As the flagship model of the Raspberry Pi family, Raspberry Pi 5 (abbreviated as Pi 5) has achieved significant upgrades in image acquisition capabilities. Its dual MIPI CSI-2 interfaces and optimized driver framework support a variety of mainstream CMOS image sensors, covering diverse scenarios from basic imaging to AI edge computing and high-speed photography. From a popular science perspective, this article systematically sorts out the types, core features, and application directions of CMOS sensors supported by Pi 5, providing references for developers and enthusiasts.
I. Hardware Foundation: The Core of Sensor Adaptation for Pi 5
The reason why Pi 5 can be compatible with multiple CMOS sensors lies in its upgraded hardware interfaces and software ecosystem:
- Equipped with dual 22-pin MIPI CSI-2 interfaces (CAM0 and CAM1), supporting simultaneous connection of two cameras. Compared with the previous 15-pin interface, it improves data transmission bandwidth, meeting the needs of high-resolution and high-frame-rate image transmission.
- The interfaces provide dual power outputs of 3.3V and 1.8V, adapting to CMOS sensors with different power consumption requirements, and are compatible with older 15-pin interface cameras through adapters.
- Adopts the libcamera driver framework (which will gradually transition to rpicam series tools), natively supporting most mainstream sensors without complex underlying driver development.
II. Officially Natively Supported CMOS Sensors
The camera modules launched by Raspberry Pi officially are equipped with CMOS sensors that have undergone strict compatibility testing, making them the preferred configuration for Pi 5. The specific parameters are as follows:
CMOS Sensor Table
| Sensor Model | Resolution | Features |
| IMX219 | 8MP | Classic entry-level, optional IR filter |
| IMX477 | 12.3MP | Supports C/CS/M12 lens interfaces, excellent low-light performance |
| IMX708 | 12MP | Standard/wide-angle dual versions, optional IR filter |
| IMX296 | 1.6MP | Global shutter, minimum exposure 30μs |
| IMX500 | 12.3MP | On-chip AI acceleration, supports local neural network inference |
| OV5647 | 5MP | Early entry-level model, discontinued |
III. Mainstream Third-Party Compatible CMOS Sensors
With the openness of the libcamera driver framework, Pi 5 can be compatible with a variety of third-party MIPI CSI-2 interface CMOS sensors, further expanding application scenarios:
CMOS Sensor Table
| Sensor Series | Representative Models | Core Features |
| Sony IMX Series | IMX290/327, IMX378, IMX519, IMX462 | High sensitivity, low power consumption, some support global shutter |
| OmniVision Series | OV9281/9282, OV7251 | Mainly global shutter, strong real-time performance |
| Other Compatible Models | GC2035, IMX682 | Compliant with MIPI CSI-2 specification, good compatibility |
IV. Key Usage and Selection Suggestions
- System and Driver Adaptation: It is recommended to use Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) for full compatibility. AI sensors such as IMX500 do not support Ubuntu systems temporarily; third-party sensors like IMX519 require additional installation of drivers provided by manufacturers.
- Dual-Camera Configuration: When using two sensors simultaneously, you need to add device tree configuration in /boot/config.txt, specifying the sensor models corresponding to the CAM0 and CAM1 interfaces.
- Scenario-Based Selection: Choose IMX708 for daily use, IMX477 for professional image quality, IMX296 for high-speed scenarios, IMX500 for AI inference, and IMX219 or compatible third-party sensors for low-cost projects.
- Notes: High-resolution sensors (such as IMX477) require stable power supply; older 15-pin interface sensors need to be connected through adapters, and attention should be paid to pin alignment to avoid device damage.
V. Summary
Through hardware interface upgrades and software ecosystem optimization, Raspberry Pi 5 has built a CMOS sensor compatibility system covering "basic imaging-professional image quality-AI acceleration-high-speed photography". It not only supports stable models strictly verified by the official but also provides flexible adaptation space for third-party sensors, meeting the diverse needs from entry-level projects to professional development. With the continuous update of firmware and drivers, the list of sensors supported by Pi 5 will be further expanded. It is recommended that developers update the system regularly to obtain the latest compatibility support.
