[ad_1]
The recently released Raspberry Pi 3 camera module will inspire some very interesting projects. It’s a 12MP camera with motorized autofocus, HDR support, and 1080p 50FPS video resolution, three things that were absent from previous Pi camera modules. Additionally, customers have the option of purchasing this camera with an ultra-wide FOV or an IR-sensitive design.
This is an awesome little module. It has Sony’s 12MP IMX708 sensor, which is a significant upgrade from the 8MP sensor that’s included in the Camera Module 2. The maximum video resolution is raised to 1080p 50FPS, low-light performance is improved, and compatibility with HDR opens the door to the “professional camera”. style photography. (That said, HDR photos from this camera are 75% smaller in resolution than non-HDR images.)
Of course, the autofocus is the main feature of this camera. In a demo video, we can see that the Pi Module 3 has a surprisingly fast phase detection autofocus (PDAF) system. I’m very impressed with this autofocus – it’s a huge step up from the fixed focus system in the Camera Module 2. (And just for reference, the new autofocus lens can “take sharp images” from around 5cm to the infinity (previous fixed focus lenses were optimized for infinity focus).
The Standard Camera Module 3 has an FOV of 66 degrees. But if you want to go further, you can pay for the ultra-wide variant of this camera. It offers a 102-degree FOV, which could make it a great choice for photography, videography, or a DIY security camera project.
And interestingly, you can buy the Camera Module 3 without an IR filter. The NoIR Camera Module 3 uses a black circuit board and should be a good choice for a night vision camera project. That being said, the Pi Foundation has not provided any examples of this functionality.
I should point out that the previous generation Camera Module 2 is now six years old. It’s still useful, but its image quality is seriously out of date. If you want a modern look from a Raspberry Pi camera, you should buy the new Module 3, the high-quality camera (which was released in 2020), or a third-party solution, like ArduCam Hawk-eye.
The impressive Camera Module 3 is just $25, but the ultra-wide variant is $35. Interestingly, the NoIR versions of these two cameras cost $25 and $35, respectively. Camera Module 3 is available from approved Raspberry Pi resellers.
Sources:
[ad_2]
