Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3

The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 is the latest entry in the 

Official Raspberry Pi range of camera modules

, offering a new 12 Megapixel Sony IMX708 image sensor, powered autofocus, improved low-light sensitivity and HDR (High Dynamic Range) support for your

Raspberry Pi

projects!

To use this camera with a Raspberry Pi 5, you will need to buy this 

adapter cable

!

To use this camera with a Raspberry Pi Zero, you will need to buy this 

adapter cable

!

The new Camera Module 3 is available with a standard 75° or wide-angle 120° lens (select version before adding to cart), giving you more options for your specific project needs. As with the previous generation, we also have an 

infrared-sensitive NoIR version available

 for night photography.

The module is capable of 4608×2592 pixel images and 4608×2592 @14 FPS/2304×1296 @56 FPS/1536×864 @120FPS video. When HDR is enabled, the resolution is limited to 2304×1296 @ 30 FPS.

Compatibility (Important!)

Accessories

• The Camera Module 3 is mechanically identical to the previous Camera Module V2 apart from the front sensor section. The new sensor is larger and may not fit all previous camera accessories. We have updated all of our camera accessories with compatibility information in the descriptions.

Software

• The Camera Module 3 can only be used with 

  libcamera

   – the previous raspistill/raspivid libraries will not work

• You will need to update Raspberry Pi OS as the Camera Module 3 requires a new driver and a specific version of libcamera

Boards

• The Camera Module 3 is compatible with all Raspberry Pi boards with a full-size camera connector (CSI connector)
  • To use this camera with a Raspberry Pi 5 (which has a smaller CSI connector), you will need to use 

    a Raspberry Pi 5 camera adapter cable

  • To use this camera with a Raspberry Pi Zero (which has a smaller CSI connector), you will need to use 

    an adapter cable

Features

• Back-illuminated and stacked CMOS 12-megapixel image sensor (Sony IMX708)
• High signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
• Built-in 2D Dynamic Defect Pixel Correction (DPC)
• Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) for rapid autofocus
• QBC Re-mosaic function
• HDR mode (up to 3-megapixel output)
• CSI-2 serial data output
• 2-wire serial communication (supports I2C fast mode and fast-mode plus)
• 2-wire serial control of focus mechanism

Specifications

• Sensor: Sony IMX708
• Resolution: 11.9 megapixels
• Sensor size: 7.4mm sensor diagonal
• Pixel size: 1.4μm × 1.4μm
• Horizontal/vertical: 4608 × 2592 pixels
• Common video modes: 1080p50, 720p100, 480p120
• Output: RAW10
• IR cut filter: Integrated
• Autofocus system: Phase Detection Autofocus
• Dimensions: 25 × 24 × 11.5mm (12.4mm height for Wide variants)
• Ribbon cable length: 150mm
• Cable connector: 15 × 1mm FPC
• Compliance:
  • FCC 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B, Class B Digital Device
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) 2014/30/EU
  • Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU
• Production lifetime: Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 will remain in production until at least January 2030

Lens Specifications

Standard

• Effective focal length 4.74mm
• f/1.8
• Diagonal field of view 75 degrees (at 16:9)
• 35mm equivalent focal length roughly 28mm (full width) – 30mm (3:2 crop)
• Focus 10cm – infinity

Wide

• Effective focal length 2.75mm
• f/2.2
• Diagonal field of view 120 degrees (at 16:9)
• 35mm equivalent focal length roughly 16mm (full width) – 18mm (3:2 crop)
• Focus 5cm – infinity

Package Contents

• 1x Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 (Standard or wide-angle – please select the required version before adding to cart)
• 150mm camera ribbon cable (fitted to the camera module)

Resources

• Product Brief

• Raspberry Pi Camera Information Page

• Libcamera information page

• Installing a Raspberry Pi Camera

• How to use Two Camera Modules with Raspberry Pi 5

Quick Start

To check if your Camera Module 3 is connected properly, run this quick test:

libcamera-hello -t 0 --autofocus-mode continuous [ --qt-preview ]

If you want to play with the awesome new autofocus feature, here are some commands to try:

--lens-position 0.0 # Fixed focus at infinity
--lens-position 1.0 # Fixed focus at about 1m (not calibrated), the default
--lens-position 10.0 # Fixed focus at about 10cm (not calibrated)
--autofocus-mode continuous # Continuous AF during viewfinder and video capture
--autofocus-on-capture # Focus just before still image capture (libcamera-still only)

To see all options for the libcamera application, use:

--help