Skip to main content

New Raspberry Pi camera module is the base for a DIY mirrorless camera

NEW Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera

Raspberry Pi’s camera module has allowed do-it-yourselfers to build anything from smart doorbells to webcams. Now, the build-your-own tech organization is offering the tools to construct an interchangeable lens camera. The High Quality Camera is a 12.3-megapixel sensor module that addresses some of the shortcomings of the previous camera module, which had poor resolution and a fixed-focus lens.

Recommended Videos

The High Quality Camera uses a Sony-made sensor that’s also back-illuminated and larger than the previous module. The design change and bump up in resolution offers a noticeable difference over the earlier 8-megapixel camera, the organization says, including a larger pixel size, which should help it in lower light.

But the big change is the lack of a built-in lens. Instead, the module uses a mount compatible with C- and CS-mount lenses. At launch, approved resellers already offer a 6mm CS-mount lens for $25 and a 16mm C-mount for $50.

Of course, Raspberry Pi is designed for jury-rigging, and someone has already mounted a full-frame Canon lens using a CS-mount adapter — so the possibilities for the interchangeable lens camera module go well beyond the lenses launching now. (Just don’t expect professional-level image quality, as the sensor is still much smaller than those found in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.)

Along with the change to an interchangeable lens, the High Quality Camera module includes a back-focus adjustment ring. While the previous lens had a fixed focus — like a GoPro does, for example — the new, high-end option will allow users to adjust the focus.

The new module is compatible with most Raspberry Pi models, with the exception of some older Zero boards that don’t have the required camera connector and others that need an adapter to connect.

The High Quality Camera isn’t replacing the existing 8-megapixel option with a fixed lens. Both camera modules will continue to be sold, with the lower resolution module serving as the lighter-weight, more budget-friendly choice. The High Quality Camera module lists for $50 while Camera Module V2 sells for about $25.

The new module also launches with a new Official Raspberry Pi Camera Guide that walks through different projects and creative effects. The PDF version is free, with a print version available for about $10.

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
The best mirrorless cameras
The best mirrorless cameras give you the power of a DSLR without the bulk
Panasonic Lumix S1

Mirrorless cameras have a lot of versatility. They tend to be on the smaller and lighter side in comparison to DSLRs, and still produce amazing images. Some even come loaded with features to improve your picture taking experience. Our favorite is the Fujifilm X-T4, offering an excellent combination of features and performance in an overall compact size. Few other cameras nail the photographic experience so expertly, and the X-T4 feels like an aspirational dream camera without the exorbitant price that usually accompanies such a product.

Whether you want to purchase a top of the line model or you'd rather have something a little more basic, we're here to make your shopping easier by providing you with some options. Check out our top mirrorless camera recommendations.
At a glance:

Read more
Arlo ditches the need for a hub with its new Pro 4 and Ultra 2 cameras
The Arlo Pro 4 installed outside.

As the holiday season approaches and the need for improved home security grows, Arlo has added two new options to its home security lineup: The Arlo Pro 4 and the Arlo Ultra 2 spotlight cameras. These cameras not only utilize color night vision, but also have built-in spotlights to pinpoint activity in their field of view and potentially scare away intruders. The new cameras supplement the company's other recent budget offerings and continue to broaden its portfolio.

One feature of note is that both the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra 2 cameras are wire-free and don't require dedicated hubs anymore, allowing for more diverse placement. With no need for a hub to connect them to a wireless network, you aren't limited by the proximity of power outlets when placing these cameras.

Read more
Sony teases ‘new concept’ Alpha series camera set to launch next week
Sony a7iii

With four words, Sony Japan has disrupted its popular mirrorless Alpha series by teasing a newcomer. On Sony Japan’s Alpha series page, the header simply reads “new concept is coming” above the Alpha series symbol and the date: September 15 at 10:00, which translates to 9 p.m. ET on September 14. A video premiere is already scheduled on YouTube for the same time.

The vague announcement provided little detail but is already generating significant buzz.

Read more