The camera capabilities of the Raspberry Pi took a pretty big leap forward when they released their new High Quality Camera module last year. The then-new module allowed you to finally get full manual control over your exposure, but it also lets you attach CS and C mount lenses (or just about anything else with the right adapter).
It was only a matter of time before somebody built it into a “real” camera form factor, and it actually didn’t take long, as this film-to-digital conversion shows. But now a new project has popped up. RUHAcam. It’s a 3D printable retro-looking camera based around the Raspberry Pi Zero W and it operates just like a regular interchangeable lens digital camera. Kinda.
The RUHAcam was designed from scratch by Ping-Hsun ‘penk’ Chen and Ruha Cheng. At the heart of it is the Raspberry Pi Zero W. Attached to this is the new Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera module, featuring a 12,3-megapixel Sony IMX477 sensor and an interchangeable C and CS lens mount. It also features a 2.2″ TFT display so you can see what you’re shooting.
It uses a built-in 2,000mAh LiPo battery for power, with an MT3608 DC to DC step-up boost module to bring that 3.7v up to the 5v that the Pi needs. A TP4056 micro USB charging module lets you top up the battery when it starts getting low. Everything lives inside a 3D printed, and the pair have made the STL files available, along with instructions on how to build the camera and how to install and set up the software.
You can find all the information and files on GitHub, where they’ve also posted a few sample images shot with the camera and they look pretty good considering they were shot with a Raspberry Pi.
I’ve been meaning to pick up one of the High Quality Camera modules for the Pi for a while now. I think it might be time to get one ordered and start playing with it!
[via Digital Camera World]
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