Capturing the beauty of the night sky, from distant galaxies to planets and star clusters, requires the right equipment. With the rise of affordable tools like the Raspberry Pi 5, astrophotography has become more accessible. One such tool is the Pi HQ Camera – an innovative, high-quality camera developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the characteristics of the Pi HQ Camera and discuss why it is a solid option for astrophotography.
What is the Pi HQ Camera?
The Raspberry Pi HQ Camera is a high-resolution camera module designed to be used with Raspberry Pi computers. Unlike the standard Raspberry Pi camera module, which is intended for general-purpose use, the HQ Camera is built for precision, featuring a 12.3 MP Sony IMX477 sensor. This advanced camera is designed with professional-level image quality in mind, making it an excellent choice for specialized fields like astrophotography.
Datasheet
| Sensor Model | IMX477R stacked, back-illuminated, colour |
| Shutter Type | Rolling shutter |
| IR Sensitivity | Visible light |
| Active Pixels | 4056 × 3040 pixels |
| Lens Mount | C/CS or M12 |
| Still Resolution | 12.3 megapixels |
| Image Sensor Format | CMOS Diagonal 7.857 mm (Type 1/2.3″) |
| Chip Size | 7.564 mm (H) × 5.476 mm (V) |
| Pixel Size | 1.55μm×1.55μm |
| Output | RAW12/10/8, COMP8 |
| Video Modes on Raspberry Pi | 2028 × 1080p50, 2028 × 1520p40 and 1332 × 990p120 |
| Back focus | 12.5mm–22.4mm (C/CS Mount variant) 2.6mm–11.8mm (M12 Mount variant) |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4”-20 |
| IR Filter | Integrated |
| Connection to RPi5 | 15-pin CSI to 22-pin “mini” FPC ribbon cable |
| Size | 38 mm × 38 mm × 18.4 mm (excluding lens) |
| Weight | 30.4g |
Limitations
| Maximum Exposure Time | 670.74 seconds |
| Minimum FPS | 2 |
| Minimum Exposure Time | 5μs |
| Maximum Exposure Time | 1 / CAM_FPS seconds. E.g. 33ms @ 30FPS |
| Maximum Analogue Gain | 22 |
| Maximum Digital Gain | 4 |
| Maximum Multiplied Gain | 88 ( 22 x 4 ) |
Key Characteristics of the Pi HQ Camera
Let’s take a closer look at the features that make the Pi HQ Camera a suitable candidate for astrophotography.
- High-Resolution Sensor (12.3 MP)
The Pi HQ Camera features the Sony IMX477 sensor, capable of producing 12.3 MP images. This high resolution is crucial for astrophotography, where the fine details of celestial objects are important. Whether you are capturing distant galaxies, nebulae, or planets, the high resolution allows you to record sharp, clear, and detailed images, which can then be processed and enhanced for further clarity. - Interchangeable Lenses
One of the standout features of the Pi HQ Camera is its interchangeable lens system. The camera is equipped with a C/CS-mount lens adapter, which means you can use a variety of lenses tailored for specific astrophotography needs. For example, you might opt for wide-angle lenses to capture expansive views of the Milky Way or long-focus lenses for more detailed shots of distant planets. There is also an M12 lens adapter option available, making the Pi HQ Camera compatible with a large range of wide angle and fish-eye type CCTV lenses, ideal for All-Sky projects. - Compatibility with Tripods and Telescope Mounts
Astrophotography often requires stable, long-exposure shots, which means using a steady tripod or telescope mount. The Pi HQ Camera has a standard tripod thread (1/4″ – 20 UNC), making it easy to attach to a variety of tripods, telescope mounts, or custom rigs. This allows you to capture stable, long-exposure images without the risk of camera shake, which is essential for clear astrophotography. - Low-Light Performance
Astrophotography is inherently a low-light activity, especially when shooting objects in deep space. The Sony IMX477 sensor in the Pi HQ Camera offers excellent low-light sensitivity. Combined with the ability to adjust exposure times and gain settings through Raspberry Pi’s software, you can enhance the camera’s performance under challenging conditions, enabling you to capture the faintest of celestial objects. - Affordable Price Point
One of the main advantages of the Pi HQ Camera is its affordability. While traditional astrophotography equipment like dedicated cameras or CCDs can be prohibitively expensive, the Pi HQ Camera is relatively budget-friendly. This makes it an attractive option for beginners and hobbyists who want to explore astrophotography without investing heavily in expensive gear. - Integration with Raspberry Pi
The Pi HQ Camera is specifically designed to work seamlessly with Raspberry Pi computers, which are known for their versatility and accessibility. The camera can easily be controlled through the Raspberry Pi’s Command Line Interface (CLI) using the rpicam-apps library, and with software libraries such as PiCamera2 library for Python, allowing for easy integration and automation. This makes it possible to set up complex astrophotography rigs that can take long-exposure photos, track objects in the sky, and even control the camera remotely.
Use in All-Sky Projects
Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to capture meteor showers or a researcher conducting sky surveys, the camera’s combination of high resolution, interchangeable lenses, and compatibility with the Raspberry Pi makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including the two popular All-Sky solutions which are designed specifically for the Raspberry Pi 5:
Both solutions provide direct support for the Pi HQ camera, with INDI-AllSky also incorporating a camera simulator, so you can see what your images will look like for a wide range of lenses, before you make any commitment to buy.
Conclusion
The Pi HQ Camera offers an impressive set of features for its price, making it a fantastic option for astrophotography enthusiasts. With its high-resolution sensor, manual control options, and adaptability to different lenses and mounts, it provides the tools necessary to capture stunning images of the cosmos. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your astrophotography setup without breaking the bank, the Pi HQ Camera is a compelling choice that strikes a balance between quality and affordability.
If you’re looking for a powerful, cost-effective, and flexible camera for astrophotography, the Pi HQ Camera should definitely be on your radar.
Happy stargazing!