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Raspberry Pi5 Camera Pinout: Technical Overview for Dual Camera Connection

Raspberry Pi5 camera pinoutreplaces the older single 15-pin camera interface with two 22-pin MIPI CSI connectors. This setup allows for two cameras to be connected at once. This article breaks down how the new camera pinout works and what’s required to set up the hardware correctly.

Introduction
The Raspberry Pi5 introduces several hardware updates, including a new way of connecting camera modules. One of the key differences is the inclusion of two MIPI CSI connectors, each with 22 pins. This allows users to attach and operate two cameras on the same board, supporting more advanced video and image-based projects.

What Has Changed in the Camera Interface
Previous Raspberry Pi models used a 15-pin connector for the camera. On the Pi5, this has been upgraded to two 22-pin connectors labeled CAM0 and CAM1. Both connectors follow the MIPI CSI-2 standard and allow for faster communication between the board and camera modules.

Breakdown of the 22-Pin Connector
Each 22-pin camera connector on the Pi5 carries multiple functions:

Power lines (3.3V and 1.8V)

Ground

I2C control signals

Clock signals

Data lanes

These connections are essential for powering the camera and transferring image data to the board.

Using Cameras from Older Raspberry Pi Boards
If you have a camera module with a 15-pin connector, you’ll need an adapter board to use it with the Pi5. The adapter acts as a bridge between the 15-pin and 22-pin formats. It’s important to use a properly matched adapter to avoid compatibility issues.

Why Two Camera Connectors Matter
The dual-camera feature allows developers to create more complex systems. This is useful in cases like:

Capturing images from two viewpoints

Running stereo vision applications

Using one camera for video while another captures still images

With the right software and setup, both cameras can operate at the same time.

Choosing the Right Hardware
For best results, use camera modules that are built to work with 22-pin MIPI CSI connectors. If you're using older models, make sure the adapter you choose matches both the physical pin layout and electrical requirements. Incorrect connections can lead to hardware issues.

Final Thoughts
The new camera pinout on the Raspberry Pi5 camera pinout supports more flexible setups by offering two MIPI CSI interfaces. With the correct adapters and configuration, this feature allows you to use two cameras for advanced image capture tasks. A clear understanding of the pinout layout is important before making any hardware connections.

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