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I would like to know if it is possible to connect usb cameras directly with RPi B+? While working with RPi Model B, I had to use a powered USB hub to interface with my i-ball camera, but with 4 ports in B+, is it possible to interface the camera directly, without a powered hub? The camera which I'm planning to use needs an input of 5V/1A. The RPi can deliver upto a max of 1.2A for the 4 usb ports.

Also, I am thinking of a project where I would require 2 USB cameras, so is it possible to use 2 usb cameras with the same RPi B+? If I go with the 5V/1A camera, obviously the current rating will go to 2A and the Pi won't be able to deliver it from the usb ports, right?

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    Yes it is possible, I have done this myself. Obviously cameras differ, but all I have seen require much less than the 500mA of the USB standard. The camera does NOT give an output of 5V/1A it requires a certain current, but it is often difficult to discover the exact value from published specs.
    – Milliways
    Sep 29, 2014 at 10:28
  • Hello Ron. Have you ever tested the setup according to your question? I would encourage you to write an answer to present your findings.
    – Ghanima
    Dec 30, 2015 at 23:09
  • Hi Ghanima, well, one single usb camera did the task which was required for me, so didn't try two cameras at a time. But recently i saw a post that also mentions the usage of 2 such cameras with a single RPi.pyimagesearch.com/2016/01/18/…
    – Ron Thomas
    Feb 8, 2016 at 9:38
  • Infact, when I started using RPi Model B, I had to use a USB Hub to work with a single camera and when I switched to Model B+, I could directly connect it to one of the 4 USBs, so I believe its possible, but infact I should have tried it, but due to some constraints, I was not able to. NB : I haven't tried RPi 2 version. With advancement going on in RPi versions, we can say .. "Why not... , to all the problems that an initial user faced with Model A and Model B."
    – Ron Thomas
    Feb 8, 2016 at 9:41

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The FAQ at raspberrypi.org states a "Maximum total USB peripheral current draw" of 1.2A for the Pi B+. I take it that "maximum total" should be the sum of all downstream ports. In this case it's outside specifications to drive both cameras directly from the Pi's USB ports - if they really draw that much current each.

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