The
Raspberry Pi Camera Module 2 replaced the original Camera Module in April 2016.
The v2 Camera Module has a Sony IMX219 8-megapixel sensor (compared to the
5-megapixel OmniVision OV5647 sensor of the original camera).
The Camera
Module 2 can be used to take high-definition video, as well as stills
photographs. It’s easy to use for beginners, but has plenty to offer advanced
users if you’re looking to expand your knowledge. There are lots of examples
online of people using it for time-lapse, slow-motion, and other video
cleverness. You can also use the libraries we bundle with the camera to create
effects.
You can
read all the gory details about IMX219 and the Exmor R back-illuminated sensor
architecture on Sony’s website, but suffice to say this is more than just a
resolution upgrade: it’s a leap forward in image quality, colour fidelity, and
low-light performance. It supports 1080p30, 720p60 and VGA90 video modes, as
well as still capture. It attaches via a 15cm ribbon cable to the CSI port on
the Raspberry Pi.
The camera
works with all models of Raspberry Pi 1, 2, 3 and 4. It can be accessed through
the MMAL and V4L APIs, and there are numerous third-party libraries built for
it, including the Picamera Python library. See the Getting Started with
Picamera resource to learn how to use it.
All models
of Raspberry Pi Zero require a Raspberry Pi Zero camera cable; the standard
cable supplied with the camera module is not compatible with the Raspberry Pi
Zero camera connector. Suitable cables are available at low cost from many
Raspberry Pi Approved Resellers, and are supplied with the Raspberry Pi
Zero Case.
The camera
module is very popular in home security applications, and in wildlife camera
traps.
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