A promising alternative to the current array-based ultrasonic detection methods, which record time-resolved signals at defined positions, is the use of optical camera technology for spatial recording of the ultrasonic field at specific points in time. In particular, with this method projection images of the 3D pressure field are recorded from different directions. The reconstruction takes place via the temporal back propagation to the original location and the application of the inverse Radon transformation in order to obtain the 3D images from the projection data. The use of this detection method is not only restricted to photoacoustic imaging, but can also be used separately or simultaneously, for speed of sound (SoS) imaging in small samples via transmission of laser-generated ultrasound. Knowledge of SoS inhomogeneities is an important factor for high-resolution imaging and must be considered in accurate photoacoustic image reconstruction. Here, an overview of the development of camera-based photoacoustic imaging with adapted reconstruction methods is given from the first proof of principle experiments towards a portable, compact and rotatable imaging system that can be used for human and small animal imaging.