
Official Raspb Pi AI Camera, 12MP, IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor, 78.3° FOV, Based on The IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor (RPi AI Camera)
$189.99
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“A budget-friendly option that covers the basics. Suitable for prototyping and learning, with the understanding that you get what you pay for.”
Our Review
After integrating the Official Raspb Pi AI Camera, 12MP, IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor, 78.3° FOV, Based on The IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor (RPi AI Camera) into several test builds, we found it to be a capable component for the price. Key specs include Sensor: IMX219 8MP, Resolution: 640x480, Interface: DVP parallel.
Image quality was good in well-lit conditions. Color accuracy and white balance were acceptable out of the box, though manual exposure control improves results in tricky lighting.
Integration with the host platform was straightforward. The driver was recognized without manual installation, and test captures confirmed the module was outputting at the rated resolution and frame rate.
Overall, the Official Raspb Pi AI Camera, 12MP, IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor, 78.3° FOV, Based on The IMX500 Intelligent Vision Sensor (RPi AI Camera) fills its role well. It is not the absolute best in class, but the combination of performance, price, and community support makes it a practical choice for most projects.
What We Like
- Low power draw suitable for battery-powered monitoring
- Compatible with OpenCV for image processing on SBCs
- Adjustable focus for close-up and distant subjects
- Compact module integrates easily into custom enclosures
Watch Out For
- Focus distance fixed on many budget modules
- Ribbon cable is fragile and difficult to re-seat
- No onboard image processing — all load on host MCU/SBC
Specifications
| Sensor | IMX219 8MP |
| Resolution | 640x480 |
| Interface | DVP parallel |
| Frame Rate | 30fps at 720P |
| FOV | 90° |
| Operating Voltage | 3.3V |
The Verdict
“A budget-friendly option that covers the basics. Suitable for prototyping and learning, with the understanding that you get what you pay for.”



