Source parts layout for ImageGenCam · OpenAI · Apache-2.0Source ↗

Image credits and source versions

Parts laid out in the ImageGenCam build guide ↗ · OpenAI · Apache-2.0

CAIBI ASSESSMENT

ImageGenCam

CAIBI VERDICTBUILD IT

A buildable Raspberry Pi camera designed around a Codex-assisted hardware and software workflow.

See what the build involves Original source ↗

Build or buy?

Compare the documented build with the purchase reference.

Build it yourself

Build estimate£85–£105CAIBI estimate · medium confidenceOne camera; parts and enclosure material

Time: Not published
Difficulty: 3/5
Physical processes: 3D printer · Raspberry Pi

See build requirements →

Purchase reference

Buy price referencePrice not checkedNo priced alternative recorded

Check the source for the exact model, availability and what is included.

Check comparison evidence →

Purchase comparison not yet priced

What the prices cover

Current representative prices for the published Raspberry Pi, display, camera, battery and storage parts. The source publishes the parts list but not a complete total.

Includes: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with header; Display HAT Mini; Pi Zero camera; PiSugar 3 battery; 16GB microSD and reader; Small amount of enclosure filament.

Not included: 3D printer ownership or print service; Shipping from multiple suppliers; Computer and OpenAI account.

Build evidence recorded 4 Sep 2026. Currency conversions are approximate.

The combination of a programmable Raspberry Pi camera, local controls and an AI-assisted build workflow is the point of the project. A camera price alone would not be a meaningful comparison.

BUILD AT A GLANCE

Source view and main parts

Check the source ↗

**Parts laid out in the creator’s build guide**OpenAI · Apache-2.0Source and version ↗

Source parts layout for ImageGenCam · OpenAI · Apache-2.0 ↗

PHYSICAL BUILD7 key parts or groups

No.	Source specification
01	Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with headers
02	Pimoroni Display HAT Mini
03	Raspberry Pi Zero spy camera
04	PiSugar 3
05	16GB microSD card and reader
06	3D printed camera case
07	Mac with Codex Desktop

Full source specifications

Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with headers
Pimoroni Display HAT Mini
Raspberry Pi Zero spy camera
PiSugar 3
16GB microSD card and reader
3D printed camera case
Mac with Codex Desktop, Wi-Fi and an OpenAI account

TOOLS / PROCESSES2 involved

3D printer
Raspberry Pi

The real-world work

YOU STILL HAVE TOThe real-world work

Print and finish the enclosure
Fit the camera, display, battery and Raspberry Pi into the case
Check buttons, clearances and camera ergonomics in the real device
Verify that the finished camera survives normal handling

THE BUILD SEQUENCE

How it comes together

1Preparation

Get the specified parts
Start with the published Raspberry Pi, display, camera, battery, storage and enclosure parts so the supplied build path matches the hardware in front of you.
YOU
Print the enclosure
Print the supplied camera case. The source says PLA and PETG have been tested and recommends PETG because the enclosure folds.
YOU

2Build and assembly

Hand the repo to Codex
Open Codex Desktop and give it the ImageGenCam repository. The project is deliberately structured so Codex can guide setup and software work from the source.
AI
Assemble the camera
Fit the display, camera, Raspberry Pi, battery and storage into the printed shell. This remains physical assembly work.
YOU

3Configure and test

Configure and test
Bring up the camera, verify capture, prompts, album access, Wi-Fi and the phone companion interface. Codex is useful for configuration and debugging, but you still verify the hardware.
AI + YOU
Remix it
Change prompts, controls, UI, the Magic Button, camera hardware or enclosure. This is the strongest part of the project for AI assisted iteration.
AI + YOU

Benchmark this project

Use the ImageGenCam prompt. Compare what different models deliver, then add what happened when you tried it.

Try this benchmark

View the project prompt

CAIBI adaptation · Prompt 1.0 · Project source

Prompt for ImageGenCam

CAIBI project benchmark: ImageGenCam
Prompt version 1.0

Starting point from the creator: Help me make ImageGenCam https://github.com/openai/imagegencam

Help me build ImageGenCam using the existing creator project at https://github.com/openai/imagegencam. This is a CAIBI benchmark adaptation of that starting prompt, not a claim about how the creator used AI.

Project context:
- A buildable Raspberry Pi camera designed around a Codex-assisted hardware and software workflow.
- Build context: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with headers; Pimoroni Display HAT Mini; Raspberry Pi Zero spy camera; PiSugar 3; 16GB microSD card and reader; 3D printed camera case; Mac with Codex Desktop, Wi-Fi and an OpenAI account.
- Where AI helps: Code, Configuration, Iteration, Troubleshooting.
- Physical work: Buy parts, Print, Assemble, Test.
- Main limitation: The software is only half the product. Enclosure quality, assembly and camera ergonomics still decide whether the result feels finished.

Read the source first. Use its published design, files, dimensions and parts as the baseline; do not redesign it unless a missing detail requires a clearly labelled proposal. If you cannot access a source or verify a revision, say so.

Provide one practical build package:
1. Design and files: explain the source design, link the original editable files, and identify missing files or modifications.
2. Parts and fabrication: give quantities, exact variants and compatibility, plus a cutting or printing list where applicable. Preserve source dimensions; flag anything unconfirmed.
3. UK and US purchasing: direct product links, checked dates, stock, pack sizes, taxes, delivery and regional costs. Mark unverifiable details as unknown; do not invent links, prices or availability.
4. Assembly: an ordered guide covering fabrication, fitting, wiring or software as applicable, setup, checks and troubleshooting.
5. Cost and time: separate parts, fabrication, delivery, hands-on time and machine time, with assumptions and exclusions.
6. Function and ease: a test plan for the project's stated purpose, likely difficulties, required skills and any corrections or limitations.

Keep source facts, your proposals and items needing physical verification distinct. An estimate is not a measured build result. Do not claim to have built or tested hardware. Include failed attempts and omissions. If a section does not apply, say why.

Use the source as accessed during this run and record its revision or access date. The prompt is fixed; the linked source can change.

Open and copy prompt →

Benchmark results 0

No reviewed results yet for ImageGenCam. Add the first result →

AI IN THIS PROJECT

Get AI help on this build

CAIBI · AI CAN HELP

AI can help with

Code
Configuration
Iteration
Troubleshooting

CAIBI · AI CAN'T DO

You still need to

Print and finish the enclosure
Fit the camera, display, battery and Raspberry Pi into the case
Check buttons, clearances and camera ergonomics in the real device
Verify that the finished camera survives normal handling

Original source AI use and prompts

SOURCEOriginal project AI use

The original project explicitly hands the build to Codex before assembly and publishes the prompt used to start that guided build.

See it in the source ↗

ORIGINAL SOURCE PROMPTStart the original guided buildHelp me make ImageGenCam https://github.com/openai/imagegencam

The source tells builders to paste this into Codex Desktop so Codex reads the repository and starts the documented build flow.

The source also suggests asking Codex to change the boot screen, restyle the UI or add behaviour to the Magic Button after the base build works.

The camera itself includes editable image-generation prompts such as Turn to Cheese and other built-in styles. These are camera-use prompts, not assembly instructions.

CAIBI STARTING PROMPTS

Copy a prompt for this build

Each prompt tells AI to keep the original project source as the reference and to flag anything you must verify on the real build.

Ways to take it further

AFTER THE FIRST BUILD

Ways to take it further

Custom promptsDifferent Magic Button behaviourRestyled UIAlternative camera or display hardwareCustom STEP based enclosure

More routes and resources

OTHER WAYS TO GET THERE

You do not have to follow one route.

ORIGINAL BUILDFollow the creator route

Use the published files and instructions as the baseline.

OUTSOURCE A PROCESSGet specialist fabrication done

You do not necessarily need to own every capability used here: 3D printer, Raspberry Pi.

ALTERNATIVE PROJECTClawd Mochi

A small ESP32-C3 desk companion with animated faces, web controls and a published low-cost parts list.

REVIEWED RESOURCES

Useful places beyond the main source

DOCSImageGenCam Codex build guide

Project-specific Codex guidance used alongside the main README build route.

FILESImageGenCam printable case files

Published enclosure model files for the physical camera body.

SOURCE · CAIBI · BUILDERS

What supports the verdict

SOURCEOpenAI

Source available and current

Open source ↗

CAIBIBUILD IT

There is no obvious finished-product equivalent. The point is the combination of custom hardware, image generation and a build process that deliberately gives an AI coding agent meaningful work.

Evidence: Strong

BUILDERSNo published reports yet

Actual time, cost, changes and outcomes appear here after submitted builds are reviewed.

Be the first builder to report ↓

Leave a build review

HAVE YOU MADE THIS?

Leave a build review.

First-hand evidence improves the assessment

What we want to know

What happened when you actually tried to make it.

Did it work?
Actual time and cost
What did you change?
What was harder than the source suggested?
Would you build it again?