RPi Camera with 160-Degree Fisheye Lens Product Introduction

Key Models & Core Specifications

1. Waveshare RPi Camera G (OV5647 Sensor)

• Optical Parameters: 1/4-inch CMOS sensor, 3.15mm focal length, F2.35 aperture, and 160-degree diagonal FOV. The integrated IR filter ensures accurate color reproduction in daylight, while a night vision variant with IR LEDs is also available for low-light environments.

• Imaging Performance: Supports 5MP (2592×1944) static photography and 1080p@30fps high-definition video recording. Manual focus allows users to adjust clarity according to specific shooting needs, from close-up details to long-distance panoramic scenes.

• Compatibility & Design: Compatible with all Raspberry Pi revisions, including Pi 5 (requires an adapter cable), Pi 4B/3B+/3A+, and Zero series (requires a dedicated short FFC cable). With a compact size of 25×24mm and 4 built-in screw holes, it can be easily mounted and fixed for various installations. The package includes a 16cm FFC cable, with longer cables available for separate purchase if needed.

2. IMX219-Based Fisheye Camera (Arducam)

• Optical & Imaging Specifications: 1/4-inch sensor with 3280×2464 maximum resolution, 0.76mm focal length, F2.1 aperture, and optional wide FOV (up to 220° horizontal, compatible with 160° configuration). It supports multiple video modes, including 1080p@47fps, 1640×1232@41fps, and 640×480@206fps for slow-motion recording.

• Installation & Compatibility: Easy to install by replacing the original IMX219 module on the Raspberry Pi V2 camera board. It is compatible with Raspberry Pi 5, 4B/3B+/3A+, Zero/Zero 2W, and CM3/3+/4 (requires an extra carrier board). Note that the package does not include the camera board or FFC cables, which need to be prepared separately.

• Special Features: Equipped with an integral IR-cut filter for visible light only, ensuring accurate color in daylight. It is well-suited for professional scenarios such as drones, robots, 3D scanning, and field animal photography.

Product Advantages

• Ultra-Wide FOV: The 160-degree fisheye lens covers a vast viewing area, eliminating blind spots and reducing the need for multiple cameras in surveillance or robotics projects. This is particularly valuable for indoor mobile robots, where a wide视野 ensures the robot can detect obstacles and environmental features without blind spots.

• Seamless Raspberry Pi Integration: Uses the standard CSI interface for plug-and-play connection, requiring simple software configuration (compatible with Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm, Bullseye, and older Buster systems with proper setup). No additional hardware adapters are needed for most Raspberry Pi models.

• Flexible Application: Lightweight (only 0.016kg for Waveshare RPi Camera G) and compact, making it suitable for embedded projects, DIY electronics, home security systems, robot navigation, and 3D scanning. The manual focus design adapts to different shooting distances, from close-up details to wide panoramic scenes.

• Cost-Effective & Practical: Offers professional-level wide-angle imaging at an affordable price, avoiding the need for expensive multi-camera setups. The distortion caused by the fisheye lens can be easily corrected with software (e.g., OpenCV) with minimal impact on system performance.

Application Scenarios

• Home & Small Space Surveillance: Captures the entire room or area in a single frame, ideal for monitoring living rooms, offices, or small warehouses without blind spots. The 160° FOV is particularly suitable for desktop-level or small-space coverage.

• Robotics & Drone Imaging: Provides full environmental perception for Raspberry Pi-powered robots and drones, supporting navigation, obstacle avoidance, and 3D mapping. It can replace multi-camera setups, reducing system complexity and development costs.

• DIY & Educational Projects: Perfect for students, hobbyists, and makers to explore computer vision, image processing, and panoramic photography. It is compatible with popular development tools and libraries, making it easy to integrate into projects using Python, OpenCV, or ROS (Robot Operating System).

• Machine Vision & Industrial Detection: Used in low-cost machine vision systems for object detection, scene recognition, and process monitoring, especially in scenarios where a wide viewing angle is required.

Package Content (Waveshare RPi Camera G as Reference)

• 1 × RPi Camera (G) Module

• 1 × 15-pin FFC (Opposite Sides Contact)

• 1 × RPi Zero V1.3 Camera Cable (≈15cm)

Note