Take the ESP32-CAM, a board that started appearing on the market in early 2019. On paper, the thing is amazing: an ESP32 with support for a camera and an SD card, all for less than $10.

The series came about when the BBC’s Natural History Unit learned that an increasing number of scientists were looking to use on-board cameras to better understand their study-animals’ behaviour.

The project would replace existing cameras and add cameras to new locations in district buildings. While the board supports the project, some members have concerns about the cost of software ...