Chapter 8 The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 195THE OFFICIAL RASPBERRY PI BEGINNER’S GUIDE
The current version of the Raspberry Pi Camera Module, known as the ‘v2’ module or
‘Version 2.1’, is based on a high-quality Sony IMX219 image sensor – the same type of sensor
you might find on the back of your smartphone or tablet. This is an 8 megapixel sensor, which
means it can take pictures with up to 8 million pixels in them. It does this by capturing images
up to 3280 pixels wide by 2464 tall: multiply those two numbers together and you get a total of
just over 8 million individual pixels!
As well as still images, the Camera Module can capture video footage at Full HD resolution
- the same resolution as most TVs – at a rate of 30 frames per second (30 fps). For smoother
motion or even to create a slow-motion effect, the camera can be set to capture at a higher
frame rate by lowering the resolution: 60fps for 720p video footage, and up to 90 fps for 480p - or ‘VGA’ resolution – footage.
Installing the Camera Module
Like any hardware add-on, the Camera Module should only be connected to or disconnected
from the Raspberry Pi when the power is off and the power cable unplugged. If your Raspberry
Pi is on, choose Shutdown from the raspberry menu, wait for it to power off, and unplug it.
Unpack your Camera Module: you’ll find a small circuit board, which is the Camera Module
itself, and a flat ribbon cable. In most cases, the ribbon cable will already be connected to the
Camera Module; if it isn’t, turn your Module upside-down so the camera lens is on the bottom
and look for a flat plastic connector. Carefully hook your fingernails around the sticking-out
edges and pull outwards until the connector pulls part-way out. Slide the ribbon cable, with the
silver edges downwards and the blue plastic facing upwards, under the flap you just pulled out,
then push the flap gently back into place with a click (Figure 8-1 overleaf); it doesn’t matter
which end of the cable you use. If the cable is installed properly, it will be straight and won’t
come out if you give it a gentle tug; if not, pull the flap out and try again.
CAMERA TYPES!
There are two versions of the Raspberry Pi Camera Module
available: the normal version and the ‘NoIR’ version. You can easily
tell the difference: the normal version has a green circuit board, while
the NoIR version has a black circuit board. If you want to take normal
pictures and video in well-lit environments, you should always use the
normal version for best image quality. The NoIR version – so called
because it has no infrared, or IR, filter – is designed for use with
infrared light sources to take pictures and video in total darkness. If
you’re building a nest box, security camera, or other project involving
night vision, you want the NoIR version – but remember to buy an
infrared light source at the same time!