For most projects, choose Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3: it combines autofocus with a 11.9-megapixel-class sensor and comes in standard and Wide versions. Pick the HQ Camera when you need to choose your own lens, the Global Shutter Camera for fast-moving subjects, or the AI Camera when your project specifically uses its integrated AI capabilities. Check your Pi’s camera connector and software before buying.
Raspberry Pi camera models at a glance
| Model | Sensor and still resolution | Best suited to | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Module 3 | Sony IMX708, 11.9 MP | General photography, video, robotics and projects that benefit from autofocus | Fixed optics; choose the field of view and standard or NoIR version carefully |
| HQ Camera | Sony IMX477, 12.3 MP | Projects requiring a selectable lens or specialised framing | The lens is a separate purchase and must match the camera’s C/CS or M12 mount |
| Global Shutter Camera | Sony IMX296, 1.6 MP | Fast-moving subjects and synchronised capture | Much lower resolution than Module 3 or HQ; requires a suitable lens and enough light |
| AI Camera | Sony IMX500, 12.3 MP | Camera projects built around supported on-sensor AI workflows | Its specialised AI capability is not a reason by itself to choose it for ordinary photography |
| Camera Module 2 | Sony IMX219, 8 MP | Existing projects or compatible setups that do not need newer features | Older generation; Module 3 adds autofocus and higher resolution |
Specifications are published by Raspberry Pi in its camera hardware documentation and official camera software documentation. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent comparative test results.
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Which camera fits your project?
For an all-purpose camera: Camera Module 3
Module 3 is the practical starting point when you want a compact camera with autofocus and do not need to select a separate lens. Its Sony IMX708 sensor produces 4608 × 2592 still images, or 11.9 megapixels, according to Raspberry Pi’s product specification. Phase-detection autofocus helps when the subject’s distance changes, as it often does in robotics and close-up hobby projects.
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#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).
For lens choice and specialised framing: HQ Camera
The HQ Camera is the option to consider when the lens is as important as the sensor. It uses the 12.3-megapixel Sony IMX477 and is sold in C/CS-mount and M12-mount variants. You can select optics for the focal length and framing you need, but the lens mount must match the camera. Account for the compatible lens as part of the setup, rather than treating it as an optional detail.
For fast motion: Global Shutter Camera
A rolling shutter scans an image line by line, which can make fast-moving objects appear skewed. A global shutter captures all pixels at once, avoiding that characteristic line-by-line distortion. Raspberry Pi’s Global Shutter Camera uses a 1.6-megapixel Sony IMX296 sensor, has a C/CS mount and supports external triggering for synchronised capture.
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.
Raspberry Pi documents exposures as short as 30 microseconds when there is sufficient light. The low pixel count makes this a specialised machine-vision choice, not a higher-resolution substitute for Module 3 or HQ. Short exposures also make adequate lighting important.
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The AI Camera combines a 12.3-megapixel Sony IMX500 sensor with integrated low-latency AI capabilities for camera applications. Choose it when the project depends on its supported inference workflow. The AI label alone does not make it a better general-purpose still camera; confirm that the model and software path you intend to use are supported.
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.
For infrared illumination: a NoIR model
Standard camera versions filter infrared light. NoIR versions do not, making them useful with infrared illumination for scenes that are dark to the human eye. NoIR describes infrared behavior, not a wider field of view: on Module 3, select standard or Wide separately from standard or NoIR.
The HQ and Global Shutter cameras have IR-cut filters. Raspberry Pi says removing those filters is irreversible and voids the warranty, so treat it as a permanent modification rather than a routine upgrade.
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
Check the camera connector before ordering
Raspberry Pi camera modules connect to CSI connectors, but the connector style varies among boards. Raspberry Pi 5, every Raspberry Pi Zero model and Compute Module IO boards use a mini 22-pin connector. Verify the exact board and cable arrangement against Raspberry Pi’s camera documentation before buying; a camera that cannot connect with the available cable setup will not work as intended.
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Make sure your software follows the current camera stack
On Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm and later, the camera command-line tools use the rpicam-* naming scheme. Raspberry Pi’s current camera software documentation describes the libcamera-based stack and support for official camera sensors. Older tutorials may use raspivid, raspistill or the original Picamera library. Raspberry Pi describes that legacy stack as deprecated and unsupported, and it does not support newer camera modules. Check that a tutorial targets the software stack and module you plan to use.
Quick Recap
A quick decision checklist
- Choose Camera Module 3 for general-purpose use and autofocus; select standard or Wide based on framing.
- Choose a NoIR version if the project uses infrared illumination.
- Choose HQ when you need interchangeable optics, and match the C/CS or M12 mount to the lens.
- Choose Global Shutter when capturing fast motion or synchronised events matters more than high still resolution.
- Choose AI Camera only when its IMX500 inference capabilities and supported workflow fit the project.
- Confirm the board’s CSI connector, cable arrangement and software stack before purchase.
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