The Raspberry Pi Foundation has updated the camera module for the Pi: The Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera module.

As well as increased image resolution, via a 12.3 megapixel Sony IMX477 back-illuminated sensor, there is support for the use of interchangeable C-mount and CS-mount lenses and improved low-light performance.

It’s priced at around £50. The full spec is as follows:

• Sony IMX477R stacked, back-illuminated sensor, 12.3 megapixels, 7.9 mm sensor diagonal, 1.55 μm × 1.55 μm pixel size
• Ouput: RAW12/10/8, COMP8
• Back focus: Adjustable (12.5 mm–22.4 mm)
• Lens standards: C-mount, CS-mount (C-CS adapter included)
• IR cut filter: Integrated
• Ribbon cable length: 200 mm
• Tripod mount: 1/4”-20

The Foundation writes:

The Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera is the latest camera accessory from Raspberry Pi. It offers higher resolution (12 megapixels, compared to 8 megapixels), and sensitivity (approximately 50% greater area per pixel for improved low-light performance) than the existing Camera Module v2, and is designed to work with interchangeable lenses in both C- and CS-mount form factors. Other lens form factors can be accommodated using third-party
lens adapters.

The High Quality Camera provides an alternative to the Camera Module v2 for industrial and consumer applications, including security cameras, which require the highest levels of visual fidelity and/or integration with specialist optics.

It is compatible with all models of Raspberry Pi computer from Raspberry Pi 1 Model B onwards.

You can read the full details on the Raspberry Pi Foundation website and read the fuller Product Brief in PDF form.

The Pi team promise that the Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera will remain in production until at least January 2027.

The Raspberry Pi first got a camera module back in May 2013, with an infrared camera module, the Pi NoIR for seeing in the dark, following in October.

The original camera module interface, using CSI for data and I2C for control, with a 5-megapixel CCD for 720p/60 video capture.

Three years later, a new camera add-on (v2) offered 8megapixel support, enabling the Pi to capture 3280 x 2464 pixel static images.