The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 is a high-quality camera module designed for seamless integration with Raspberry Pi boards. It features improved image quality, autofocus functionality, and support for various resolutions and frame rates. This makes it an excellent choice for projects involving photography, video recording, and computer vision applications. Its compact size and versatility allow it to be used in a wide range of projects, from home security systems to AI-powered image recognition.

• Photography and video recording
• Computer vision and machine learning projects
• Home automation and security systems
• Time-lapse photography
• Robotics and object tracking

The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 is available in multiple variants, including standard and wide-angle lenses, as well as visible light and infrared (NoIR) versions. Below are the key technical details:

• Sensor: Sony IMX708
• Resolution: 12 megapixels
• Autofocus: Yes
• Field of View (FoV):
  • Standard: 66° horizontal
  • Wide-angle: 102° horizontal
• Video Modes:
  • 1080p at 50 fps
  • 720p at 100 fps
  • 640 × 480 (VGA) at 120 fps
• Interface: MIPI CSI-2
• Power Supply: 3.3V (via Raspberry Pi)
• Dimensions: 25 × 24 × 11.5 mm (excluding cable)
• Weight: 3g (approx.)

The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 connects to the Raspberry Pi board via the CSI (Camera Serial Interface) connector. Below is the pin configuration for the CSI interface:

1. Power Off the Raspberry Pi: Always power off the Raspberry Pi before connecting or disconnecting the camera module to avoid damage.
2. Locate the CSI Port: The CSI port is typically located near the HDMI port on the Raspberry Pi board.
3. Insert the Ribbon Cable:
   • Open the CSI port's plastic clip by gently pulling it upward.
   • Insert the ribbon cable with the metal contacts facing the HDMI port.
   • Push the plastic clip back down to secure the cable.
4. Power On the Raspberry Pi: Once the camera is securely connected, power on the Raspberry Pi.

1. Open a terminal on the Raspberry Pi.
2. Run the following command to open the Raspberry Pi configuration tool:

   sudo raspi-config
   

3. Navigate to Interface Options > Camera and enable the camera.
4. Reboot the Raspberry Pi to apply the changes:

   sudo reboot
   

The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 can be controlled using the libcamera tools. Below are examples of capturing images and videos:

libcamera-still -o image.jpg

libcamera-vid -o video.h264 -t 10000

The picamera2 library allows you to control the camera module in Python. Below is an example:

from picamera2 import Picamera2
import time

picam2 = Picamera2()

picam2.configure(picam2.preview_configuration())

picam2.start() print("Camera is running...")

time.sleep(5) picam2.capture_file("image.jpg") print("Image captured and saved as 'image.jpg'.")

picam2.stop() print("Camera stopped.")

• Ensure the ribbon cable is securely connected to avoid intermittent issues.
• Use a stable power supply to prevent the camera from malfunctioning.
• Avoid touching the camera lens to prevent smudges or scratches.
• Use a compatible Raspberry Pi OS version for optimal performance.

• Cause: The camera module is not enabled in the Raspberry Pi configuration.
• Solution: Run sudo raspi-config and enable the camera under Interface Options. Reboot the Raspberry Pi.

• Cause: Dirty or scratched lens.
• Solution: Clean the lens gently with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials.

• Cause: Insufficient lighting or subject too close.
• Solution: Ensure adequate lighting and maintain a minimum distance of 10 cm from the subject.

• Cause: Missing or outdated software.
• Solution: Update the Raspberry Pi OS and install the required packages:

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install -y libcamera-apps
  

A: Yes, the Camera Module 3 is compatible with most Raspberry Pi models that have a CSI port. However, performance may vary depending on the model.

A: The NoIR version of the Camera Module 3 is designed for low-light and night vision applications.

A: Yes, but you will need a multi-camera adapter board to connect multiple cameras.

A: The Camera Module 3 supports a maximum resolution of 12 megapixels for still images.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate and utilize the Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 in your projects.