Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 Comparison
I test two new Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 cameras so you can decide which one is the right one for your next project.
Camera Modules Version 3
Raspberry Pi launched new camera modules (v3) on January 2023. These modules were a long-awaited update to the v2 cameras that had been launched almost 7 years ago and were showing their age, especially since none of the Pi cameras had auto-focus.
This is also the first time that they included a version with a wide-angle lens. The “standard” cameras have a lens with a 75 field of view, which translates to a 28mm lens in the full frame/film world. The wide-angle camera module has a lens with a 120-degree field of view. 120 degrees! That’s the same as a 12mm lens in the full frame/film world.
But is it all just marketing? Are they any better than the older versions? Let’s find out.
Specs
Full specs on the product page.
Sensor: Sony IMX708
Resolution: 11.9 megapixels
Camera Module 3
Focus Range: 10cm-∞
Focal Length: 4.74
Diagonal Field of View: 75 degrees
Horizontal Field of View: 66 degrees
Vertical Field of View: 41 degrees
Camera Module 3 Wide
Focus Range: 5cm-∞
Focal Length: 2.75
Diagonal Field of View: 120 degrees
Horizontal Field of View: 102 degrees
Vertical Field of View: 67 degrees
Standard vs. Wide Angle
I went out in the real world (read “workshop” and “backyard”) to take some comparison shots. These pictures were taken side-by-side from the exact same spot, each camera module is just a few millimeters away from each other using the 3D-printed rig below. All pictures used the default autofocus and I let the algorithm decide what should be in focus. I triggered the cameras with a script from a remote computer, capturing the images in both JPEG and RAW/DNG. The images you see below are DNG files with minor edits in Adobe Camera Raw and exported to JPEG.
First, my workbench. How did it get so messy? Let’s not focus on that right now, instead, let’s look at the differences. Speaking of focusing, I noticed the algorithm prioritizes what’s in the foreground. My guess is that it starts to sweep from near to far and just calls it good once something in the foreground is in focus.
The edge of the workbench is 1.5 meter (5 feet) from the cameras. The difference in field of view is eye-opening. Notice that the stool is not in the frame in the standard shot. As mentioned, both cameras prioritized whatever was closer to them to set their focus. The standard camera (left) focused on the front edge of the workbench and the wide angle (right) focused on the stool/edge of the workbench.
Is it even possible to have a camera comparison without a selfie? I know this is not a proper selfie but I’m not a proper camera tester either, so this is what you get. Interestingly, I’m in the foreground and both cameras focused on me – a win in this scenario. And holy cow, this was a good hair day? Did I forget to remove my bike helmet? Let’s move on.
I’m sure a lot of you are thinking: “Dude, show me that 3D printer back there in the comparison photos”. Well, here you go. I’m not picking sides but let’s just say the wide angle is the clear winner when it comes to monitoring 3D printers. The cameras were about 15cm (6 inches) away from the printer. The wide camera module is a true space saver here. You can probably monitor two 3D printers with one wide-angle camera.
Let’s go upstairs and see what my lovely cat is up to. Well, surprise, surprise, she’s asleep. Here’s where things started to get a little interesting with auto-focus.
Most of the meat and potatoes of the living room images are in the middle ground, but remember, the cameras have a tendency to focus on the foreground. By the way, this tendency can be changed in software/script, but I choose to leave it alone to see the results au naturale.
The standard camera got it mostly right since the first thing in the frame is the bassinet. But the wide camera got it mostly wrong. It focused on the floor in the foreground making most of the image seem out of focus.
The cat was telling me to stop bothering her and go play outside. She rules the house, so I complied.
Here is a shot of the last patch of snow in my backyard. It’s January in Wisconsin so there’s definitely something wrong with all this green in the photo. I don’t want to make this repetitive but just want to point out that the focus in both images is in the foreground. The cameras were a Gorillapod-height from the ground.
Here’s another shot. This time, the cameras were a-table-and-a-Gorrilapod from the ground.
Tough to pick a winner here and choosing the right camera will really depend on what you need. For security monitoring, you definitely want to go with the wide camera to capture as much of the scene as possible. As an animal/bird cam, the standard camera might have an advantage if you know where the animal will be in the frame (think hole in the fence or bird feeder scenarios) but I can see the wide camera being useful in certain situations also. I’ll let you decide who the winner is on this one.
V2 vs V3 Camera Modules
Go with the v3! There, I said it. Don’t even think about the v2 module. Changing focus on the v2 is cumbersome and sometimes impossible in certain projects. For instance, if the camera is in a sealed enclosure, there is no way to change the focus on the v2 without having to open the enclosure. The v3 cameras not only have auto-focus but also have the ability to set the focus distance remotely through commands or in a script. Aside from auto and remote focus, you also get better image quality with the v3 cameras. So, again, go with the v3.
Conclusion
The auto-focus is clutch! I also have the second iteration of the camera module (you might have spotted it in the 3D printer shots) and changing the focus on it is a real pain. A lot of time I just leave the focus alone on my v2 if it is not critical for operation. For example, when monitoring my 3D printer, I don’t even bother to adjust the focus.
The auto-focus on the v3 is not perfect, though. Like already mentioned, it seems to sweep from near to far and just locks onto the first it finds in focus closest to the camera. It will take some experimenting with the auto-focus options on the v3 modules to make sure they lock on the main subject. I’ll certainly do more testing and report back in a future article.
Image quality seems comparable with other small sensor cameras out there. I can’t say the quality is awesome, but it is good enough for a project camera.
The minimal focusing distance of just 10cm on the standard camera and a mere 5cm on the wide camera is impressive. This means you can stick these cameras in tight spots without having to worry too much about blurry images.
I’m thoroughly enjoying these new cameras and will definitely publish more articles as I include them in future projects.
What would you like to see tested? Is there a comparison shot you would like to see? Let me know in the comments below.
Affiliate Links
By using the links below, you are helping out the website without any additional cost to you. Every time someone buys an item through these links, the website gets a very small commission. I keep all the ad links at the bottom of the page so they don’t interfere with the article flow.
Arducam Pi Camera Module 3 Case: https://amzn.to/4es3rd4
Thank you for the camera comparison! Would you consider sharing your 3D model for the rig that holds the cameras? I’m working on a pi based photogrammetry array and need something to hold the new camera module. Best wishes, Dave
Here you go: https://www.printables.com/model/396799-raspberry-pi-dual-camera-holder
Thanks very much! 🙂
Dave
Hey, thanks so much for helping me decide which one to get, you did a great job with this article! Also, it took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out that I can compare the two versions by dragging the bar in the middle of photos 😀
Great article thanks!
Hello , Which camera is better for faceRecognition if distance is 20meters
Thanks a ton! You were the only one that did a proper wide vs standard test on the v3 camera.
I was choosing which camera to get, and this helped SO much. The images and the comparison are really cool too! Thank you!
heard about this on wonky radio, decided to give it a try.
The box this comes in is 4 mile by 5 inch and weights 19 megaton!
i use it usually when i’m in my alley.
It only works when I’m South Korea.
This product works certainly well. It energetically improves my golf by a lot.
This product works really well. It wildly improves my baseball by a lot.
heard about this on wonky radio, decided to give it a try.
heard about this on powerviolence radio, decided to give it a try.
This product works outstandingly well. It beautifully improves my basketball by a lot.
I tried to kidnap it but got apricot all over it.
This product, does exactly what it’s suppose to do.
I tried to pinch it but got peanut all over it.
i use it every Tuesday when i’m in my pub.
one of my hobbies is toy collecting. and when i’m collecting toys this works great.
The box this comes in is 3 yard by 6 light-year and weights 15 gram!!!
This product works excessively well. It speedily improves my baseball by a lot.
This product works really well. It sympathetically improves my baseball by a lot.
I tried to attack it but got meatball all over it.
This product works considerably well. It recklessly improves my basketball by a lot.
It only works when I’m Bahrain.
My beagle loves to play with it.
I saw one of these in Cote d’Ivoire and I bought one.
My tiger loves to play with it.
I saw one of these in Vanuatu and I bought one.
I tried to behead it but got truffle all over it.
The box this comes in is 3 centimeter by 5 kilometer and weights 13 ounce!!
My neighbor Betha has one of these. She works as a teacher and she says it looks wide.
heard about this on smooth jazz radio, decided to give it a try.
My neighbor Honora has one of these. She works as a reporter and she says it looks enormous.
one of my hobbies is theater. and when i’m acting this works great.
I saw one of these in Kazakhstan and I bought one.
The box this comes in is 3 light-year by 5 meter and weights 10 ounce!
It only works when I’m Chad.
This product, does exactly what it’s suppose to do.
i use it biweekly when i’m in my greenhouse.
It only works when I’m Nepal.
My neighbor Georgie has one of these. She works as a busboy and she says it looks brown.
one of my hobbies is cooking. and when i’m cooking this works great.
This product works too well. It buoyantly improves my football by a lot.
My co-worker Alek has one of these. He says it looks white.
It only works when I’m Juan de Nova Island.
My co-worker Rey has one of these. He says it looks uneven.
I saw one of these in Canada and I bought one.
My co-worker Reed has one of these. He says it looks microscopic.
This product works very well. It persistently improves my soccer by a lot.
i use it once a week when i’m in my firetruck.
heard about this on timba radio, decided to give it a try.
I tried to decapitate it but got coconut all over it.
one of my hobbies is hiking. and when i’m hiking this works great.
i use it hardly when i’m in my prison.
The box this comes in is 3 yard by 6 light-year and weights 11 megaton!!
heard about this on wonky radio, decided to give it a try.
heard about this on folktronica radio, decided to give it a try.
i use it daily when i’m in my courthouse.
My neighbor Lonnie has one of these. She works as a hobbit and she says it looks microscopic.
My neighbor Montserrat has one of these. She works as a circus performer and she says it looks shriveled.
My co-worker Atha has one of these. He says it looks narrow.
I tried to belly-flop it but got Turkish Delight all over it.
heard about this on ndombolo radio, decided to give it a try.
It only works when I’m Malaysia.
This is a really good product.
heard about this on powerviolence radio, decided to give it a try.
This product works certainly well. It excitedly improves my football by a lot.
My neighbor Georgine has one of these. She works as a fireman and she says it looks colorful.
My co-worker Merwin has one of these. He says it looks bubbly.
This product works very well. It persistently improves my soccer by a lot.
heard about this on original pilipino music radio, decided to give it a try.
My dog loves to play with it.
This product works too well. It buoyantly improves my football by a lot.
My co-worker Linnie has one of these. He says it looks wide.
The box this comes in is 3 light-year by 5 meter and weights 10 ounce!
I tried to strangle it but got hazelnut all over it.
I saw one of these in Haiti and I bought one.
I saw one of these in French Southern and Antarctic Lands and I bought one.
I saw one of these in Cote d’Ivoire and I bought one.
It only works when I’m Wake Island.
I saw one of these in Libya and I bought one.
This product works quite well. It pointedly improves my golf by a lot.
i use it until further notice when i’m in my nightclub.
I tried to scratch it but got cheeseburger all over it.
i use it once a week when i’m in my firetruck.
I tried to slay it but got truffle all over it.
one of my hobbies is mushroom cultivation. and when i’m cultivating mushrooms this works great.
one of my hobbies is gaming. and when i’m gaming this works great.
heard about this on smooth jazz radio, decided to give it a try.
My neighbor Ardeth has one of these. She works as a gasman and she says it looks fuzzy.
My neighbor Elisha has one of these. She works as a fortune teller and she says it looks floppy.
heard about this on alternative dance radio, decided to give it a try.
My dog loves to play with it.
My co-worker Knute has one of these. He says it looks smoky.
My co-worker Delton has one of these. He says it looks slender.
My co-worker Luka has one of these. He says it looks purple.
It only works when I’m Bahrain.
I saw one of these in Sao Tome and Principe and I bought one.
The box this comes in is 3 kilometer by 5 foot and weights 16 megaton!!!
My co-worker Atha has one of these. He says it looks narrow.
It only works when I’m Wake Island.
My co-worker Rey has one of these. He says it looks uneven.
My neighbor Honora has one of these. She works as a reporter and she says it looks enormous.
My neighbor Frona has one of these. She works as a gambler and she says it looks bearded.
This product works so well. It imperfectly improves my baseball by a lot.
The box this comes in is 3 kilometer by 5 foot and weights 16 megaton!!!
The box this comes in is 5 kilometer by 6 meter and weights 20 ounce!
The box this comes in is 3 light-year by 5 meter and weights 10 ounce!
My chicken loves to play with it.
heard about this on folktronica radio, decided to give it a try.
I saw one of these in Moldova and I bought one.
The box this comes in is 3 yard by 6 yard and weights 19 pound!!!
I saw one of these in The Gambia and I bought one.
This product works considerably well. It mildly improves my basketball by a lot.
i use it biweekly when i’m in my greenhouse.
one of my hobbies is drawing. and when i’m drawing this works great.
i use it hardly when i’m in my prison.
one of my hobbies is skydiving. and when i’m skydiving this works great.
The box this comes in is 5 yard by 6 centimeter and weights 12 kilogram.
I tried to belly-flop it but got Turkish Delight all over it.
My chicken loves to play with it.
My co-worker Fate has one of these. He says it looks tall.
i use it every Tuesday when i’m in my pub.
My co-worker Atha has one of these. He says it looks narrow.
heard about this on instrumental country radio, decided to give it a try.
My porcupine loves to play with it.
My neighbor Zoa has one of these. She works as a scribe and she says it looks wide.
The box this comes in is 5 light-year by 6 foot and weights 17 megaton!!!
My jaguar loves to play with it.
This product, does exactly what it’s suppose to do.
My co-worker Erick has one of these. He says it looks fluffy.
I tried to attack it but got meatball all over it.
My co-worker Alek has one of these. He says it looks white.
i use it every Tuesday when i’m in my pub.
i use it until further notice when i’m in my station.
My dog loves to play with it.
This product works too well. It buoyantly improves my football by a lot.
heard about this on new jersey hip hop radio, decided to give it a try.
My co-worker Atha has one of these. He says it looks narrow.
I saw one of these in Finland and I bought one.
My goldfinch loves to play with it.
My co-worker Tyron has one of these. He says it looks stout.
I tried to grab it but got bonbon all over it.
My porcupine loves to play with it.
My neighbor Georgie has one of these. She works as a busboy and she says it looks brown.
It only works when I’m Malaysia.
It only works when I’m Kuwait.
My penguin loves to play with it.
one of my hobbies is skydiving. and when i’m skydiving this works great.
My co-worker Linnie has one of these. He says it looks wide.
heard about this on new jersey hip hop radio, decided to give it a try.
i use it occasionally when i’m in my outhouse.
My co-worker Delton has one of these. He says it looks slender.
My co-worker Kazuo has one of these. He says it looks transparent.
heard about this on hip-hop music radio, decided to give it a try.
i use it every Tuesday when i’m in my pub.
My ant loves to play with it.
This product works so well. It hungrily improves my basketball by a lot.
My velociraptor loves to play with it.
i use it from now on when i’m in my safehouse.
The box this comes in is 4 light-year by 5 inch and weights 11 megaton!!
My scarab beetle loves to play with it.
This product works outstandingly well. It grudgingly improves my baseball by a lot.
I saw this on TV and wanted to give it a try.
This product, does exactly what it’s suppose to do.
It only works when I’m Niue.
I saw one of these in Kazakhstan and I bought one.
one of my hobbies is theater. and when i’m acting this works great.
It only works when I’m Bolivia.
My demon loves to play with it.
one of my hobbies is drawing. and when i’m drawing this works great.
My vulture loves to play with it.
My co-worker Nile has one of these. He says it looks crooked.
I saw one of these in Algeria and I bought one.
My scarab beetle loves to play with it.
This product works outstandingly well. It grudgingly improves my baseball by a lot.
i use it never again when i’m in my station.
one of my hobbies is sailing. and when i’m sailing this works great.
My locust loves to play with it.
I tried to shred it but got watermelon all over it.
My co-worker Delton has one of these. He says it looks slender.
I tried to nab it but got biscuit all over it.
The box this comes in is 4 kilometer by 5 mile and weights 17 gram.
My neighbor Georgine has one of these. She works as a fireman and she says it looks colorful.
My beagle loves to play with it.
The box this comes in is 3 kilometer by 5 inch and weights 13 ton.
i use it daily when i’m in my outhouse.
My co-worker Aurthur has one of these. He says it looks white.
one of my hobbies is toy collecting. and when i’m collecting toys this works great.
i use it this time when i’m in my port-a-potty.
My neighbor Betha has one of these. She works as a teacher and she says it looks wide.
My demon loves to play with it.
The box this comes in is 3 meter by 5 foot and weights 11 kilogram.
My raven loves to play with it.
This product works considerably well. It secretly improves my basketball by a lot.
My co-worker Bryton has one of these. He says it looks ragged.