Raspberry Pi, in partnership with Sony, has introduced an innovative module for an AI-powered camera priced at $70, designed to work seamlessly with every Raspberry Pi microcomputer. This groundbreaking device incorporates built-in AI functionalities, enabling users to create edge AI applications that analyze visual data effortlessly, as stated by the manufacturer.
This AI camera marks a crucial advancement in Raspberry Pi’s efforts to supply components and enhancements for AI developers. The company has previously launched various camera modules without AI, commencing with a 5-megapixel camera in 2013.
Eben Upton, the Chief Executive Officer of Raspberry Pi, stated that AI-driven image interpretation is becoming more appealing to developers worldwide. He expressed excitement about the creative projects that the community will embark with the new device.
The new camera is engineered to function with every Raspberry Pi SBC, merging the RP2040 MCU combined with Sony’s IMX500 imaging sensor, that oversees the AI operations. This integration removes the requirement for supplementary components such as accelerators or GPUs, which are generally essential for camera modules to manage extensive quantities of visual information.
Equipped with 12.3MP, the Raspberry Pi AI Camera is capable of recording video at 4056×3040 10 FPS and at 2028×1520 40 FPS. It includes variable manual focus, a 76 FOV, and dimensions of 25 x 24 x 11.9 mm, making it nearly equivalent size as the Camera Module 3 launched previous year.
