The Sony IMX219 8-megapixel sensor was introduced in April 2016 as a replacement for the 5-megapixel OmniVision OV5647 sensor found in the original Raspberry Pi Camera Module. The Raspberry Pi Camera V2 can capture high-definition video and still photographs with ease, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. It offers a wide range of capabilities, such as time-lapse, slow-motion, and other video effects, as demonstrated by numerous online examples. Additionally, bundled libraries can be utilized to enhance your creativity. Detailed information on IMX219 and the Exmor R back-illuminated sensor architecture can be found on Sony's website. The upgrade in resolution is only one aspect - the real improvement is in image quality, color accuracy, and low-light capabilities. This camera supports 1080p30, 720p60, and VGA90 video modes, as well as still image capture. It connects to the Raspberry Pi through a 15cm ribbon cable attached to the CSI port. The camera works with all models of Raspberry Pi 1, 2, 3 and 4. It can be accessed through the MMAL and V4L APIs, and there are numerous third-party libraries built for it, including the Picamera Python library. See the Getting Started with Picamera resource to learn how to use it. All models of Raspberry Pi Zero require a Raspberry Pi Zero camera cable; the standard cable supplied with the camera module is not compatible with the Raspberry Pi Zero camera connector. Suitable cables are available at low cost from many Raspberry Pi Approved Resellers, and are supplied with the Raspberry Pi Zero Case. The camera module is very popular in home security applications, and in wildlife camera traps. Documents Raspberry Pi Camera Module documentation Obsolescence Statement Raspberry Pi Camera Module 2 will remain in production until at least January 2028
