diff --git a/lib/src/camera/camera.dart b/lib/src/camera/camera.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8abebff
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/src/camera/camera.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,299 @@
+import 'dart:async';
+import 'dart:ui' show Size;
+
+import 'package:flutter/foundation.dart';
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
+import 'package:flutter/widgets.dart' show Widget;
+
+import '../file.dart' show UxFile;
+import '../sensor.dart' show UxSensor;
+import 'camera_backend.dart';
+import 'camera_preview.dart' show UxCameraPreview;
+
+/// Describes a camera device on the system. Returned by
+/// [uxAvailableCameras]; passed to [UxCameraController] to bind a
+/// specific lens.
+class UxCameraDescription {
+  const UxCameraDescription({
+    required this.id,
+    required this.lens,
+    required this.sensorOrientation,
+  });
+
+  /// Opaque platform handle — `AVCaptureDevice.uniqueID` on iOS,
+  /// CameraX camera id on Android. Treat as a blob; only the plugin
+  /// interprets it.
+  final String id;
+
+  final UxCameraLens lens;
+
+  /// Clockwise rotation in degrees (0/90/180/270) from the camera
+  /// sensor's natural orientation to the device's portrait-up
+  /// orientation. Used by post-capture transforms outside this
+  /// module (e.g. `normalizeCameraCapture`).
+  final int sensorOrientation;
+
+  @override
+  bool operator ==(Object other) =>
+      identical(this, other) ||
+      other is UxCameraDescription &&
+          other.id == id &&
+          other.lens == lens &&
+          other.sensorOrientation == sensorOrientation;
+
+  @override
+  int get hashCode => Object.hash(id, lens, sensorOrientation);
+}
+
+enum UxCameraLens { front, back }
+
+/// Resolution preset for both photo and video. Single value today
+/// (`high`); the enum exists so future presets can land without
+/// breaking call sites.
+enum UxResolutionPreset { high }
+
+/// Flash mode applied to the next still capture. Only the two values
+/// the chat composer actually uses today.
+enum UxFlashMode { off, always }
+
+/// Immutable snapshot of a [UxCameraController]'s state, broadcast to
+/// listeners. Updated on lifecycle transitions and on device-
+/// orientation events from the native side.
+class UxCameraValue {
+  const UxCameraValue({
+    required this.description,
+    this.previewSize,
+    this.isInitialized = false,
+    this.isRecordingVideo = false,
+    this.deviceOrientation = DeviceOrientation.portraitUp,
+    this.enableAudio = false,
+    this.errorDescription,
+  });
+
+  factory UxCameraValue.uninitialized(UxCameraDescription d) =>
+      UxCameraValue(description: d);
+
+  final UxCameraDescription description;
+
+  /// Pixel dimensions of the active video format, in the camera
+  /// sensor's natural orientation (so for typical phone sensors this
+  /// is landscape — `1920×1080` etc.). Null until [isInitialized].
+  final Size? previewSize;
+
+  final bool isInitialized;
+  final bool isRecordingVideo;
+
+  /// Physical orientation reported by the native side's orientation
+  /// listener. Independent of any UI lock; used by [_Rotating] widgets
+  /// in `camera_page.dart` so icons flip while the preview stays
+  /// portrait.
+  final DeviceOrientation deviceOrientation;
+
+  final bool enableAudio;
+
+  /// Set to the last native session error's message when one fires.
+  /// Cleared on the next successful state transition.
+  final String? errorDescription;
+
+  bool get hasError => errorDescription != null;
+
+  UxCameraValue copyWith({
+    UxCameraDescription? description,
+    Size? previewSize,
+    bool? isInitialized,
+    bool? isRecordingVideo,
+    DeviceOrientation? deviceOrientation,
+    bool? enableAudio,
+    Object? errorDescription = _unset,
+  }) =>
+      UxCameraValue(
+        description: description ?? this.description,
+        previewSize: previewSize ?? this.previewSize,
+        isInitialized: isInitialized ?? this.isInitialized,
+        isRecordingVideo: isRecordingVideo ?? this.isRecordingVideo,
+        deviceOrientation: deviceOrientation ?? this.deviceOrientation,
+        enableAudio: enableAudio ?? this.enableAudio,
+        errorDescription: identical(errorDescription, _unset)
+            ? this.errorDescription
+            : errorDescription as String?,
+      );
+
+  static const _unset = Object();
+}
+
+/// Throws when a [UxCameraController] call fails on the platform side.
+/// Maps from native `FlutterError` codes; see the table in
+/// `~/banlu/plans/ux_camera.md` §error-model for the full set.
+class UxCameraException implements Exception {
+  const UxCameraException(this.code, [this.description]);
+
+  final String code;
+  final String? description;
+
+  @override
+  String toString() =>
+      'UxCameraException($code${description == null ? '' : ': $description'})';
+}
+
+/// Enumerate the cameras the platform exposes. Stable for the lifetime
+/// of the process; safe to cache the result.
+Future<List<UxCameraDescription>> uxAvailableCameras() =>
+    UxCameraBackend.instance.availableCameras();
+
+/// Owns one native camera session. Mirrors the surface
+/// `package:camera`'s `CameraController` exposes today — every method
+/// signature the chat composer touches has a 1:1 here, plus the
+/// orientation snapshot is passed explicitly on capture calls.
+///
+/// Lifecycle: [initialize] → use → [dispose]. After [dispose] every
+/// other method throws `UxCameraException("disposed")`.
+class UxCameraController extends ValueNotifier<UxCameraValue> {
+  UxCameraController(
+    UxCameraDescription description,
+    this.resolutionPreset, {
+    required bool enableAudio,
+  }) : super(UxCameraValue(
+          description: description,
+          enableAudio: enableAudio,
+        ));
+
+  final UxResolutionPreset resolutionPreset;
+
+  int? _handle;
+  int? _textureId;
+  StreamSubscription<UxCameraEvent>? _eventsSub;
+  bool _disposed = false;
+
+  UxCameraDescription get description => value.description;
+  bool get enableAudio => value.enableAudio;
+
+  /// Texture id once the session has been created (during [initialize]).
+  /// Read by [UxCameraPreview]; null before init or after dispose.
+  int? get textureId => _textureId;
+
+  /// Configure the native session and begin streaming preview frames.
+  ///
+  /// Throws if camera or microphone permission is denied, or if another
+  /// instance already holds the requested device or the audio session.
+  Future<void> initialize() async {
+    _throwIfDisposed('initialize');
+    final result = await UxCameraBackend.instance.create(
+      cameraId: description.id,
+      enableAudio: value.enableAudio,
+      preset: resolutionPreset,
+    );
+    _handle = result.handle;
+    _textureId = result.textureId;
+    _eventsSub = UxCameraBackend.instance.events(result.handle).listen(
+          _onEvent,
+          onError: (Object error, StackTrace? stack) {
+            value = value.copyWith(errorDescription: error.toString());
+          },
+        );
+    await UxCameraBackend.instance.initialize(result.handle);
+    value = value.copyWith(
+      isInitialized: true,
+      previewSize: result.previewSize,
+    );
+  }
+
+  void _onEvent(UxCameraEvent event) {
+    switch (event) {
+      case UxCameraDeviceOrientationChanged(:final orientation):
+        value = value.copyWith(deviceOrientation: orientation);
+      case UxCameraSessionError(:final code, :final description):
+        value = value.copyWith(errorDescription: description ?? code);
+      case UxCameraSessionInterrupted():
+      case UxCameraSessionResumed():
+        // Lifecycle pings; recovery is automatic on the native side.
+        break;
+    }
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> dispose() async {
+    if (_disposed) return;
+    _disposed = true;
+    final handle = _handle;
+    _handle = null;
+    final sub = _eventsSub;
+    _eventsSub = null;
+    if (handle != null) {
+      await UxCameraBackend.instance.disposeInstance(handle);
+    }
+    await sub?.cancel();
+    super.dispose();
+  }
+
+  /// Switch lenses without tearing down the controller. Blocked while a
+  /// recording is in flight — call [stopVideoRecording] first.
+  Future<void> setDescription(UxCameraDescription description) async {
+    final handle = _requireHandle('setDescription');
+    final size = await UxCameraBackend.instance.setDescription(handle, description.id);
+    value = value.copyWith(description: description, previewSize: size);
+  }
+
+  Future<void> setFlashMode(UxFlashMode mode) async {
+    final handle = _requireHandle('setFlashMode');
+    await UxCameraBackend.instance.setFlashMode(handle, mode);
+  }
+
+  Future<void> lockCaptureOrientation(DeviceOrientation orientation) async {
+    final handle = _requireHandle('lockCaptureOrientation');
+    await UxCameraBackend.instance.lockCaptureOrientation(handle, orientation);
+  }
+
+  Future<void> unlockCaptureOrientation() async {
+    final handle = _requireHandle('unlockCaptureOrientation');
+    await UxCameraBackend.instance.unlockCaptureOrientation(handle);
+  }
+
+  /// Capture a still. [captureOrientation] is the orientation to embed
+  /// in the resulting JPEG; defaults to [UxSensor.orientation] read at
+  /// call time. Tests pass an explicit value to keep the assertion
+  /// deterministic.
+  Future<UxFile> takePicture({DeviceOrientation? captureOrientation}) async {
+    final handle = _requireHandle('takePicture');
+    final orientation = captureOrientation ?? UxSensor.orientation;
+    return UxCameraBackend.instance.takePicture(handle, orientation);
+  }
+
+  /// Start recording. [captureOrientation] becomes the video file's
+  /// rotation transform (iOS: AVAssetWriterInput.transform; Android:
+  /// CameraX targetRotation). Defaults to [UxSensor.orientation] —
+  /// pass explicitly from tests.
+  Future<void> startVideoRecording({
+    DeviceOrientation? captureOrientation,
+  }) async {
+    final handle = _requireHandle('startVideoRecording');
+    final orientation = captureOrientation ?? UxSensor.orientation;
+    await UxCameraBackend.instance.startVideoRecording(handle, orientation);
+    value = value.copyWith(isRecordingVideo: true);
+  }
+
+  Future<UxFile> stopVideoRecording() async {
+    final handle = _requireHandle('stopVideoRecording');
+    final file = await UxCameraBackend.instance.stopVideoRecording(handle);
+    value = value.copyWith(isRecordingVideo: false);
+    return file;
+  }
+
+  /// Texture-backed widget that renders the live preview at its parent's
+  /// size. Hero-flightable.
+  Widget buildPreview() => UxCameraPreview(controller: this);
+
+  int _requireHandle(String op) {
+    _throwIfDisposed(op);
+    final h = _handle;
+    if (h == null) {
+      throw const UxCameraException('not_initialized');
+    }
+    return h;
+  }
+
+  void _throwIfDisposed(String op) {
+    if (_disposed) {
+      throw UxCameraException('disposed', '$op called on a disposed controller');
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/lib/src/camera/camera_backend.dart b/lib/src/camera/camera_backend.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e425d05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/src/camera/camera_backend.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+import 'dart:async';
+
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
+
+import '../file.dart' show UxFile;
+import 'camera.dart' show UxCameraDescription, UxFlashMode, UxResolutionPreset;
+import 'camera_channel.dart' show MethodChannelUxCameraBackend;
+
+/// Backend contract that [UxCameraController] dispatches into. The default
+/// implementation calls into native code via the `ux/camera` /
+/// `ux/camera/events` channels; tests substitute their own (see
+/// `package:ux/testing.dart`'s `FakeUxCameraBackend`).
+///
+/// Every per-instance call carries a `handle` returned by [create] so
+/// the plugin can route to the right native session. Multiple
+/// controllers can hold simultaneous handles.
+abstract class UxCameraBackend {
+  /// Swap to inject a fake before any UI code mounts a controller.
+  static UxCameraBackend instance = MethodChannelUxCameraBackend();
+
+  /// Enumerate camera devices. The result is stable for the lifetime
+  /// of the process.
+  Future<List<UxCameraDescription>> availableCameras();
+
+  /// Allocate a native camera instance bound to [cameraId]. Returns the
+  /// handle (for subsequent calls), the FlutterTexture id (for the
+  /// preview widget), and the sensor-natural-orientation preview size.
+  ///
+  /// Throws [UxCameraException("device_busy")] if another instance
+  /// already holds the device, or [UxCameraException("audio_busy")]
+  /// when [enableAudio] is true and another instance holds the
+  /// app-global audio session.
+  Future<UxCameraCreateResult> create({
+    required String cameraId,
+    required bool enableAudio,
+    required UxResolutionPreset preset,
+  });
+
+  /// Start the session. Native side resolves camera + audio permissions
+  /// before the future completes. Throws
+  /// [UxCameraException("permission_denied")] on denial.
+  Future<void> initialize(int handle);
+
+  /// Tear down the session. Cancels any in-flight recording, releases
+  /// the camera device and the audio claim. Safe to call repeatedly;
+  /// no-op once disposed.
+  Future<void> disposeInstance(int handle);
+
+  /// Swap to a different camera mid-session. Resets the lock and clears
+  /// any pending recording. Returns the new preview size.
+  Future<Size> setDescription(int handle, String cameraId);
+
+  /// Set the flash mode used for the next [takePicture]. On front cameras
+  /// without a screen-flash fallback the backend silently no-ops; the
+  /// caller is responsible for not offering flash UI there.
+  Future<void> setFlashMode(int handle, UxFlashMode mode);
+
+  /// Pin the preview's connection orientation. Used today only to lock
+  /// the preview to portrait so it never appears stretched/rotated.
+  Future<void> lockCaptureOrientation(int handle, DeviceOrientation orientation);
+
+  /// Release the orientation lock — the preview falls back to following
+  /// physical device orientation. Unused by the chat composer; kept for
+  /// API symmetry.
+  Future<void> unlockCaptureOrientation(int handle);
+
+  /// Take a still photo. [snapshotOrientation] is applied to the photo
+  /// connection just before capture so the file's EXIF orientation
+  /// matches how the user was holding the device.
+  Future<UxFile> takePicture(int handle, DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation);
+
+  /// Begin recording video. [snapshotOrientation] is baked into the
+  /// writer track's transform — the file plays back rotated even if
+  /// the device returns to portrait mid-recording.
+  Future<void> startVideoRecording(
+    int handle,
+    DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation,
+  );
+
+  /// Stop recording and return the resulting MP4 on disk.
+  Future<UxFile> stopVideoRecording(int handle);
+
+  /// Live event stream for [handle]: device-orientation changes,
+  /// session errors, interrupted/resumed lifecycle pings. The
+  /// controller subscribes during [initialize] and unsubscribes on
+  /// [disposeInstance].
+  Stream<UxCameraEvent> events(int handle);
+}
+
+/// The tuple returned by [UxCameraBackend.create] — everything the
+/// controller needs to start serving the preview widget and routing
+/// subsequent calls.
+class UxCameraCreateResult {
+  const UxCameraCreateResult({
+    required this.handle,
+    required this.textureId,
+    required this.previewSize,
+  });
+
+  final int handle;
+  final int textureId;
+  final Size previewSize;
+}
+
+/// Events pushed by the native side over `ux/camera/events`. Sealed —
+/// new variants land here as the contract grows.
+sealed class UxCameraEvent {
+  const UxCameraEvent(this.handle);
+  final int handle;
+}
+
+class UxCameraDeviceOrientationChanged extends UxCameraEvent {
+  const UxCameraDeviceOrientationChanged(super.handle, this.orientation);
+  final DeviceOrientation orientation;
+}
+
+class UxCameraSessionError extends UxCameraEvent {
+  const UxCameraSessionError(super.handle, this.code, this.description);
+  final String code;
+  final String? description;
+}
+
+class UxCameraSessionInterrupted extends UxCameraEvent {
+  const UxCameraSessionInterrupted(super.handle, this.reason);
+  final String reason;
+}
+
+class UxCameraSessionResumed extends UxCameraEvent {
+  const UxCameraSessionResumed(super.handle);
+}
diff --git a/lib/src/camera/camera_channel.dart b/lib/src/camera/camera_channel.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..239169d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/src/camera/camera_channel.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,224 @@
+import 'dart:async';
+
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
+
+import '../file.dart' show UxFile;
+import 'camera.dart'
+    show
+        UxCameraDescription,
+        UxCameraException,
+        UxCameraLens,
+        UxFlashMode,
+        UxResolutionPreset;
+import 'camera_backend.dart';
+
+/// Production [UxCameraBackend]. Hand-rolled MethodChannel +
+/// EventChannel — matches the rest of `package:ux`, no pigeon.
+class MethodChannelUxCameraBackend implements UxCameraBackend {
+  MethodChannelUxCameraBackend();
+
+  static const _channel = MethodChannel('ux/camera');
+  static const _eventsChannel = EventChannel('ux/camera/events');
+
+  /// Single broadcast stream over the native event channel. We
+  /// demultiplex per-handle inside [events] so a Stream subscription
+  /// is cheap (no per-instance EventChannel hop).
+  late final Stream<Object?> _rawEvents =
+      _eventsChannel.receiveBroadcastStream();
+
+  @override
+  Future<List<UxCameraDescription>> availableCameras() async {
+    final raw = await _invoke<List<Object?>>('availableCameras');
+    return raw.map((e) {
+      final m = (e as Map).cast<Object?, Object?>();
+      return UxCameraDescription(
+        id: m['id'] as String,
+        lens: _parseLens(m['lens'] as String?),
+        sensorOrientation: (m['sensorOrientation'] as num?)?.toInt() ?? 0,
+      );
+    }).toList(growable: false);
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<UxCameraCreateResult> create({
+    required String cameraId,
+    required bool enableAudio,
+    required UxResolutionPreset preset,
+  }) async {
+    final m = await _invokeMap('create', {
+      'cameraId': cameraId,
+      'enableAudio': enableAudio,
+      'preset': _presetArg(preset),
+    });
+    final size = (m['previewSize'] as Map).cast<Object?, Object?>();
+    return UxCameraCreateResult(
+      handle: (m['handle'] as num).toInt(),
+      textureId: (m['textureId'] as num).toInt(),
+      previewSize: Size(
+        (size['width'] as num).toDouble(),
+        (size['height'] as num).toDouble(),
+      ),
+    );
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> initialize(int handle) =>
+      _invokeVoid('initialize', {'handle': handle});
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> disposeInstance(int handle) =>
+      _invokeVoid('dispose', {'handle': handle});
+
+  @override
+  Future<Size> setDescription(int handle, String cameraId) async {
+    final m = await _invokeMap('setDescription', {
+      'handle': handle,
+      'cameraId': cameraId,
+    });
+    final s = (m['previewSize'] as Map).cast<Object?, Object?>();
+    return Size(
+      (s['width'] as num).toDouble(),
+      (s['height'] as num).toDouble(),
+    );
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> setFlashMode(int handle, UxFlashMode mode) =>
+      _invokeVoid('setFlashMode', {
+        'handle': handle,
+        'mode': _flashArg(mode),
+      });
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> lockCaptureOrientation(
+    int handle,
+    DeviceOrientation orientation,
+  ) =>
+      _invokeVoid('lockCaptureOrientation', {
+        'handle': handle,
+        'orientation': _orientationArg(orientation),
+      });
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> unlockCaptureOrientation(int handle) =>
+      _invokeVoid('unlockCaptureOrientation', {'handle': handle});
+
+  @override
+  Future<UxFile> takePicture(
+    int handle,
+    DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation,
+  ) async {
+    final m = await _invokeMap('takePicture', {
+      'handle': handle,
+      'snapshotOrientation': _orientationArg(snapshotOrientation),
+    });
+    return UxFile(m['path'] as String);
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> startVideoRecording(
+    int handle,
+    DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation,
+  ) =>
+      _invokeVoid('startVideoRecording', {
+        'handle': handle,
+        'snapshotOrientation': _orientationArg(snapshotOrientation),
+      });
+
+  @override
+  Future<UxFile> stopVideoRecording(int handle) async {
+    final m = await _invokeMap('stopVideoRecording', {'handle': handle});
+    return UxFile(m['path'] as String);
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Stream<UxCameraEvent> events(int handle) {
+    return _rawEvents
+        .map((e) => (e as Map).cast<Object?, Object?>())
+        .where((m) => (m['handle'] as num).toInt() == handle)
+        .map(_decodeEvent);
+  }
+
+  // ---- parsers / arg encoders -------------------------------------
+
+  static UxCameraEvent _decodeEvent(Map<Object?, Object?> m) {
+    final handle = (m['handle'] as num).toInt();
+    switch (m['event'] as String?) {
+      case 'deviceOrientationChanged':
+        return UxCameraDeviceOrientationChanged(
+          handle,
+          _parseOrientation(m['orientation'] as String?),
+        );
+      case 'sessionError':
+        return UxCameraSessionError(
+          handle,
+          m['code'] as String? ?? 'session_runtime_error',
+          m['description'] as String?,
+        );
+      case 'sessionInterrupted':
+        return UxCameraSessionInterrupted(
+          handle,
+          m['reason'] as String? ?? '',
+        );
+      case 'sessionResumed':
+        return UxCameraSessionResumed(handle);
+      default:
+        return UxCameraSessionError(handle, 'unknown_event', null);
+    }
+  }
+
+  static UxCameraLens _parseLens(String? raw) => switch (raw) {
+        'front' => UxCameraLens.front,
+        _ => UxCameraLens.back,
+      };
+
+  static DeviceOrientation _parseOrientation(String? raw) => switch (raw) {
+        'landscapeLeft' => DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft,
+        'landscapeRight' => DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight,
+        'portraitDown' => DeviceOrientation.portraitDown,
+        _ => DeviceOrientation.portraitUp,
+      };
+
+  static String _orientationArg(DeviceOrientation o) => switch (o) {
+        DeviceOrientation.portraitUp => 'portraitUp',
+        DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft => 'landscapeLeft',
+        DeviceOrientation.portraitDown => 'portraitDown',
+        DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight => 'landscapeRight',
+      };
+
+  static String _flashArg(UxFlashMode m) => switch (m) {
+        UxFlashMode.off => 'off',
+        UxFlashMode.always => 'always',
+      };
+
+  static String _presetArg(UxResolutionPreset p) => switch (p) {
+        UxResolutionPreset.high => 'high',
+      };
+
+  // ---- channel adapter --------------------------------------------
+
+  Future<T> _invoke<T>(String method, [Map<String, Object?>? args]) async {
+    try {
+      final result = await _channel.invokeMethod<Object?>(method, args);
+      return result as T;
+    } on PlatformException catch (e) {
+      throw UxCameraException(e.code, e.message);
+    }
+  }
+
+  Future<Map<Object?, Object?>> _invokeMap(
+    String method, [
+    Map<String, Object?>? args,
+  ]) async {
+    final result = await _invoke<Map<Object?, Object?>>(method, args);
+    return result;
+  }
+
+  Future<void> _invokeVoid(String method, [Map<String, Object?>? args]) async {
+    try {
+      await _channel.invokeMethod<void>(method, args);
+    } on PlatformException catch (e) {
+      throw UxCameraException(e.code, e.message);
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/lib/src/camera/camera_preview.dart b/lib/src/camera/camera_preview.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..66b69d9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/src/camera/camera_preview.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+import 'package:flutter/widgets.dart';
+
+import 'camera.dart' show UxCameraController, UxCameraValue;
+
+/// Renders the live preview for [controller] into a [Texture]. Sizes
+/// itself to the parent — wrap in `AspectRatio` / `FittedBox` / `Hero`
+/// to control framing.
+///
+/// While the controller is not yet initialized, this falls back to a
+/// transparent placeholder. The widget rebuilds on every
+/// `UxCameraValue` change, so once the native session starts
+/// producing frames the texture appears automatically.
+class UxCameraPreview extends StatelessWidget {
+  const UxCameraPreview({super.key, required this.controller});
+
+  final UxCameraController controller;
+
+  @override
+  Widget build(BuildContext context) {
+    return ValueListenableBuilder<UxCameraValue>(
+      valueListenable: controller,
+      builder: (context, _, __) {
+        final id = controller.textureId;
+        if (id == null) return const SizedBox.expand();
+        return Texture(textureId: id);
+      },
+    );
+  }
+}
diff --git a/lib/src/testing/fake_camera.dart b/lib/src/testing/fake_camera.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..eca9f77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/src/testing/fake_camera.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,198 @@
+import 'dart:async';
+import 'dart:ui' show Size;
+
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
+import 'package:ux/src/camera/camera.dart';
+import 'package:ux/src/camera/camera_backend.dart';
+import 'package:ux/src/file.dart' show UxFile;
+
+/// In-memory backend for [UxCameraController] tests. Swap in via
+/// `UxCameraBackend.instance = FakeUxCameraBackend(...)` before any UI
+/// mounts; restore with `UxCameraBackend.instance =
+/// MethodChannelUxCameraBackend()` in `tearDown`.
+///
+/// Captures every call into per-method lists for assertions, and lets
+/// tests drive events deterministically via [emitOrientationChanged]
+/// and friends.
+class FakeUxCameraBackend implements UxCameraBackend {
+  FakeUxCameraBackend({
+    List<UxCameraDescription> cameras = const [],
+    this.previewSize = const Size(1920, 1080),
+    this.picturePath = '/tmp/fake_picture.jpg',
+    this.videoPath = '/tmp/fake_video.mp4',
+  }) : cameras = List.unmodifiable(cameras);
+
+  // ---- captured calls ---------------------------------------------
+
+  final List<({String cameraId, bool enableAudio, UxResolutionPreset preset})>
+      createCalls = [];
+  final List<int> initializeCalls = [];
+  final List<int> disposeCalls = [];
+  final List<({int handle, String cameraId})> setDescriptionCalls = [];
+  final List<({int handle, UxFlashMode mode})> setFlashModeCalls = [];
+  final List<({int handle, DeviceOrientation orientation})>
+      lockCaptureOrientationCalls = [];
+  final List<int> unlockCaptureOrientationCalls = [];
+  final List<({int handle, DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation})>
+      takePictureCalls = [];
+  final List<({int handle, DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation})>
+      startVideoRecordingCalls = [];
+  final List<int> stopVideoRecordingCalls = [];
+  int availableCamerasCalls = 0;
+
+  // ---- configurable returns ---------------------------------------
+
+  /// Cameras returned by [availableCameras]. Mutable so tests can swap
+  /// the set between assertions.
+  List<UxCameraDescription> cameras;
+  Size previewSize;
+  String picturePath;
+  String videoPath;
+
+  /// If non-null, [create] throws this exception instead of returning
+  /// a result — exercises permission denial / device busy paths.
+  UxCameraException? createError;
+
+  /// Optional override; set to throw on any particular method to
+  /// drive failure paths.
+  UxCameraException? initializeError;
+  UxCameraException? takePictureError;
+  UxCameraException? startVideoRecordingError;
+  UxCameraException? stopVideoRecordingError;
+
+  // ---- internal ---------------------------------------------------
+
+  int _nextHandle = 1;
+  int _nextTextureId = 100;
+  final Map<int, StreamController<UxCameraEvent>> _eventControllers = {};
+
+  StreamController<UxCameraEvent> _controllerFor(int handle) {
+    return _eventControllers.putIfAbsent(
+      handle,
+      () => StreamController<UxCameraEvent>.broadcast(),
+    );
+  }
+
+  // ---- event injection --------------------------------------------
+
+  /// Push a `deviceOrientationChanged` event for [handle]. The
+  /// subscribed controller will update its `value.deviceOrientation`.
+  void emitOrientationChanged(int handle, DeviceOrientation orientation) {
+    _controllerFor(handle)
+        .add(UxCameraDeviceOrientationChanged(handle, orientation));
+  }
+
+  void emitSessionError(int handle, String code, [String? description]) {
+    _controllerFor(handle).add(UxCameraSessionError(handle, code, description));
+  }
+
+  void emitSessionInterrupted(int handle, String reason) {
+    _controllerFor(handle).add(UxCameraSessionInterrupted(handle, reason));
+  }
+
+  void emitSessionResumed(int handle) {
+    _controllerFor(handle).add(UxCameraSessionResumed(handle));
+  }
+
+  // ---- UxCameraBackend impl --------------------------------------
+
+  @override
+  Future<List<UxCameraDescription>> availableCameras() async {
+    availableCamerasCalls += 1;
+    return cameras;
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<UxCameraCreateResult> create({
+    required String cameraId,
+    required bool enableAudio,
+    required UxResolutionPreset preset,
+  }) async {
+    createCalls.add((
+      cameraId: cameraId,
+      enableAudio: enableAudio,
+      preset: preset,
+    ));
+    final err = createError;
+    if (err != null) throw err;
+    final handle = _nextHandle++;
+    final textureId = _nextTextureId++;
+    return UxCameraCreateResult(
+      handle: handle,
+      textureId: textureId,
+      previewSize: previewSize,
+    );
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> initialize(int handle) async {
+    initializeCalls.add(handle);
+    final err = initializeError;
+    if (err != null) throw err;
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> disposeInstance(int handle) async {
+    disposeCalls.add(handle);
+    await _eventControllers.remove(handle)?.close();
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<Size> setDescription(int handle, String cameraId) async {
+    setDescriptionCalls.add((handle: handle, cameraId: cameraId));
+    return previewSize;
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> setFlashMode(int handle, UxFlashMode mode) async {
+    setFlashModeCalls.add((handle: handle, mode: mode));
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> lockCaptureOrientation(
+    int handle,
+    DeviceOrientation orientation,
+  ) async {
+    lockCaptureOrientationCalls
+        .add((handle: handle, orientation: orientation));
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> unlockCaptureOrientation(int handle) async {
+    unlockCaptureOrientationCalls.add(handle);
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<UxFile> takePicture(
+    int handle,
+    DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation,
+  ) async {
+    takePictureCalls
+        .add((handle: handle, snapshotOrientation: snapshotOrientation));
+    final err = takePictureError;
+    if (err != null) throw err;
+    return UxFile(picturePath);
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<void> startVideoRecording(
+    int handle,
+    DeviceOrientation snapshotOrientation,
+  ) async {
+    startVideoRecordingCalls
+        .add((handle: handle, snapshotOrientation: snapshotOrientation));
+    final err = startVideoRecordingError;
+    if (err != null) throw err;
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Future<UxFile> stopVideoRecording(int handle) async {
+    stopVideoRecordingCalls.add(handle);
+    final err = stopVideoRecordingError;
+    if (err != null) throw err;
+    return UxFile(videoPath);
+  }
+
+  @override
+  Stream<UxCameraEvent> events(int handle) => _controllerFor(handle).stream;
+}
diff --git a/lib/testing.dart b/lib/testing.dart
index 29f0b80..9a3b38f 100644
--- a/lib/testing.dart
+++ b/lib/testing.dart
@@ -5,5 +5,6 @@
 /// ```
 library;
 
+export 'src/testing/fake_camera.dart';
 export 'src/testing/fake_gallery.dart';
 export 'src/testing/text_golden.dart';
diff --git a/lib/ux.dart b/lib/ux.dart
index f7ca018..191991c 100644
--- a/lib/ux.dart
+++ b/lib/ux.dart
@@ -8,6 +8,10 @@ export 'src/app_info.dart';
 export 'src/bend_box.dart';
 export 'src/json_extension.dart';
 export 'src/bezier.dart';
+export 'src/camera/camera.dart';
+export 'src/camera/camera_backend.dart' show UxCameraBackend, UxCameraCreateResult, UxCameraEvent, UxCameraDeviceOrientationChanged, UxCameraSessionError, UxCameraSessionInterrupted, UxCameraSessionResumed;
+export 'src/camera/camera_channel.dart' show MethodChannelUxCameraBackend;
+export 'src/camera/camera_preview.dart';
 export 'src/clipboard.dart';
 export 'src/file.dart';
 export 'src/gallery.dart';
diff --git a/test/camera/camera_channel_test.dart b/test/camera/camera_channel_test.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6a83b9d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/camera/camera_channel_test.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
+import 'package:flutter_test/flutter_test.dart';
+import 'package:ux/ux.dart';
+
+void main() {
+  TestWidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized();
+
+  group('MethodChannelUxCameraBackend — arg/return parsing', () {
+    const channel = MethodChannel('ux/camera');
+
+    late MethodChannelUxCameraBackend backend;
+    late List<MethodCall> calls;
+
+    setUp(() {
+      backend = MethodChannelUxCameraBackend();
+      calls = [];
+    });
+
+    tearDown(() {
+      TestDefaultBinaryMessengerBinding.instance.defaultBinaryMessenger
+          .setMockMethodCallHandler(channel, null);
+    });
+
+    void handle(Object? Function(MethodCall) reply) {
+      TestDefaultBinaryMessengerBinding.instance.defaultBinaryMessenger
+          .setMockMethodCallHandler(channel, (call) async {
+        calls.add(call);
+        return reply(call);
+      });
+    }
+
+    test('availableCameras decodes the platform list', () async {
+      handle((_) => [
+            {'id': 'a', 'lens': 'front', 'sensorOrientation': 270},
+            {'id': 'b', 'lens': 'back', 'sensorOrientation': 90},
+          ]);
+
+      final result = await backend.availableCameras();
+
+      expect(calls.single.method, 'availableCameras');
+      expect(result, [
+        const UxCameraDescription(
+            id: 'a', lens: UxCameraLens.front, sensorOrientation: 270),
+        const UxCameraDescription(
+            id: 'b', lens: UxCameraLens.back, sensorOrientation: 90),
+      ]);
+    });
+
+    test('create sends cameraId/enableAudio/preset and decodes the tuple',
+        () async {
+      handle((_) => {
+            'handle': 42,
+            'textureId': 7,
+            'previewSize': {'width': 1920, 'height': 1080},
+          });
+
+      final result = await backend.create(
+        cameraId: 'cam-1',
+        enableAudio: true,
+        preset: UxResolutionPreset.high,
+      );
+
+      expect(calls.single.method, 'create');
+      expect(calls.single.arguments, {
+        'cameraId': 'cam-1',
+        'enableAudio': true,
+        'preset': 'high',
+      });
+      expect(result.handle, 42);
+      expect(result.textureId, 7);
+      expect(result.previewSize, const Size(1920, 1080));
+    });
+
+    test('initialize / dispose send only the handle', () async {
+      handle((_) => null);
+
+      await backend.initialize(11);
+      await backend.disposeInstance(11);
+
+      expect(calls.map((c) => c.method).toList(), ['initialize', 'dispose']);
+      expect(calls.every((c) => (c.arguments as Map)['handle'] == 11), isTrue);
+    });
+
+    test('setDescription returns the new previewSize', () async {
+      handle((_) => {
+            'previewSize': {'width': 1280, 'height': 720},
+          });
+
+      final size = await backend.setDescription(7, 'next');
+
+      expect(calls.single.method, 'setDescription');
+      expect(calls.single.arguments, {'handle': 7, 'cameraId': 'next'});
+      expect(size, const Size(1280, 720));
+    });
+
+    test('setFlashMode encodes the enum', () async {
+      handle((_) => null);
+
+      await backend.setFlashMode(3, UxFlashMode.always);
+      await backend.setFlashMode(3, UxFlashMode.off);
+
+      expect(calls.map((c) => (c.arguments as Map)['mode']).toList(),
+          ['always', 'off']);
+    });
+
+    test('lock/unlockCaptureOrientation encode the orientation string',
+        () async {
+      handle((_) => null);
+
+      await backend.lockCaptureOrientation(5, DeviceOrientation.portraitUp);
+      await backend.lockCaptureOrientation(5, DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+      await backend.lockCaptureOrientation(5, DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight);
+      await backend.lockCaptureOrientation(5, DeviceOrientation.portraitDown);
+      await backend.unlockCaptureOrientation(5);
+
+      expect(
+        calls.take(4).map((c) => (c.arguments as Map)['orientation']).toList(),
+        ['portraitUp', 'landscapeLeft', 'landscapeRight', 'portraitDown'],
+      );
+      expect(calls.last.method, 'unlockCaptureOrientation');
+    });
+
+    test('takePicture sends snapshotOrientation and decodes the file path',
+        () async {
+      handle((_) => {'path': '/tmp/a.jpg'});
+
+      final file = await backend.takePicture(
+          9, DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+
+      expect(calls.single.method, 'takePicture');
+      expect(calls.single.arguments,
+          {'handle': 9, 'snapshotOrientation': 'landscapeLeft'});
+      expect(file.path, '/tmp/a.jpg');
+    });
+
+    test('startVideoRecording sends snapshotOrientation', () async {
+      handle((_) => null);
+
+      await backend.startVideoRecording(9, DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight);
+
+      expect(calls.single.method, 'startVideoRecording');
+      expect(calls.single.arguments,
+          {'handle': 9, 'snapshotOrientation': 'landscapeRight'});
+    });
+
+    test('stopVideoRecording decodes the file path', () async {
+      handle((_) => {'path': '/tmp/v.mp4'});
+
+      final file = await backend.stopVideoRecording(9);
+
+      expect(calls.single.method, 'stopVideoRecording');
+      expect(file.path, '/tmp/v.mp4');
+    });
+
+    test('PlatformException maps to UxCameraException carrying code/message',
+        () async {
+      handle((_) => throw PlatformException(
+            code: 'device_busy',
+            message: 'front camera in use',
+          ));
+
+      await expectLater(
+        backend.initialize(1),
+        throwsA(isA<UxCameraException>()
+            .having((e) => e.code, 'code', 'device_busy')
+            .having((e) => e.description, 'description', 'front camera in use')),
+      );
+    });
+  });
+}
diff --git a/test/camera/camera_controller_test.dart b/test/camera/camera_controller_test.dart
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8650e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/camera/camera_controller_test.dart
@@ -0,0 +1,227 @@
+import 'package:flutter/services.dart';
+import 'package:flutter_test/flutter_test.dart';
+import 'package:ux/testing.dart';
+import 'package:ux/ux.dart';
+
+const _front = UxCameraDescription(
+  id: 'front',
+  lens: UxCameraLens.front,
+  sensorOrientation: 270,
+);
+const _back = UxCameraDescription(
+  id: 'back',
+  lens: UxCameraLens.back,
+  sensorOrientation: 90,
+);
+
+void main() {
+  TestWidgetsFlutterBinding.ensureInitialized();
+
+  late FakeUxCameraBackend fake;
+
+  setUp(() {
+    fake = FakeUxCameraBackend(cameras: const [_front, _back]);
+    UxCameraBackend.instance = fake;
+  });
+
+  tearDown(() {
+    UxCameraBackend.instance = MethodChannelUxCameraBackend();
+  });
+
+  test('uxAvailableCameras dispatches through the backend', () async {
+    final cameras = await uxAvailableCameras();
+    expect(cameras, [_front, _back]);
+    expect(fake.availableCamerasCalls, 1);
+  });
+
+  test('initialize creates the native instance, subscribes to events, '
+      'and reports previewSize / isInitialized', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+
+    expect(ctrl.value.isInitialized, isFalse);
+    expect(ctrl.value.previewSize, isNull);
+
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    expect(fake.createCalls.single,
+        (cameraId: 'front', enableAudio: false, preset: UxResolutionPreset.high));
+    expect(fake.initializeCalls.single, 1);
+    expect(ctrl.textureId, 100);
+    expect(ctrl.value.isInitialized, isTrue);
+    expect(ctrl.value.previewSize, const Size(1920, 1080));
+  });
+
+  test('deviceOrientationChanged events update value.deviceOrientation', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    expect(ctrl.value.deviceOrientation, DeviceOrientation.portraitUp);
+
+    fake.emitOrientationChanged(1, DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+    await Future<void>.delayed(Duration.zero);
+    expect(ctrl.value.deviceOrientation, DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+
+    fake.emitOrientationChanged(1, DeviceOrientation.portraitDown);
+    await Future<void>.delayed(Duration.zero);
+    expect(ctrl.value.deviceOrientation, DeviceOrientation.portraitDown);
+  });
+
+  test('sessionError events surface as value.errorDescription', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    fake.emitSessionError(1, 'recorder_failed', 'writer ended');
+    await Future<void>.delayed(Duration.zero);
+    expect(ctrl.value.errorDescription, 'writer ended');
+    expect(ctrl.value.hasError, isTrue);
+  });
+
+  test('takePicture passes the explicit captureOrientation through', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    final file = await ctrl.takePicture(captureOrientation: DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight);
+
+    expect(file.path, '/tmp/fake_picture.jpg');
+    expect(fake.takePictureCalls.single,
+        (handle: 1, snapshotOrientation: DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight));
+  });
+
+  test('takePicture without captureOrientation falls back to UxSensor', () async {
+    // UxSensor.orientation returns portraitUp under flutter_test (no native sensor).
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    await ctrl.takePicture();
+
+    expect(fake.takePictureCalls.single,
+        (handle: 1, snapshotOrientation: DeviceOrientation.portraitUp));
+  });
+
+  test('startVideoRecording flips isRecordingVideo and passes orientation', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: true);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    await ctrl.startVideoRecording(captureOrientation: DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+
+    expect(ctrl.value.isRecordingVideo, isTrue);
+    expect(fake.startVideoRecordingCalls.single,
+        (handle: 1, snapshotOrientation: DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft));
+  });
+
+  test('stopVideoRecording resets isRecordingVideo and returns the file', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: true);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+    await ctrl.startVideoRecording(captureOrientation: DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+
+    final file = await ctrl.stopVideoRecording();
+
+    expect(ctrl.value.isRecordingVideo, isFalse);
+    expect(file.path, '/tmp/fake_video.mp4');
+    expect(fake.stopVideoRecordingCalls.single, 1);
+  });
+
+  test('setDescription updates value.description and previewSize', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    fake.previewSize = const Size(1280, 720);
+    await ctrl.setDescription(_back);
+
+    expect(ctrl.value.description, _back);
+    expect(ctrl.value.previewSize, const Size(1280, 720));
+    expect(fake.setDescriptionCalls.single, (handle: 1, cameraId: 'back'));
+  });
+
+  test('setFlashMode forwards to the backend', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_back, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    await ctrl.setFlashMode(UxFlashMode.always);
+
+    expect(fake.setFlashModeCalls.single, (handle: 1, mode: UxFlashMode.always));
+  });
+
+  test('lockCaptureOrientation / unlockCaptureOrientation forward to backend',
+      () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    await ctrl.lockCaptureOrientation(DeviceOrientation.portraitUp);
+    expect(fake.lockCaptureOrientationCalls.single,
+        (handle: 1, orientation: DeviceOrientation.portraitUp));
+
+    await ctrl.unlockCaptureOrientation();
+    expect(fake.unlockCaptureOrientationCalls.single, 1);
+  });
+
+  test('dispose tears down the native instance and is idempotent', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+
+    await ctrl.dispose();
+    expect(fake.disposeCalls.single, 1);
+
+    // Second dispose is a no-op (does not call backend again, does not throw).
+    await ctrl.dispose();
+    expect(fake.disposeCalls, [1]);
+  });
+
+  test('calls against a disposed controller throw UxCameraException', () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    await ctrl.initialize();
+    await ctrl.dispose();
+
+    expect(() => ctrl.takePicture(captureOrientation: DeviceOrientation.portraitUp),
+        throwsA(isA<UxCameraException>().having((e) => e.code, 'code', 'disposed')));
+  });
+
+  test('calls before initialize throw UxCameraException("not_initialized")',
+      () async {
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+
+    expect(() => ctrl.setFlashMode(UxFlashMode.off),
+        throwsA(isA<UxCameraException>().having((e) => e.code, 'code', 'not_initialized')));
+  });
+
+  test('multi-instance: two controllers get distinct handles + textures',
+      () async {
+    final a = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    final b = UxCameraController(_back, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(a.dispose);
+    addTearDown(b.dispose);
+
+    await a.initialize();
+    await b.initialize();
+
+    expect(a.textureId, isNot(b.textureId));
+    expect(fake.createCalls.map((c) => c.cameraId), ['front', 'back']);
+
+    // Events route per-handle: orientation update to A doesn't touch B.
+    fake.emitOrientationChanged(1, DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+    fake.emitOrientationChanged(2, DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight);
+    await Future<void>.delayed(Duration.zero);
+    expect(a.value.deviceOrientation, DeviceOrientation.landscapeLeft);
+    expect(b.value.deviceOrientation, DeviceOrientation.landscapeRight);
+  });
+
+  test('initialize propagates UxCameraException("permission_denied")', () async {
+    fake.createError = const UxCameraException('permission_denied', 'camera');
+    final ctrl = UxCameraController(_front, UxResolutionPreset.high, enableAudio: false);
+    addTearDown(ctrl.dispose);
+
+    expect(() => ctrl.initialize(),
+        throwsA(isA<UxCameraException>().having((e) => e.code, 'code', 'permission_denied')));
+  });
+}