Raspberry Pi Foundation
Raspberry Pi Camera Board v2
Best compact imaging module for DIY electronics enthusiasts and hobbyist projects.
Designed for high-quality imaging in compact computing projects, this module features an 8-megapixel sensor capable of capturing detailed static images and smooth video. It connects directly to the dedicated interface on compatible single-board computers, ensuring reliable data transfer without occupying general-purpose pins. With support for various resolutions and frame rates, it provides the flexibility needed for everything from basic photography to advanced computer vision applications. Its small footprint allows for easy integration into custom enclosures or wearable devices, making it a versatile tool for developers and hobbyists looking to add sight to their projects.
$29.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
2
/ 9
#2 in Camera Circuit Boards
Price vs Category Average
+33%
Above average
Resolution
8
/ Megapixels
Who it's for
- Hobbyists seeking high-quality visuals for creative photography projects
- Beginners looking for a plug-and-play camera solution
- Makers building small-scale devices where space is at a premium
Who should skip it
- Macro photographers requiring precise manual focus control
- Night-time surveillance users needing high clarity in the dark
- Hardware builders who frequently swap components or move their setups
Performance breakdown
Image fidelity
The Sony sensor delivers crisp, reliable detail for most hobbyist projects.
Integration ease
Direct CSi connection makes setup seamless for any Raspberry Pi build.
Form factor
Tiny footprint allows for effortless mounting in tight, custom enclosures.
Frame rate versatility
High-speed capture options handle motion tracking and computer vision tasks well.
Low-light performance
Struggles in dim environments, requiring additional lighting for clear results.
Ecosystem support
Extensive community documentation ensures you are never stuck during development.
Key Specs
Resolution
8 Megapixels
Sensor
Sony IMX219
Max Resolution
3280 x 2464 pixels
Max Frame Rate
90 fps
Interface
CSi
Dimensions
25mm x 23mm x 9mm
Weight
3.4g
Field of View
62.2 x 48.8 degrees
Know before you buy
The Camera Board v2 connects via the dedicated CSI (Camera Serial Interface) port found on all standard Raspberry Pi models, including the Pi 3, 4, and 5. It is not compatible with the Raspberry Pi Zero without a specific adapter cable, as the Zero uses a smaller, different-sized connector.
Yes, the camera supports up to 90 frames per second at a resolution of 640x480, which is excellent for capturing fast-moving objects or creating slow-motion effects. For higher resolution, you can record at 1080p at 30 frames per second.
It is designed to work seamlessly with the Raspberry Pi OS. You will primarily use the standard libcamera libraries or the legacy raspistill and raspivid commands to capture images and video, which are well-documented in the official Raspberry Pi guides.
The sensor performs adequately in standard indoor lighting, but it is not specifically optimized for low-light or night vision. If your project requires night-time visibility, you may want to look into the NoIR version of this camera, which lacks an infrared filter.
It uses a flat ribbon cable that plugs directly into the CSI port on your Raspberry Pi. This connection is dedicated solely to the camera, meaning it does not use up any of your general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, leaving them free for other sensors or components.
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