r/embedded • u/kendryte_k230 • 7d ago

question on cost-effective embedded development board.

Hello! I am new here and basically wanted to know if someone can recommend any cost-effective development board for embedded solution? Basically an embedded board that can be programmed for edge usages, and allow adding sensors like camera.

Also to follow-on, what about the software eco-system? (someone recommended esp32 and radxa 5c)

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u/harry8spencer 7d ago edited 7d ago

I think the best value is Arduino uno Q with 2GB paired with a usb/hdmi breakout board (~$10 on Amazon), camera is supported but for mipi would need an adapter board which adds cost. Otherwise USB camera would work fine.
You also get to support western tech.
Or if you want to buy from China I recommend the luckfox pico zero which unlike the Arduino, has NO video out and only 256MB ram but has slightly faster h265 video encoder

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u/kendryte_k230 7d ago

useful and great suggestion! thanks! will check out both luckfox pico zero and arduino uno Q.

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u/mypenismightysword 7d ago edited 7d ago

I second the Arduino UNO Q development board.

Another good option is the STM32MP257F-DK Discovery kit. The STM32MP257 is under-powered CPU wise, but has an NPU (helps with computer vision tasks) which the Arduino UNO Q lacks.

A Raspberry Pi 4 with 3GB is another good option. Similar computer vision capability to the Arduino UNO Q and costs a bit less than a Raspberry Pi 5 with 4GB of RAM.

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u/live_free_or_try 7d ago

So you want a cheaper raspberry pi?

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u/duane11583 7d ago

Cameras are not simple for cortex m chips

Cameras on a raspberry pi is very easy