Raspberry Pi announces $ 50 12-megapixel camera with interchangeable lenses

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has announced a new camera board that should dramatically improve the photographic capabilities available to enthusiasts and fans of popular computers. It’s called the high-quality camera, and it’s built around a 12.3-megapixel backlit Sony IMX477 sensor with 1.55-micron pixels.

There were official Raspberry Pi camera boards before, but they used much smaller, lower-resolution sensors and relied on fixed-focus lenses. The high-quality camera, however, supports interchangeable C and CS-mount lenses and offers adjustable rear focus. The first options available through approved resellers include a $ 25 CS-mount lens and a $ 50 and 16mm C-mount lens.

The board has a CS mount but comes with a C mount adapter. This means it will be easy to fit a wide variety of lenses through third party products. Here for example is what the board looks like with a Canon 70-200mm f / 2.8, which is probably not a good idea, but still amazing:

Raspberry Pi owners have been using camera modules for projects ranging from home security systems to DIY drone setups. Raspberry Pi Press is publishing a new guide on using cameras with Pi, available today for £ 10 ($ 12.50) in print or free as PDF.

The high-quality camera is compatible with all Raspberry Pi computers from model 1 B onward, and the older 8-megapixel camera module will continue to be available as a cheaper and smaller option. The new camera will go on sale today for $ 50.