Raspberry Pi has launched the Camera Module 3, with several new and improved features. The new camera module is the company’s first in six years and comes with significant upgrades that will provide users with a better experience.
The major improvement in the new camera module is the resolution. The previous Module 2 cameras used a Sony IMX219 8-megapixel sensor, but the new models carry Sony’s new 12-megapixel IMX708 chip. This new chip not only has a larger resolution but also better low-light sensitivity, which translates to sharper images. Additionally, the 16:9 aspect ratio of the new chip allows for HD video up to 1080p50 to be captured using the entire sensor area.
Another significant improvement in the new camera module is autofocus. The previous module had a fixed autofocus, which limited its versatility, but the new module comes with built-in powered autofocus capability. This feature allows for a more versatile camera that can focus on objects ranging in distance from 5cm (2 inches) to infinity. The new camera module is also a bit thicker (up to 12.4mm compared to 9mm) but the added thickness is worth it for the improved autofocus feature.
In addition to these improvements, the new camera module also has infrared and HDR support. The wide-angle FOV makes it more versatile and opens up a wide range of possibilities for users. Overall, the new camera module is a significant improvement over its predecessor and will provide users with a better experience.
Raspberry Pi has launched four new camera modules, each with its own unique features. The standard field-of-view (FoV) variants provide a 66-degree horizontal field of view, which is roughly equivalent to a 28mm full-frame lens. The wide-angle version, on the other hand, offers a 102-degree horizontal field of view, similar to that of a 14mm full-frame lens.
The wide-angle version has a more expensive and complex optical stack, which makes it a bit thicker than the standard version (12.4mm compared to 11.5mm). The camera also offers HDR capability, enabling you to take multiple simultaneous exposures with different exposure times, allowing you to capture shots with the correct exposure on both interior and exterior details.
The NoIR (no infrared filter) sensors, which were first introduced in Module 2, allow you to convert your Raspberry Pi into a night-vision camera. The launch includes four different modules, including standard and wide-angle models in both visible light and NoIR infrared versions.
Both the normal models start at $25, while the wide-angle versions cost $35. They are now available at Raspberry Pi’s store. With the new camera modules, Raspberry Pi provides a more versatile experience with high resolution, wide angle, HDR and infrared features, giving users a better experience in photography and videography.
