Raspberry Pi’s new 12MP Digicam Module 3 now has autofocus, HDR seize and extra: Digital Pictures Assessment

Raspberry Pi has introduced Digicam Module 3, a brand new collection of digicam techniques designed to be used with the corporate’s line of compact DIY computer systems. There are 4 completely different variants of the Digicam Module 3, every of which now have autofocus, improved decision, HDR seize and extra.

The Digicam Module 3 is out there in each a typical field-of-view (FOV) model with a 29mm equal focal size and a large FOV choice with a 17mm equal focal size. That comes out to a 66-degree horizontal FOV for the usual mannequin and 102-degree horizontal FOV for the vast mannequin. Every of those fashions is out there in visible-light and infrared-sensitive variants, making for 4 complete fashions.

Regular FOV module. Picture by Raspberry Pi.	Huge FOV module. Picture by Raspberry Pi.

On the coronary heart of every Digicam Module 3 is Sony’s 12MP (4608x2592px) Sort 1/2.43 (5.6 x 4.2mm) IMX708 picture sensor – the identical discovered within the ultrawide digicam module in Oppo’s Discover X2 smartphone. The module additionally has a 3MP HDR mode that makes use of the sensor’s Quad Bayer expertise to seize a number of exposures on the similar time and merge them collectively for optimum dynamic vary, even in high-contrast scenes.

An illustration from Sony exhibiting how its HDR expertise works in its cellular picture sensors.

Video will also be recorded at 1080/50p, 720/100p and 480/120p. Whereas that is restricted, there have been hacks prior to now to get even larger framerate video from previous Raspberry Pi Digicam Modules, so it’s seemingly potential we’ll see DIY hackers get even higher video efficiency from Digicam Module 3 sooner or later.

Additionally new to Digicam Module 3 items is autofocus. The lens meeting contained in the digicam module makes use of voice-coil actuators to focus the digicam on the topic. By default, Raspberry Pi says the sensor is tuned to deal with the center of the scene, however DIY creators ought to be capable of implement varied autofocus modes ought to or not it’s required. Under is an indication video of the autofocus efficiency in motion:

Section Detection Autofocus (PDAF) is utilized by default, however Raspberry Pi says the digicam will fall again to the corporate’s Distinction Detection Autofocus (CDAF) algorithm ‘if a high-confidence PDAF consequence isn’t obtainable.’ The minimal focusing distance is listed at 10cm for the usual Digicam Module 3 and 5cm for the Digicam Module 3 Huge.

A comparability chart exhibiting the specs for every of Raspberry Pi’s digicam modules.

The Digicam Module 3 is appropriate with all Raspberry Pi computer systems with CSI connectors, except for the Raspberry Pi 400 and the 2016 model of the Raspberry Pi Zero. Mounting gap positions and dimensions are the identical because the Digicam Module 2, however on account of repositioning the sensor module, the Digicam Module 3 will not work with the digicam lid for the Raspberry Pi Zero Case.

Raspberry Pi says Digicam Module 3 is appropriate with the libcamera software program surroundings and the libcamera-based Picamera2 beta in Raspberry Pi OS Bullsye. Full assist paperwork for the {hardware} and software program may be discovered on Raspberry Pi’s web site.

Each customary FOV Digicam Module 3 items retail for $25, whereas the vast FOV Digicam Module 3 fashions price $10 extra, because of the extra sophisticated lens array used.