For cameras I use low-cost UVC-compliant cameras, https://www.amazon.com/USB-Camera-3264X2448-Industrial-Suppo... although which specific model I get depends on the imaging application; in my case, I always get C-mount devices so I can put microscope objectives on it.
For image analysis I buy an Intel NUC or a PC w/ a graphics card. But you can do a lot of projects with a Raspberry Pi 4 (a zero 2 is pretty weak for this).
I build automated microscopes. Here's what I use: ESP32 w/ stepper motors and a stepper motor controller (https://www.tindie.com/products/33366583/4-axis-tmc2209-cnc-...).
For cameras I use low-cost UVC-compliant cameras, https://www.amazon.com/USB-Camera-3264X2448-Industrial-Suppo... although which specific model I get depends on the imaging application; in my case, I always get C-mount devices so I can put microscope objectives on it.
For image analysis I buy an Intel NUC or a PC w/ a graphics card. But you can do a lot of projects with a Raspberry Pi 4 (a zero 2 is pretty weak for this).