Raspberry Pi and Sony have introduced a $70 AI camera: The module with integrated AI processing enables the easy development of edge AI solutions for visual data – without the need for additional hardware.
The camera, jointly developed by Raspberry Pi and Sony, is aimed at developers and hobbyists who want to integrate AI-based image processing into their projects. The new module combines Sony’s IMX500 image sensor with Raspberry Pi’s own RP2040 microcontroller chip. This combination allows AI tasks to be processed directly on the camera, freeing the connected Raspberry Pi computer for other tasks.
With a resolution of 12.3 megapixels, the camera can shoot at 10 frames per second at 4056 x 3040 pixels or at 40 fps at 2028 x 1520 pixels. How XDA reported, the AI camera is compatible with all Raspberry Pi variants. The now listed company is thus implementing its plans to offer chips and extensions for AI developers. The company has been offering various camera modules since 2013, but without any AI functionality.
The AI camera comes with pre-installed MobileNet SSD model, an object detection model that can work in real time. This opens up a wide range of possible applications, from smart city sensors to automated quality control in industry. Raspberry Pi CEO Eben Upton emphasized in the Press release the potential for the new camera module:
AI-based image processing is becoming an attractive tool for developers around the world. We look forward to seeing what our community members achieve with the power of the Raspberry Pi AI Camera. Eben Upton, CEO Raspberry Pi
With dimensions of 25 x 24 x 11.9 mm, the new module is only slightly thicker than the Camera Module 3 introduced last year. It has a manually adjustable focus and a field of view of 76 degrees. Raspberry Pi promises to produce the module at least until January 2028, which is particularly important for industrial users.
Raspberry Pi AI Camera specifications
| Sensor model | SSS’s approximately 12.3 effective megapixel IMX500 intelligent vision sensor with powerful neural network accelerator |
| Sensor modes | 4,056(H) x 3,040(V) at 10 fps / 2,028(H) x 1,520(V) at 40 fps |
| Unit cell size | 1.55µm x 1.55µm |
| Field of view | 76 degree field of view with manually/mechanically adjustable focus |
| Integrated processor | RP2040 for neural network firmware management |
| compatibility | Works with all Raspberry Pi models using the standard Raspberry Pi camera connection cable |
| Pre-installed model | MobileNetSSD |
| Software integration | Fully integrated into libcamera |
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