Skip to content

Quick Start Guide

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for connecting your Arducam camera to a Raspberry Pi. The process involves two main components: hardware setup and software configuration. Follow this guide carefully to ensure proper camera functionality.

Hardware Setup

Step 1: Safety First - ESD Protection

⚠️ CRITICAL: Prevent Camera Damage

Camera modules are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD).

Before handling your camera:

  • Use an anti-static wrist strap (recommended)
  • Or touch a grounded metal object (faucet, computer case, etc.)

Never handle the camera PCB without proper grounding!

Step 2: Understanding Camera Connectors

The connection between your Raspberry Pi and camera module uses a flexible ribbon cable via the CSI (Camera Serial Interface) port.

The Golden Rule

Metal contacts on the flex cable must align and press against the metal contacts inside the connector.

Misalignment is the most common cause of connection issues.

Connector Types

CSI connectors come in two main types based on contact location:

Connector Type Cable Orientation Description
Top-Contact Contacts face DOWN Most common on Arducam modules
Bottom-Contact Contacts face UP Standard Raspberry Pi cameras

Connector Types

Left: 22-pin Top-Contact connector. Right: 15-pin Bottom-Contact connector.

Step 3: Connect to Raspberry Pi

Important

Always verify your specific camera model's connector type before connecting. The diagrams below show Pi-side connections only.

Select your Raspberry Pi model for specific connection instructions:

Location: Two CSI connectors between Ethernet and HDMI ports
Cable Orientation: Metal contacts face Ethernet port

The Pi 5 features dual camera ports, both requiring the cable's metal contacts to face the Ethernet port.

  • 15-to-22-pin Connection

    Pi 5 with 15-to-22-pin camera cable showing contacts facing Ethernet port

  • 22-to-22-pin Connection

    Pi 5 with 22-pin camera showing same orientation for both ports

Location: Single CSI connector between Ethernet and HDMI ports
Cable Orientation: Metal contacts face HDMI port

  • 15-pin to 15-pin Connection

    Standard connection for most cameras.

    Pi 4 standard 15-pin camera connection with contacts facing HDMI port

  • 15-pin to 22-pin Connection

    For cameras with 22-pin connectors.

    Pi 4 with 22-pin camera cable showing same orientation principle

Location: Side-mounted camera connector
Cable Orientation: Metal contacts face DOWN (towards main board)

ZIF Connector Instructions

For Compute Modules (CM3/4/5):

  1. Open: Gently lift the black locking tab
  2. Insert: Slide cable firmly into connector
  3. Lock: Push tab back down to secure

For Pi Zero: Standard insertion method applies.

  • Pi Zero / Zero 2 W Connection

    Pi Zero camera connection showing cable contacts facing down towards main board

  • Compute Module IO Board

    Compute Module IO Board showing ZIF connector with cable properly seated

Software Configuration

Step 4: Find Your Camera's Software Guide

After completing hardware setup, locate your camera sensor below for specific software configuration instructions.

Resolution Sensor Software Guide
5MP OV5647 OV5647 Setup
8MP IMX219 IMX219 Setup
12MP IMX477 IMX477 Setup
12MP 477M 477M Setup
12MP IMX708 IMX708 Setup
12MP IMX378 IMX378 Setup
16MP IMX519 IMX519 Setup
64MP Hawkeye 64MP Hawkeye Setup
64MP OV64A40 OV64A40 Setup
0.3MP OV7251 OV7251 Setup
1.58MP IMX296 IMX296 Setup
1MP OV9281 OV9281 Setup
2MP OV2311 OV2311 Setup
2MP IMX290/462/327 Starvis Setup

Additional Resources

Raspberry Pi Model Reference

Platform Specifications
Model SoC Memory GPIO Image
Raspberry Pi 5 BCM2712 4GB/8GB 40-pin Pi 5
Raspberry Pi 4B BCM2711 1-8GB 40-pin Pi 4
Raspberry Pi 3B+ BCM2837b0 1GB 40-pin Pi 3
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W RP3A0 512MB 40-pin (unpopulated) Pi Zero 2
Compute Module 3 BCM2837 1GB — CM3
Compute Module 4 BCM2711 1-8GB — CM4

For detailed specifications, visit the Raspberry Pi official documentation.