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Raspberry Pi5 Camera Pinout: 22-Pin CSI Connectors for Dual Camera Integration

The Raspberry Pi5 introduces a revised camera pinout configuration using dual 22-pin MIPI CSI connectors, labeled CAM0 and CAM1. This setup replaces the single 15-pin camera interface seen in earlier models. Developers and hobbyists can now connect two cameras directly, allowing for more flexible imaging options in machine vision, robotics, and custom hardware designs. With the correct adapter boards, older camera modules can still be used, ensuring backward compatibility for ongoing projects.

Introduction to Raspberry Pi5 Camera Interface
Raspberry Pi5 camera pinout brings notable changes to how camera modules are connected. The earlier 15-pin CSI interface used in Raspberry Pi 4 and other models is no longer present. Instead, Raspberry Pi5 features two 22-pin connectors—CAM0 and CAM1—located on the mainboard, providing access to more data lanes for camera modules.

Dual 22-Pin CSI Ports: CAM0 and CAM1
The inclusion of two 22-pin MIPI CSI camera interfaces allows users to operate two cameras simultaneously. CAM0 and CAM1 are independent connectors that provide support for stereo vision, dual-angle capture, or two different imaging feeds within the same system. This makes the board more capable for projects that demand real-time image processing from multiple sources.

Physical Layout and Compatibility
The two connectors are positioned at opposite ends of the board. This layout gives better spacing for camera placement, especially in compact or embedded systems. Although the ports are 22-pin by default, users can still connect older 15-pin camera modules using a 15-to-22-pin FPC adapter board. This allows users to continue using existing hardware with minimal changes.

Pin Mapping Overview
Each 22-pin connector carries the following key signals:

2-lane MIPI CSI data channels

Clock signals

Power (3.3V and 1.8V)

Ground

I2C for camera control

These lines allow the cameras to transmit high-speed image data and receive configuration commands from the Pi.

Use Cases for Dual Camera Setup
The ability to run two cameras at once opens up possibilities in several fields:

Stereo imaging for depth mapping

Robotic navigation using dual camera inputs

Security systems with front and rear camera feeds

Time-synced video recording from multiple angles

Adapting Legacy Camera Modules
If you already own 15-pin Raspberry Pi camera modules like the V1 or V2, they can still be used on Raspberry Pi5. You'll need a 15-pin to 22-pin adapter cable. These adapters must match the pinout correctly to avoid communication errors or damage to the camera module.

Summary
The Raspberry Pi5 camera pinoutchanges the way users work with camera modules. With two 22-pin MIPI CSI ports, the board supports dual camera setups without extra HATs or expansion boards. This configuration benefits applications that require multiple image sources while still offering compatibility with older cameras via adapters. By including a modern pinout design, Raspberry Pi5 allows more direct control over image capture systems across technical projects.

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