Raspberry Pi’s and Jetson Nanos are incredibly versatile and powerful little boards that offer nearly endless project possibilities for Makers. Both are incredibly impressive given their small size, and while they may have slightly different end uses, they share the common goal of promoting development and learning. When it comes to developing and learning what could be more useful than a powerful camera module. Today, we will be looking at the exciting new IMX477 camera modules for the Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano as well as some compatible lenses.
IMX477 Camera Modules
The IMX477 camera is a module designed for Raspberry Pi and Jetson Nano. It uses a Sony 12.3MP Type 1/2.3″ Exmore RS CMOS image sensor which is commonly used for consumer cameras and camcorders. As with other camera modules, the IMX477 is not just for simply taking still images or video but is also a great tool for basic AI vision and machine learning applications. The Raspberry Pi version of the IMX477 differs slightly from the Jetson Nano IMX477 as it is designed to work with Raspberry Pi boards, Raspberry Pi Compute Modules, and the Jetson Nano, it also features a tripod mounting point allowing you to secure your camera with compatible tripods. The Jetson Nano IMX477 is compatible with Raspberry Pi Compute Modules and of course the Jetson Nano. It does however, lack the tripod mounting point and Raspberry Pi board compatibility but it is more affordable as a result.
The IMX477 offers greater image quality compared to other hobbyist camera modules with 12.3 Megapixels and a still image resolution of 4056 x 3040 pixels, filming performance varies depending on the resolution chosen. Higher image quality is not the only benefit of the IMX477 camera module, the key feature that helps differentiate it from other modules we stock is the C/CS adapter. As the adapter is a standardised fitting, common amongst CCTV and machine learning systems, it allows you to attach various lenses such as the zoom and telephoto lenses we stock.
| Camera Type | Pixels | Sensors | CMOS Size | IR-Cut Filter | Lens Support | Compatibility |
| Raspberry Pi IMX477 Camera | 12.3MP | IMX477R | 7.9mm | Integrated | C/CS | Raspberry Pi 4 B, Pi Zero (Cable required), CM3, CM3 Lite, CM3+, CM3+ Lite Jetson Nano |
| Jetson Nano IMX477 Camera | 12.3MP | IMX477R | 7.9mm | Integrated | C/CS | CM3, CM3 Lite, CM3+, CM3+ Lite Jetson Nano |
Lenses
8-50mm Zoom Lens
The 8-50mm Zoom Lens is a C-mount compatible camera lens and features an adjustable zoom that goes from 8mm focal length all the way to 50mm. It is a classic analogue zoom which helps keep the quality of the images crisp and clear. Most camera modules feature a specific camera with a fixed focus this lens is one of a variety you can use with the IMX477. This makes it a great addition to any Makers equipment set, especially for those more advanced projects. The 8-50mm Zoom lens is ideal for projects such as custom security systems, a unique dolly for photographs or videography, and other image capturing projects.
25mm Telephoto & 35mm Telephoto Lenses
Have you ever seen those stunning landscape photos where the moon seems impossibly large? That’s because it is, and it is achieved with the use of a telephoto lens. The technique has been around for centuries with items such as spyglasses making use of it. The 25mm Telephoto Lens has a focal length of 25mm and an aperture of F1.4-16, and the 35mm Telephoto Lens has a focal length of 35mm and an aperture of F1.7-16. While this doesn’t offer the performance of larger professional photography equipment, such as an 800mm telephoto lens, it allows for some truly unique photographic and videography projects. So next time you see stunning wildlife, landscape, or cityscape photos remember it was likely taken with a telephoto lens.
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Graphic Designer | Photographer | Gamer and Twitch streamer.
I have a passion for design and a love of art. I am always eager to learn new things, be it 3D modeling/3D printing, copywriting or even cooking. Pretty chill guy who is always down for a braai with family and friends.