Raspberry Pi Foundation Releases New Camera Module With 8-megapixel Sensor

The Raspberry Pi foundation has released a new camera module for its computer boards. The module uses a Sony IMX219 sensor and is also available in a variant that is sensitive to near infrared light.

The new module follows the five-megapixel variant from 2013. For that camera module, Raspberry Pi used an OmniVision OV5647 sensor, which has been out of production since late 2014. The foundation has found Sony willing to supply chips for the new module. The IMX219 used is a 1/4″ BSI cmos. According to the makers, the new module not only has a higher resolution, but it is a big step forward in image quality, color reproduction and low-light performance.

Like the old camera module, the new version will be available in two variants. A variant for regular color images and a model for near-infrared images. The maximum photo resolution is 3280×2464 pixels, filming is possible in resolutions of 1920×1080, 1280×720 or 640×480 pixels at 30, 60 and 90fps respectively. The camera board measures 25x23x9mm and has the same suggested retail price as its predecessor: 25 dollars.