Skip to content

12MP IMX378

Introduction

Based on Sony’s IMX378 high-quality image sensor, Arducam IMX378 camera module is a ready-to-use embedded vision solution for the Raspberry Pi family. With a resolution of 12.3MP and a V2-like form factor, it is compatible with any existing Pi models and works with the latest software from the foundation. It can be widely used in machine vision systems and outdoor applications.

Image Sensor

Main Specifications

Feature Specification
Sensor Model IMX378
Shutter Type Rolling Shutter
IR Sensitivity Built-in 650nm IR-cut filter
Active Pixels 4056×3040
Resolution 12.3 MP
Sensor Format 1/2.3″
Pixel Size 1.55μm × 1.55μm
Color Filter Array Quad-Bayer RGB
General Output RAW10 / RAW12

Video Modes

Output Resolution Max Frame Rate
RAW10 1332×990 120 fps
RAW12 2028×1080 50 fps
RAW12 2028×1520 40 fps
RAW12 4056×3040 10 fps

Product

Product Image SKU Pin/Connect Type Features Lens Type Field of View(D/H/V) Focus Type IR Sensitivity
B0406 22/TOP Wide Angle Stock Lens 95°(H) x 72° (V) Fixed Focus 650nm IR-cut filter
B0412 High Resolution 65°(H) x 48.8° (V)

Hardware Connection

  • For Raspberry Pi 4B and 3B+

    Hardware connection for Pi 4 and 3

  • For Raspberry Pi CM3/CM4

    Hardware connection for CM3 and CM4

  • For Raspberry Pi Zero

    Hardware connection for Pi Zero

Software

This section guides you through the necessary software configuration to enable your IMX378 camera, followed by instructions on how to use it. The process is divided into three main parts:

  1. System Configuration: This is a required first step for the Raspberry Pi to recognize the camera. You need to reboot your Pi to take effect the changes.

  2. Using the Camera: Commands to preview and capture images.

  3. Troubleshooting: Solutions for common display issues.

1. System Configuration

Before you begin, please identify your Raspberry Pi Model and your OS Version (Bookworm or Bullseye), as the instructions vary.

Raspberry Pi 5 & CM 5

The Pi 5 currently supports Bookworm OS only. Its configuration file is located at /boot/firmware/config.txt.

  1. Open the configuration file for editing:

    sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

  2. Find the line camera_auto_detect=1 and change it to:

    camera_auto_detect=0

  3. Locate the line [all] and add the following line below it:

    dtoverlay=imx378

  4. Save the changes and exit the editor (in nano, press CTRL + X, then Y, and Enter).

  5. Reboot your Raspberry Pi to apply the changes:

    sudo reboot

Note

The Pi 5 has two camera ports. If you have connected the camera to the port labeled CAM0, you must modify step 3. The line you add should be: 

dtoverlay=imx378,cam0

Raspberry Pi 4

The Pi 4 supports both Bookworm and Bullseye OS. The configuration steps are the same, but the location of the config.txt file is different. Select your OS below to get the correct command.

On Bookworm, the file is at /boot/firmware/config.txt. Open it with:

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

On Bullseye, the file is at /boot/config.txt. Open it with:

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

Once the correct file is open, make these two edits:

  1. Find the line camera_auto_detect=1 and change it to 0.
  2. Find the [all] section and add dtoverlay=imx378 below it.
  3. Save the changes and exit the editor (in nano, press CTRL + X, then Y, and Enter).

  4. Reboot your Raspberry Pi to apply the changes:

    sudo reboot

Raspberry Pi Zero to Pi 3

These models support both Bookworm and Bullseye OS. The setup process is significantly different for each, especially on Bullseye. Please select your OS below to get the correct instructions.

On Bookworm, the procedure is standard and straightforward. The configuration file is located at /boot/firmware/config.txt.

  1. Open the configuration file for editing:

    sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

  2. Inside the file, find the line camera_auto_detect=1 and change it to 0.

  3. Locate the [all] section and add dtoverlay=imx378 on a new line directly underneath it.
  4. Save the file and reboot your Raspberry Pi.

On Bullseye, the setup is a two-part process. You must first edit the config.txt file and then enable a special graphics setting in raspi-config. Both parts are required for the camera to work correctly.

Step 1: Edit config.txt

The configuration file is located at /boot/config.txt.

  1. Open the file for editing:

    sudo nano /boot/config.txt

  2. Find camera_auto_detect=1 and change it to 0.

  3. Add dtoverlay=imx378 under the [all] section.
  4. Save the file but do not reboot yet! Proceed directly to Step 2.

Step 2: Enable Glamor Graphic Acceleration

This setting is required for proper camera operation on these models with Bullseye OS.

  1. Open the Raspberry Pi Configuration tool in your terminal:

    sudo raspi-config

  2. Navigate to 6 Advanced Options.

  3. Select A3 Glamor.
  4. Choose <Yes> at the prompt to enable Glamor graphic acceleration.
  5. Select <Finish> in the main menu, and now choose <Yes> to reboot the Raspberry Pi.

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 & 4 (CM3/CM4)

The CM3 and CM4 support both operating systems and have two camera ports (cam0, cam1). Select your OS below to find the correct config.txt path.

The configuration file is at /boot/firmware/config.txt. Open it with:

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

The configuration file is at /boot/config.txt. Open it with:

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

After opening the correct file, apply the standard edits (camera_auto_detect=0 and dtoverlay=imx378) and then save and reboot.

Note

If you wish to use the CAM0 interface, append ,cam0 to the overlay line, making it dtoverlay=imx378,cam0. This applies to both Bookworm and Bullseye.

2. Camera Usage

After completing the system configuration and rebooting, your camera is ready to use. The command you need to execute depends on your operating system version. Please select your OS from the tabs below to view the correct instructions.

On Bookworm, the rpicam-apps suite is used, and the primary command is rpicam-still.

  1. Confirm camera detection by listing available cameras: 

    rpicam-still --list-cameras

  2. Start a live preview to see the camera feed (Press Ctrl+C to exit): 

    rpicam-still -t 0

  3. Capture an image named test.jpg after a 5-second preview: 

    rpicam-still -t 5000 -o test.jpg

On the older Bullseye system, the libcamera-apps are used, and the primary command is libcamera-still.

  1. Confirm camera detection by listing available cameras: 

    libcamera-still --list-cameras

  2. Start a live preview to see the camera feed (Press Ctrl+C to exit): 

    libcamera-still -t 0

  3. Capture an image named test.jpg after a 5-second preview: ```bash libcamera-still -t 5000 -o test.jpg

For more details, you can refer to the following guide: Getting Started with Raspberry Pi

3. Display Issues

If you encounter a black screen or other display issues, it may be due to the camera not being recognized by the system. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

If the issue persists, please reach out to our support team for further assistance.