8MP IMX219

Introduction

The Raspberry Pi Camera Module 2 replaced the original Camera Module in April 2016. The v2 Camera Module has a Sony IMX219 8-megapixel sensor (compared to the 5-megapixel Omni Vision OV5647 sensor of the original camera).The Camera Module 2 can be used to take high-definition video.

Specifications

Parameter	Value
Sensor Model	IMX219
Shutter Type	Rolling Shutter
Active Pixels	3280 (H) × 2464 (V)
Resolution	8 Megapixels
Frame Rate (Video Mode)	- 1080p @ 47fps - 1640x1232 @ 41fps - 640x480 @ 206fps
Image Sensor Format	Type 1/4"
Pixel Size	1.12μm × 1.12μm
CSI-2 Data Output	2-Lane
Data Format	10-bit RAW Bayer

Release Time

In 2016, the V2 camera (8MP IMX219) was out with upgrades in resolution and image quality.

Product Series

Since the release of IMX219, we have designed several versions with different features according to different needs: IR-CUT, Motorized Focus, PT & PTZ , M12/CS .

IR-CUT

Arducam 8MP IMX219 Motorized IR-CUT Camera Modules are designed for both daylight and night vision photography. The motorized IR cut filter can be switched ON/OFF automatically, and the infrared LEDs are automatically ON/OFF according to the light environment. The cameras in this serial are fully supported by all the Raspberry Pi board versions including Pi 4, Pi 3 and Pi Zero. They can be widely used in wildlife photography, agriculture NDVI applications and etc.

Motorized Focus

Arducam 8MP IMX219 Motorized Focus Camera Modules are designed for you to control the focus via software, so you can see closer and see where you want to see.

PT & PTZ

Arducam PT camera can move in two dimensions with 180 degrees horizontal and 145 degrees vertical movements. So it can be used to monitor places that should be covered by multiple ones commonly in the surveillance system.

Platform Compatibility

Supported Operating Systems

Platform	Trixie	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 Trixie, Bookworm , and Bullseye (kernel 6.1.21+) 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

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Product Image	SKU	Pin/Connect Type	Features	Lens Type	Field of View(D/H/V)	Focus Type	IR Sensitivity
	B0102	15/Bottom	CS Mount	CS	59°(H )x44°(V)	Fixed Focus	650nm IR-cut filter
	B0153		Night Vision				without IR-cut filter
	B0103		Replaceable Lens	M12	70°(H )x52.6°(V)		650nm IR-cut filter
	B0152		Night Vision		100°(H )x75°(V)		without IR-cut filter
	B0154		Day And Night Vision				Motorized IR-CUT Filter
	B0180	15/NA	Wide Angle	M12	155°(H) x 115°(V)	Fixed Focus	650nm IR-cut filter
	B0184		Low Distortion		75°(H) x 56.3°(V)
	B0188						without IR-cut filter
	B0182		Motorized Focus	Stock Lens	77.6°(D) x 65°(H) x 51°(V)	Motorized Focus	650nm IR-cut filter
	B0190				65°(H) x 51°(V)		without IR-cut filter
	B0194		Wide Angle	M12	155°(H) x 115°(V)	Fixed Focus
	B0286		Fisheye		220°(H) x 165°(V)		650nm IR-cut filter
	B0209/NFS	15/Bottom	Night Vision	Stock Lens	62.2° (H) x 48.8° (V)	Fixed Focus	without IR-cut filter
	B0390		Mini Size				650nm IR-cut filter
	B039001		Camera Case
	B0392		Wide Angle	M12	155°(H) x 115°(V)	Fixed Focus
	B0394		Low Distortion		75°(H) x 56.2°(V)
	B0395		Night Vision	Stock Lens	62.2° (H) x 48.8° (V)	Fixed Focus	without IR-cut filter
	B0393		Auto Focus		62.1° (H) x 46.5° (V)	Auto Focus	650nm IR-cut filter
	B01678MP	15/Bottom	Pan-Tilt-Zoom Kit	CS	H(67°~18°),V(49°~13°)	Motorized Focus	Motorized IR-CUT Filter
	B0167B8

Hardware Connection

Please refer to the following doc for common hardware connection method of RPI Camera:

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 supports both Trixie and Bookworm OS. The configuration file is located at /boot/firmware/config.txt for both systems.

1. Open the configuration file:

   sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt
   

2. Disable camera auto-detection:

   camera_auto_detect=0
   

3. Add imx219 overlay under the [all] section:

   dtoverlay=imx219
   

4. Save and reboot:

   sudo reboot
   

Camera Port Configuration

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

dtoverlay=imx219,cam0

Raspberry Pi 4

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

Trixie & Bookworm OSBullseye OS

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

Configuration steps (same for all OS versions):

1. Set camera_auto_detect=0
2. Add dtoverlay=imx219 under the [all] section
3. Save the file and reboot:

   sudo reboot
   

Raspberry Pi Zero to Pi 3

These models support all operating systems with different setup procedures.

Trixie & Bookworm OSBullseye OS

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

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

1. Set camera_auto_detect=0
2. Add dtoverlay=imx219 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=imx219 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 all operating systems with dual camera ports (cam0, cam1).

Trixie & Bookworm OSBullseye OS

sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

Configuration steps (same for all OS versions):

1. Set camera_auto_detect=0
2. Add dtoverlay=imx219 under [all] section
3. Save the file and reboot:

   sudo reboot
   

Camera Port Selection

For CAM0 interface usage, modify the overlay line to:

dtoverlay=imx219,cam0

Camera Usage

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

Trixie & 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