Raspberry Pi launches greater decision digital camera module, now with autofocus

Raspberry Pi is launching a brand new digital camera module to be used with its diminutive DIY computer systems — the Camera Module 3. Its upgraded Sony IMX708 sensor is greater decision, however maybe extra vital is that the brand new module helps excessive dynamic vary images and autofocus. Alongside it, Raspberry Pi can also be releasing a brand new digital camera board to be used with M12-mount lenses.

Combined, the brand new options imply the Camera Module 3 ought to be capable of take extra detailed images (particularly in low mild), and may deal with objects as little as 5cm away. The autofocus makes use of a Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) system, with Contrast Detection Autofocus used as a backup. In distinction, earlier variations of the digital camera module had fixed-focus lenses, which Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton writes have been “optimized to focus at infinity” and will solely take a “reasonably sharp image” of objects round a meter away. 

The new module’s sensor has a decision of 11.9 megapixels (in comparison with 8.1 megapixels for the final model), and has a better horizontal decision that ought to enable it to movie HD video. HDR help means the Camera Module 3 can take a number of exposures of the identical scene, and mix them in order that each darker and lighter components of a picture are correctly uncovered (on the expense of some decision) — a trick generally carried out by nearly each smartphone.

Prices begin at $25 for the Camera Module 3 with an ordinary field-of-view, whereas the ultra-wide angle model with a 102-degree subject of view is $35. There are additionally infrared-sensitive modules designed for evening images.

If you need a Raspberry Pi that may take photographs utilizing a extra conventional interchangeable lens, then the corporate can also be saying a brand new model of its High Quality Camera module that helps M12-mount lenses. It nonetheless has the identical 12.3-megapixel Sony IMX477 sensor, however the module now helps the “fisheye and other specialist lenses” which can be designed to work in M12 programs.

The earlier High Quality Camera module used with C- and CS-mount requirements, and it was this that my colleague Becca Farsace used to make her personal DIY digital camera. Check out her challenge right here.