Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera: Getting Started Guide

Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera

Getting Started

Operating instructions, regulatory compliance information, and safety information

Published in April 2020 by Raspberry Pi Trading Ltd.

Visit: www.raspberrypi.org

Operating Instructions

This section details how to operate the Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera.

Camera Components

The camera assembly includes the following components:

  • Dust cap
  • Optional C-CS adapter
  • Back focus adjustment ring
  • Optional tripod mount
  • Ribbon cable to Raspberry Pi
  • Back focus lock screw
  • Main housing and sensor
  • Main circuit board
  • Mounting holes

Fitting Lenses

The High Quality Camera is designed for CS-mount lenses. An optional adapter is provided to extend the back focus by 5 mm, making it compatible with C-mount lenses.

Important: The sensor is sensitive to dust. Always keep the dust cap fitted when no lens is attached.

To fit a lens:

  1. Unscrew the dust cap.
  2. Screw the lens into the threads.
  3. If using a CS-mount lens, remove the C-CS adapter. The adapter is only needed for C-mount lenses.

Examples of compatible third-party lenses include the CGL 6 mm CS-mount and 16 mm C-mount lenses. Refer to specific instructions for fitting CS-mount and C-mount lenses.

Back Focus Adjustment

The back focus adjustment mechanism serves two purposes:

  1. For fixed-focus lenses, it allows adjustment of focus.
  2. For adjustable-focus lenses, it allows adjustment of the focal range.

To adjust the back focus:

  1. Ensure the lens is screwed fully into the back focus adjustment ring.
  2. Loosen the back focus lock screw using a small flat screwdriver.
  3. Adjust the back focus height by turning the back focus adjustment ring clockwise or anti-clockwise until the image is in focus.
  4. Tighten the back focus lock screw.

Tripod Mount

The tripod mount is an optional component that can be removed if not needed. When attaching a tripod, exercise caution to avoid damaging the ribbon cable.

Connecting the High Quality Camera to a Raspberry Pi Computer

Ensure your Raspberry Pi is powered off. Carefully release the plastic catch on the Raspberry Pi's camera connector. Insert the camera ribbon with the contacts facing away from the catch. Push the ribbon in fully, then push the catch back to secure it. It is now safe to power up your Raspberry Pi.

Operating the Camera

Enabling the Camera in Raspbian:

  1. In the Raspbian menu, navigate to Preferences > Raspberry Pi Configuration.
  2. Click the Interfaces tab.
  3. Find the Camera entry and select Enabled.
  4. Click OK and reboot your Raspberry Pi when prompted.

Using the Camera Software (`raspistill`):

`raspistill` is a command-line tool for capturing images.

To check the camera installation, open a terminal (Raspbian menu > Accessories > Terminal) and run:

raspistill -o test.jpg

This command will display a live preview and capture a still image after five seconds, saving it as `test.jpg` in your home folder.

To use the camera as a viewfinder without saving an image, use:

raspistill -t 0

For more detailed information on camera software, refer to:

Additionally, consult "The Official Raspberry Pi Camera Guide" published by Raspberry Pi Press.

Other Features of the Camera

Rotating the Camera

The camera circuit board can be positioned upside down relative to the tripod mount. In this orientation, the ribbon cable extends from the top of the unit.

To rotate the camera:

  1. Work in a clean, dust-free environment. Keep the sensor facing downwards throughout the process as it will be exposed to air.
  2. Unscrew the two 1.5 mm hex lock keys on the underside of the main circuit board. Be careful not to lose the washers.
  3. Lift the main housing and rotate it 180 degrees. Realign the housing with the gasket on the circuit board.
  4. Apply the nylon washer first to protect the circuit board, then the steel washer to protect the nylon washer.
  5. Screw down the hex lock keys. They do not need to be excessively tight if the washers are correctly placed.

Infrared (IR) Filter

The High Quality Camera includes an IR filter to reduce sensitivity to infrared light. Removing this filter will void the product warranty and is likely irreversible. Further information on IR filter removal is available.

Regulatory Compliance

European Union (EU)

The Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera complies with the following EU harmonised legislation:

  • Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) 2014/30/EU
  • Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU

Conformity is demonstrated using the following harmonised standards:

  • EN 55032:2015
  • EN 55024:2010
  • IEC60695-2-11
  • EN60950-1

WEEE Directive Statement for the European Union

This marking signifies that the product should not be disposed of with general household waste across the EU. To prevent potential harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle the product responsibly to promote sustainable resource reuse. For returning used devices, please utilize available return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was purchased for environmental safe recycling.

Note: A full online copy of the Declaration is available. For compliance information on all Raspberry Pi products, visit: https://www.raspberrypi.org/compliance/

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera complies with the requirements of FCC 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart B, Class B Digital Device.

This device adheres to part 15 of the FCC Rules, subject to two conditions: (1) the device must not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any received interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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