Raspberrypi released a new camera module today. It is an update of 8 megapixels over the previous 5 megapixels. It is interesting that the module is an IMX219PQ sensor by Sony, this sensor is capable of WDR which is an important and overlooked feature for camera aviation purposes; it means that there is better contrast ratio between a bright sky and dark ground, with the new sensor it is capable of making both bright and visible.
Another interesting feature of the new sensor is that it is capable of slow-motion video recording. The sensor is capable of 1080p/60fps and 720p/180fps, also 4K. Not bad for a $25 camera.
Video sample
For those who have interest, someone is creating an image for the Rpi to allow users to get up and moving for drone purposes; It is hoped they are to eventually have several different .img files for varying drone purposes that users can burn and use quickly, there is more information about this project if you would like to participate here:
http://diydrones.com/group/companion_computers/forum/topics/companion-pi2?xg_source=activity
There is also a Github for a collection of Rpi/Drone related software, all in one place, with links to guides and further information. It might make it easier for drone users to get set up and started, it's here:
https://github.com/benb0jangles/Companion-Pi2
Thanks and Best wishes, I look forward to seeing your slo-mo pi videos, your high-speed tracking creations, and low-light demos
Comments
@benbojangles, is a PI firmware upgrade needed to run this camera? I just ordered one to try out.
@Randy, The GPS interference can be fixed by placing some copper tape on the ribbon cable. Instantly fixed the issue on my setup.
@Jesse Millwood,
Could you also take measurements after shielding the ribbon cable with copper (or aluminium) foil/tape?
@Ravi, in time, hang in there.
My ignorant mind lazzily added the new rpi camera with the incoming announcement of Amimon May 10th : http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2652490
fpv RPi with Connex feasible soon?
@fnoop Thanks for that link!
@Randy I just ran into that. Spent a few days trying to figure out why I was getting so many gps glitches. Sniffed around with a spectrum analyzer and a gps antenna and there was the spike right at GPS's 1.575 almost like it was on purpose
Then I did some googling and apparently others had the same issue. Didn't really think about it until it was too late!
@benjobangles, can u provide a direct link to downloading image files. I am having problem downloading them from github.
@Thomas - https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=145815
'1280x720 binned(? may be skipping) and cropped, at 60-120 fps. Please note that the H264 encoder will not be able to consume video at above 720P60, although we're looking into where the limit actually sits. Currently the codec will enforce a max of level 4, which is 720P at max 68.3fps (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.264/MPEG-4_AVC#Levels). I'm not expecting to be able to claim 4.2 and 720P145 even with mega overclocking, but we'll try to push the limits.'
:(
@Randy - looks like they come premade?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Raspberry-Pi-Camera-1m-Cable-Harness-...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/For-Raspberry-Pi-Camera-1m-FRC-Flexible-R...
@Randy, the linked product only extends the ribbon cable using an HDMi cable.
Shielding the cable should help a bit. Some RC action cameras using ribbon cables have also had problems with interference. Shielding the cable with copper or aluminium tape helped in those cases.