Could you point me toward a specific example project (Arduino or UIFlow) that demonstrates ESP-NOW or HTTP communication between a CoreS3 host and these specific remote camera units?

[felmue]

Hello @infraready

Re: 1. no, M5CoreS3 SE does not have a built-in camera. See comparison here.

Thanks
Felix

[infraready]

@felmue thanks. So despite the back of the sensor being marked SE, from the link you have provided I can say it’s actually the Lite! While this is the case, I’m still unable to get the internal/ external camera to work. Any help would be appreciated.

[felmue]

Hello @infraready

indeed on the pictures the back of both SE and Lite are marked SE - strange.

Anyways, have you tied to burn and run the M5CoreS3 demo firmware? This should give you a good indication about whether the camera works or not.

Please note: I do not have an M5CoreS3 Lite to test this myself.

Thanks
Felix