Raspberry Pi has partnered with Sony to introduce a new AI camera designed for the Pi single-board computers. According to the company, this module includes onboard processing capabilities, which simplifies the handling of visual data for "edge AI solutions" developed with the SBCs.
First AI Camera Module
This marks the first official AI-powered camera module that Raspberry Pi has launched for its compact computers. The module is equipped with the Sony IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor, which boasts a resolution of 12.3 MP and is complemented by the RP2040 microcontroller.
Advanced Processing Features
Thanks to the IMX500's neural network accelerator, there is no requirement for a GPU to manage visual data processing. In terms of recording capabilities, the AI camera module can capture video at 4056x3040 pixels at 10 frames per second (FPS) or at 2028x1520 pixels at 40 FPS.
Easy Integration and Pricing
The module also offers manual focus and has a field of view of 76 degrees. Its dimensions are 25x24x11.9 mm, making it easy to integrate into Raspberry Pi projects, as it matches the size of the Camera Module 3 released last year.
In terms of cost, the AI camera module is priced at $70, which is somewhat higher than the Camera Module 3. Nonetheless, the onboard AI processing could justify this cost for applications that require it. It is compatible with all Raspberry Pi SBCs, including the Pi 5 starter kit available on Amazon.
