12MP Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 adds autofocus, dynamic-range imaging

I’ve been remiss not to flag this one earlier: a sophisticated new version of the Raspberry Pi camera – the Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3.

It offers higher resolution (12 megapixels), a larger and more sensitive pixel design, and support for high-dynamic-range imaging. In place of fixed-focus optics the new module provides powered autofocus, working from around 5cm out to further afield.

There are four variants,: the camera comes with both visible-light and infrared-sensitive options, and with either a standard or wide field of view (FoV). That’s Camera Module 3, Camera Module 3 Wide, Camera Module 3 NoIR and Camera Module 3 NoIR Wide.

As before, the Raspberry Pi team have partnered with Sony – using their back-illuminated IMX708 sensor. Pricing for the Pi Camera Module starts, unchanged, from $25 and you can get them from Pimoroni, The PiHut, Rapid and Cool Components.

Note, too, they’re also launching a variant of the camera with a native M12 mount, at $50, which eliminates the need for an adapter, and supports a much broader selection of lenses due to the increased back focus flexibility.

Announced on 9 January, Eben Upton notes that with two million units sold it was on its way to becoming their longest-lived flagship product. “But time, and CMOS image sensor technology, marches on.” He writes:

“Camera Module 3 introduces powered autofocus support for the first time. The lens assembly is mounted on a voice-coil actuator, allowing us to move it backwards and forwards relative to the sensor until a selected area (by default the middle) of the scene is optimally focused. Here’s Brian with a quick demo.”

“To select the appropriate lens position, we use the Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) capabilities of the IMX708 sensor, falling back to our own Contrast Detection Autofocus (CDAF) algorithm if a high-confidence PDAF result is not available. A nice bonus of PDAF is that it allows us to run the autofocus algorithm continuously during video recording, maintaining optimal focus as the camera, and objects in the scene, move.”

In a nice touch, he also credits all the designers who have worked on the Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3. You can read more on the Raspberry Pi website.

To compare, Raspberry Pi shows two example images, below (click to expand), picturing a wintry day in Ely, and the same again but with the wider view.

Check out their video on the autofocus functionality:

Images: Raspberry Pi

See also: THine kit extends Raspberry Pi camera-to-board range