The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A Raspberry Pi 4, Camera Module 3 Wide and a single PoE connection form the core of an open-source camera built to document a garden over time. Its creator says it captures 12-megapixel images every minute during daylight, stores them on an SD card and transfers them to a Mac archive. It is a customizable time-lapse project—not a security camera—and the available reporting does not provide a complete, verified build guide.
What the project does
Atypicalworkshop describes the camera as a way to follow seasonal changes and document a backyard garden renovation. In a post dated October 4, 2026, the creator reported daylight-only capture at one-minute intervals, remote control from a phone, and the ability to generate a video from a selected date range. The software is also described as using latitude and longitude to follow seasonal changes. These are the creator’s reported features, not independently tested results. Creator’s project post
The creator also says older images are automatically deleted when the SD card reaches 85% capacity. That is a reported cleanup setting, not a guarantee of a particular retention period: how long images remain depends on the card’s capacity and the capture schedule.
What hardware is reported—and what remains unspecified
The reported core is a Raspberry Pi 4 paired with a Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 Wide. The creator says the camera runs over Power over Ethernet (PoE), saves images to an SD card, and transfers them to a Mac archive. Secondary coverage describes a junction-box enclosure with 3D-printed camera and wall-mount parts. Secondary project coverage
#1 Best Overall
- High-Definition video camera for Raspberry Pi Model A or B, B+, model 2, Raspberry Pi 3,3 B+, Pi 4, Pi 5(NOT for Pi Zero)
- 5MPixel sensor with Omnivision OV5647 sensor in a fixed-focus lens. Software auto focus lens: B07SN8GYGD
- Integral IR filter
- Still picture resolution: 2592 x 1944; Max video resolution: 1080p
- Check ASIN: B07RWCGX5K for OV5647 with acrylic case. Other optional accessories: ABS case (B09TNG4V55); Mini tripod case kit (B09TKYXZFG).
That is not a complete bill of materials. The available reporting does not specify the Pi 4’s memory configuration, the PoE HAT or splitter, cable, SD-card capacity or speed, enclosure rating, or how the enclosure is sealed. Before buying parts, check the project’s current repository files and README; choose power and outdoor enclosure components for your actual installation rather than assuming any junction box or PoE setup is suitable.
Choosing a camera module
Raspberry Pi’s Camera Module 3 family uses a 12-megapixel Sony IMX708 sensor. The Wide version’s field of view is 120 degrees, compared with 75 degrees diagonally for the standard Camera Module 3. The wider view can fit more of a garden into one frame, though the right lens depends on the scene and the framing you want. Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 specifications
Rank #2
- How to use: Before using this hq camera, please modify the config.txt file by adding dtoverlay=IMX477 (If connect to cam0 port on Pi5, add dtoverlay=IMX477,cam0);
- For all Raspberry Pi: This Arducam for Raspberry Pi camera is compatible with all Raspberry Pi;
- What you will get: 1 x Pi hq camera(with a 1/4" tripod adapter), 1 x dust cover, 1 x C-CS adapter, 1 x 15-22pin Pi camera cable, 1 x 15-15pin Pi camera cable;
- High resolution: This camera module can offer high-resolution images with its 12.3MP IMX477 sensor, the max resolution is 4056*3040 pixels.
- Wide Application: This RPI camera can be used as a 3D printer camera, or home security monitor and can serve for Artificial Intelligence, like facial recognition, high-speed capturing, and so on.
| Variant | Field of view | Infrared filter | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Module 3 standard | 75 degrees diagonal | Standard model includes a filter | A narrower view may suit a more focused scene. |
| Camera Module 3 Wide | 120 degrees | Standard Wide model includes a filter | This is the variant the creator reports using; its wider view covers more of the scene. |
| Camera Module 3 NoIR variants | Variant-dependent; see Raspberry Pi specifications | No infrared filter | Can capture infrared when used with IR illumination; choose it deliberately for infrared imaging, not as an assumed substitute for the daylight build. |
Raspberry Pi lists Camera Module 3 as available from $25, a manufacturer-listed starting price rather than a guaranteed local price for every variant. The product page says the module is expected to remain in production until at least January 2030. Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 product page Raspberry Pi’s documentation explains that NoIR models omit the infrared filter and can capture infrared with IR illumination. Raspberry Pi camera documentation
Can you build it from the available instructions?
The project is open source, but secondary coverage describes command-line setup on both the Pi and a Mac and notes that a step-by-step guide was not available when that coverage was written. The repository’s present instructions may differ, so review its README and build files before assembling the system. Project repository The sources establish the broad component categories, not a verified sequence of assembly steps or tested compatibility for every part combination.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- What Will You Get: An 8mp Arducam for Raspberry Pi camera V2 with a 15cm original FFC cable for model A and B and a 15cm FPC cable for pi zero & w.
- Sensor: 8 megapixel IMX219, Max. resolution: 3280 (H) x 2464 (V)
- Frame Rates: 1080p47, 1640 × 1232p41 and 640 × 480p206
- Recommended Power Supply: DC 5V, above 1.8A
- Typical Usage Scenarios: this tiny camera board can be used for monitoring Octoprint 3D Printer, Home security and surveillance, dashcam or other machine vision application. Please search ASIN: B09TNG4V55/B09TKYXZFG to get Arducam for Raspberry Pi Camera ABS Case and Tripod Case Kit.
At a minimum, a prospective build needs to account for a Raspberry Pi 4, a compatible Camera Module 3 Wide and camera connection, PoE equipment that works with the chosen Pi setup, SD storage, and an enclosure and mount appropriate to the location. The creator’s Mac archive workflow also means planning for how files will move off the Pi and how much storage the archive will need. Exact models, capacities, and connection details are not specified in the reporting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is this the right kind of camera for your garden?
This project is aimed at long-term documentation and observation, not real-time security. The coverage explicitly distinguishes it from a system that detects intruders or deliveries. Plant growth or animal observation are plausible uses for a camera capturing a fixed view, but they are potential applications, not features established as tested by the sources.
Rank #4
- Pi compatible - Work natively with all Raspberry Pi models for your new project or drop-in replacement
- Both cables - 2 cables included so you can switch between the camera connectors for the Pi Zero and Model A&B series
- Specs - 5MP 1080P OV5647, crisp photos, and sharp videos with a decent frame rate
- Easy to use – Easy setup with paper instructions to help you activate the camera feature on Raspbian.
- Application: Small form factor for a tiny home video security system, monitoring 3D printer or other camera projects. Feel free to contact Arducam if you need any help with the product
- Consider it if you want a customizable, locally stored time-lapse workflow and are comfortable checking repository instructions and assembling a Pi-based system.
- Look elsewhere if you need tested outdoor weather protection, a turnkey installation, or alerts for people, packages, or other events. Those capabilities are not established for this project.
PoE can simplify the reported installation to one cable for power and network connectivity, but the creator’s setup does not establish that any Pi, PoE accessory, or enclosure combination is safe or weatherproof outdoors. The exact power implementation and protection details are not specified.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
