A camera unit for capturing images of the outer region of a motor vehicle includes a housing in which the camera unit is accommodated, a cover element, and a drive unit for moving the camera unit and for moving the cover element. A pivot element is movably mounted about a first axis of rotation and has a first arm, which is motionally connected to the cover element, and a second arm. A lever element, which is movably mounted about a second axis of rotation, is operatively connected to the cover element. A guide element, which is mounted about a third axis of rotation, includes a first guide arm that is operatively connected to the second arm of the pivot element and a second guide arm which is motionally coupled to the camera unit.