WingNews logo WingNews GitHub [2]
top | item 29727231

ArduCAM High Resolution Autofocus Camera Module for Raspberry Pi

51 points| lemariva | 4 years ago |lemariva.com | reply

32 comments

order
[+] braincode|4 years ago|reply
In the F.A.Q they mention that it can be modified for telescopes:

====

Can I use it on my telescope?

With a bit of modification, yes. We have seen many astrophotography projects with the official Pi cameras, you can follow the same instructions.

====

I wonder if it can be also modified for PCB inspection microscope purposes? I have a C-mount lens already:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002033939765.html

More context on the idea I've been thinking about on: https://twitter.com/braincode/status/1464964031576379400

So... can this new Arducam 16MP autofocus be easily modded so that it:

1) Conserves the autofocus feature.

2) Accepts a C-mount lens like the one listed above with the right distance from the sensor?

[+] amelius|4 years ago|reply
I hope the software interface has improved since the previous time I tried to use an arducam. Turned out that controlling basic settings such as exposure time and gain wasn't supported. The magic incantations necessary to get it done were kept secret by the manufacturer (Sony) of the imaging chip.
[+] anfractuosity|4 years ago|reply
I've been playing with 4x 5MP Arducam autofocus cameras along with the Arducam Multi Camera Adapter to take 4 photos in sequence of plants from different angles.
[+] jcun4128|4 years ago|reply
That's neat, I wonder how it compares to the big one with visible motors to turn the lens.
[+] WaitWaitWha|4 years ago|reply
I have yet to be able to manual focus through code the Arducam. :'‑(
[+] lemariva|4 years ago|reply
Not only, if has an autofocus option (--autofocus flag). However, you cannot select the focus area (or focus points like in a pro camera) :(. But, the autofocus function is implemented and works nicely.
[+] baldeagle|4 years ago|reply
Can we shoot this at 660fps? Or is that only available on the v1 and v2 cams?
[+] omginternets|4 years ago|reply
I have a tangentially related question: I’ve been toying with the idea of building some hacky night-vision goggles by popping the IR filter off of a CMOS (or similar) sensor.

Is HN aware of any good camera modules for such a purpose?

[+] jeffreygoesto|4 years ago|reply
ST Micro has some with significant near IR sensitivity, quick googling brought up [0]. For real "night vision" you need an imager without color array, it filters out too much light, and a HDR one like [1]. Then you need to map from the HDR to 8bit with some tonemapping. What you can expect max is something like [2].

[0] https://www.systemplus.fr/reverse-costing-reports/stmicroele...

[1] https://www.st.com/resource/en/data_brief/vd5640.pdf

[2] https://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s119/turntwomotorsports/...

[+] anfractuosity|4 years ago|reply
You could look at the pi noir cameras, which already have no IR filter, I use one for a wildlife camera and IR lamp.
[+] textcortex|4 years ago|reply
Why would anyone opt in for Arduino while there is a superior platform like Raspberry pi? It’s much more capable with same maybe less price. You can even get 4 core cpu with Rpi zero 2 for 15 bucks.
[+] djbeadle|4 years ago|reply
Note that despite the similar price points and form factors they serve two different purposes.

The Raspberry Pi is a full computer shrunk down and made (relatively) cheaply.

The Arduino is a cheap microcontroller made large for convenience. Things like on-board voltage regulation and USB make prototyping much easier. But these conveniences cost money and make the total cost (relatively) expensive. A professional might (keyword: might, don't come at me professional hardware designers!) use an Arduino board for creating a prototype and then design fully a custom product based on what they learned.

You wouldn't (in 2021) try to build a computer around the microcontroller in the Arduino because it's so underpowered but you might use it for a smart, cheap motion sensor with a long battery life.

[+] geerlingguy|4 years ago|reply
This comment might have been made in reference to the company name (ArduCam) and not the actual product being reviewed (a camera for the Raspberry Pi)—I don't believe this camera has any support for Arduino at all.
[+] pyprism|4 years ago|reply
Not everyone living in first world countries. For me, arduino is cheap(clone), required much less power than any SBC. Power outage is common in my area. Memory card of any SBC can't survive frequent power outage .
[+] MrBuddyCasino|4 years ago|reply
Invariably, someone always asks this question. For most things I'd prefer a Pi Zero, less hassle, familiar environment. But consider:

- energy consumption

- latency

- learning experience

- the challenge of writing embedded software

- wanting certain peripherals

...