A camera module is a product that simulates the human eye and can take photos and videos from mobile devices, such as smartphones, cars, and smart home appliances. It usually consists of components such as a lens, a holder, a voice coil motor (VCM), an infrared ray (IR) filter, a sensor, and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) .
The performance and quality of the camera module depend on the design and manufacture of each component. For example, the optical characteristics of the lens, the driving force of the VCM, the light transmittance of the IR filter, the resolution and sensitivity of the sensor, the connection stability of the FPC, etc., will affect the imaging effect of the camera module.
With the increasing demand for high-definition video from mobile devices, camera modules are also constantly developing and innovating. Currently, there are various types of camera modules on the market, such as:
Standard type: This is the most common camera module, usually used for the rear camera of smartphones or the rearview mirror of cars. It has high resolution and stable focus function and can take clear photos and videos.
Wide-angle type: This type of camera module has a large viewing angle, usually used for the front camera of smartphones or the panoramic mirror of cars. It can capture a wider scene, suitable for selfies or group photos.
NOIR type: This type of camera module does not have an IR filter and can take black and white images in low-light conditions, usually used for night vision or monitoring devices. It can capture more details and information, but the color reproduction is low.
High-quality type: This type of camera module has a higher-level sensor and lens and can take high-resolution and high-dynamic-range (HDR) images, usually used for professional or enthusiast-level devices. It can provide more fine and realistic imaging effects, but the price is also high.
A typical example is the Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi) camera module. Raspberry Pi is a miniature computer that can be used for various creative projects. It provides various types of camera modules that can be selected according to different needs and scenarios. For example:
Camera Module v3: This is the latest camera module, with a 12MP Sony IMX708 sensor and autofocus function. It also has two versions: standard and wide-angle, which can shoot videos in different formats such as 1080p50, 720p100 or 480p120. It is suitable for daily photography or video recording.
Camera Module v2: This is the previous version of the camera module, with an 8MP Sony IMX219 sensor and fixed focal length function. It also has two versions: standard and NOIR, which can shoot videos in different formats such as 1080p30, 720p60 or 640x480p90. It is suitable for simple or experimental projects.
High Quality Camera Module: This is a professional-level camera module with a 12MP Sony IMX477 sensor and interchangeable lens function. It can take high-resolution and high-dynamic-range images, support C and CS-type lens interfaces. It is suitable for high-end or enthusiast-level projects.
In summary, a camera module is a product that simulates the human eye and can take photos and videos from mobile devices. It consists of multiple components with different performance and quality. According to different needs and scenarios, you can choose a suitable camera module to achieve creative or practical purposes.