The progress of Mars exploration and the science objective of Mars camera were presented. The characteristics of space camera and Mars camera were analyzed. The research achievements of the research group in the past several years on Mars camera were presented. Research contents include: spectrum characteristics of Mars surface material, spectral band setting of Mars exploration optical remote sensor, nadir illumination analysis at orbit arc near Mars, solar altitude angle changes with time at orbit point near Mars, histogram distribution characteristic analysis of Mars surface elevation data, image motion caused by velocity to height ratio error because of Mars surface elevation, Mars camera engineering model research, imaging experiment with Mars camera engineering model etc. It summarizes the past research and may facilitate further research on the Mars camera. The manufactured Mars camera fits for observation imaging of Mars surface on Mars orbit.