12MP IMX477

Overview

The Arducam IMX477 camera modules provide high-quality imaging capabilities for all Raspberry Pi models including Pi 4, Pi 3/3B+/3A+, CM3/3+, Pi Zero, and more. Unlike the official Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera which offers only one mounting option, Arducam IMX477 cameras feature three different hole pitches (29mm, 30mm, 34mm) for compatibility with standard industrial camera enclosures. Additionally, these modules utilize a 4-lane MIPI CSI-2 interface, providing enhanced data throughput compared to the official camera.

Technical Specifications

Image Sensor Details

Parameter	Specification
Sensor Model	IMX477
Shutter Type	Rolling Shutter
IR Sensitivity	Visible light
Active Pixels	4056×3040
Resolution	12 MP
Image Sensor Format	1/2.3″
Pixel Size	1.55μm×1.55μm
Video Modes	1080p30, 720p60, 640×480p60/90

Release Information

The IMX477 sensor was officially released by Raspberry Pi in 2020, marking a significant advancement in camera capabilities for the platform.

Arducam Product Variants

Since the IMX477 release, Arducam has developed several specialized versions to meet diverse application requirements:

IR-CUT Version

The IR-CUT variant features the same 12MP IMX477 image sensor as the official Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera, but includes a mechanical IR cut-off filter that automatically switches based on lighting conditions. While the official RPi HQ camera lacks infrared sensitivity and has no NoIR version, this Arducam module provides both infrared sensitivity and natural daylight imaging. It maintains full compatibility with all Raspberry Pi models equipped with camera connectors.

Motorized Focus Version

This advanced variant integrates a software-controllable motor for intelligent focus adjustment, eliminating the need for manual lens adjustment. The motorized focus system provides precise, automated focusing capabilities.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Version

Arducam PTZ cameras transform your Raspberry Pi into a comprehensive surveillance solution with 360-degree coverage. The system includes software autofocus functionality for clear target focusing during zoom operations, along with IR-CUT control for optimal performance in both daylight and night vision scenarios.

Platform Compatibility

Supported Operating Systems

Platform	Bookworm (rpicam)	Bullseye (libcamera/rpicam)	Buster (raspistill)
Raspberry Pi 5 / CM5	✅	❌	❌
Raspberry Pi 4B / 3B+ / 3A+ / Zero / Zero 2 W	✅	✅	✅
Raspberry Pi CM3 / CM3+ / CM4 Requires adapter board	✅	✅	✅

Operating System Support

This documentation focuses on Bullseye (kernel 6.1.21+) and Bookworm to align with the official Raspberry Pi OS release cycle. While Buster instructions are not included, we recommend migrating to a supported OS for optimal performance. For Buster-specific assistance, please contact our support team.

Product Catalog

Product Image	SKU	Pin/Connect Type	Features	Lens Type	Field of View(D/H/V)	Focus Type	IR Sensitivity
	B0452	22/TOP	M12 Mount	Mini Size	75°(H) x 59° (V)	Manual Focus	650nm IR-cut filter
	B0240	22/TOP	CS Mount	CS	65°(H) x 51° (V)	Manual Focus	650nm IR-cut filter
	B0241		HDMI Extension Kit		65°(H) x 48.75° (V)		Motorized IR-CUT Filter
	B024001		CS Mount/Tripod	Default CS	/	/	/
	B0167B12	22/NA	Pan-Tilt-Zoom Kit	Zoom Lens	H(96°-33°) x V(72°-24°)	Motorized Focus	Motorized IR-CUT Filter
	B016712MP
	B0262	22/TOP	Mini Size	M12	75°(H) x 56.3°(V)	Manual Focus	650nm IR-cut filter
	B0271	22/NA	For Compute Module

Hardware Setup

For detailed hardware connection instructions, please refer to our comprehensive guide:

Quick Start Guide - Hardware Connection

Software Configuration

The software setup process consists of three essential components:

1. System Configuration - Required initial setup for camera recognition (reboot required)
2. Camera Usage - Commands for preview and image capture
3. Troubleshooting - Solutions for common display issues

System Configuration

Important

You must reboot your Raspberry Pi after making configuration changes for them to take effect.

Raspberry Pi 5 & CM5

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

1. Open the configuration file:

   sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt
   

2. Disable camera auto-detection:

   camera_auto_detect=0
   

3. Add IMX477 overlay under the [all] section:

   dtoverlay=imx477
   

4. Save and reboot:

   sudo reboot
   

Camera Port Configuration

For Pi 5 with cameras connected to CAM0 port, use:

dtoverlay=imx477,cam0

Raspberry Pi 4

Pi 4 supports both Bookworm and Bullseye OS with different configuration file locations.

Bookworm OSBullseye OS

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

Configuration steps (same for both OS versions):

1. Set camera_auto_detect=0
2. Add dtoverlay=imx477 under [all] section
3. Save the file and reboot:

   sudo reboot
   

Raspberry Pi Zero to Pi 3

These models support both operating systems with different setup procedures.

Bookworm OSBullseye OS

Standard configuration using /boot/firmware/config.txt:

```bash
sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt
```

1. Set camera_auto_detect=0
2. Add dtoverlay=imx477 under [all] section
3. Save the file and reboot:

   sudo reboot
   

Two-step process required:

Step 1: Edit config.txt

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

1. Set camera_auto_detect=0
2. Add dtoverlay=imx477 under [all] section
3. Save the file but do not reboot yet - proceed to Step 2

Step 2: Enable Glamor Graphics

sudo raspi-config

Navigate to 6 Advanced Options → A3 Glamor → Enable → Reboot

Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3 & 4

CM3 and CM4 support both operating systems with dual camera ports (cam0, cam1).

Bookworm OSBullseye OS

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

Configuration steps (same for both OS versions):

1. Set camera_auto_detect=0
2. Add dtoverlay=imx477 under [all] section
3. Save the file and reboot:

   sudo reboot
   

Camera Port Selection

For CAM0 interface usage, modify the overlay line to:

dtoverlay=imx477,cam0

Camera Usage

After system configuration and reboot, your camera is ready for operation.

Bookworm OSBullseye OS

Using rpicam-apps suite:

1. List available cameras:

   rpicam-still --list-cameras
   

2. Live preview (Ctrl+C to exit):

   rpicam-still -t 0
   

3. Capture image with 5-second preview:

   rpicam-still -t 5000 -o test.jpg
   

Using libcamera-apps suite:

1. List available cameras:

   libcamera-still --list-cameras
   

2. Live preview (Ctrl+C to exit):

   libcamera-still -t 0
   

3. Capture image with 5-second preview:

   libcamera-still -t 5000 -o test.jpg
   

For comprehensive usage instructions, refer to the Raspberry Pi Camera Documentation.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter display issues such as black screens, the camera may not be properly recognized by the system.

Common troubleshooting resources: - Common Troubleshooting Guide

For persistent issues, please contact our support team for additional assistance.

Related Documentation

• Native Pi Camera Quick Start Guide
• libcamera User Guide
• Picamera2 User Guide