ArduCAM B0154 8MP Sony IMX219 camera module with Motorized IR cut filter M12 mount LS1820 Lens for Raspberry Pi 4/3B+/3
ArduCAM B0154 8MP Sony IMX219 camera module with Motorized IR cut filter M12 mount LS1820 Lens for Raspberry Pi 4/3B+/3
ArduCAM B0154 8MP Sony IMX219 Camera Module with Motorized IR Cut Filter M12 Mount LS1820 Lens for Raspberry Pi 4/3B+/3
The ArduCAM B0154 is a professional-grade 8MP camera module featuring Sony's IMX219 sensor with motorized infrared cut filter technology, designed specifically for Raspberry Pi single-board computers. This module is extensively used by embedded systems engineers, computer vision researchers, and IoT developers who require high-resolution imaging with day/night capability without manual intervention. It solves the critical challenge of capturing accurate color images in daylight while maintaining infrared sensitivity for low-light and night vision applications through its intelligent motorized IR filter switching mechanism.
Product Overview
The ArduCAM B0154 integrates the proven Sony IMX219 CMOS sensor with a motorized infrared cut-off filter mechanism that automatically switches between day and night modes. The sensor operates on a 1/4-inch optical format, delivering 8 megapixels of resolution at up to 30 frames per second. The motorized IR filter eliminates the need for manual hardware modifications or filter swaps, providing seamless transition between visible light imaging and infrared sensitivity. The M12 mount accepts the included LS1820 lens, which provides a fixed focal length optimized for medium-range applications with excellent depth-of-field characteristics suitable for surveillance, robotics, and environmental monitoring projects.
This camera module communicates with Raspberry Pi boards through the CSI (Camera Serial Interface) ribbon connector, utilizing the native camera interface for minimal latency and maximum performance. The motorized filter control is managed through GPIO pins, allowing software-based automation of day/night switching based on ambient light sensors or time-based schedules. The combination of high-quality optics, proven sensor technology, and automated filter management makes this module ideal for applications requiring consistent image quality across varying lighting conditions without operator intervention.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | 8MP Camera Module with Motorized IR Cut Filter |
| Brand | ArduCAM |
| Model | B0154 |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Image Sensor | Sony IMX219 CMOS, 1/4-inch optical format |
| Resolution | 8 megapixels (3280 x 2464 pixels) |
| Frame Rate | Up to 30 fps at full resolution, 90 fps at reduced resolution |
| Lens Mount | M12 lens mount with LS1820 lens included |
| Motorized IR Filter | Automatic infrared cut-off filter with GPIO control |
| Interface | CSI (Camera Serial Interface) ribbon connector for Raspberry Pi |
| Compatibility | Raspberry Pi 4, 3B+, 3, 3A+, Zero W |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +60°C |
| Power Consumption | Typical 250mA at 5V |
Key Features
- 8MP Sony IMX219 CMOS Sensor: Delivers high-resolution imagery with excellent low-light performance and minimal rolling shutter distortion, ideal for both stills and video capture in embedded vision applications
- Motorized Infrared Cut Filter: Automatically switches between day mode (IR blocked for accurate color) and night mode (IR passed for enhanced low-light sensitivity) via GPIO control without physical intervention
- M12 Lens Mount with LS1820 Lens: Professional-grade optical interface with included fixed focal length lens optimized for 1-3 meter working distances with excellent optical correction
- CSI Interface: Direct connection to Raspberry Pi camera port ensures minimal latency, maximum bandwidth utilization, and native software support through picamera and libcamera libraries
- Wide Frame Rate Range: Captures up to 30 fps at full 8MP resolution or 90 fps at reduced resolutions, enabling flexible trade-offs between image quality and temporal resolution for motion capture applications
- Compact Form Factor: Integrates seamlessly into space-constrained robotics, drone, and embedded surveillance projects while maintaining professional optical performance
Applications and Use Cases
- 24/7 Automated Surveillance Systems: Deploy in outdoor monitoring stations where the motorized IR filter automatically adapts to changing lighting conditions, eliminating the need for manual filter changes or dual-camera setups in security and access control systems
- Mobile Robotics and Autonomous Vehicles: Integrate into Raspberry Pi-based robots for real-time object detection, lane following, and obstacle avoidance with consistent image quality across indoor and outdoor environments without requiring separate day/night camera systems
- Environmental and Wildlife Monitoring: Capture high-resolution imagery of natural habitats with automatic IR filtering that prevents false color casts during daylight while enabling nocturnal animal observation without supplemental infrared illumination
- Computer Vision Research and Development: Utilize the high-quality IMX219 sensor and motorized filter control for academic projects involving image processing, machine learning model training, and sensor fusion experiments requiring programmable optical characteristics
- Agricultural IoT and Crop Monitoring: Deploy in field-mounted Raspberry Pi systems for crop health assessment, pest detection, and growth tracking with automatic filter switching that maintains color accuracy for vegetation indices while enabling thermal pattern detection in low-light conditions
- Indoor Navigation and SLAM Applications: Implement in simultaneous localization and mapping systems where consistent image quality from the motorized filter improves feature detection reliability across varying indoor lighting conditions
How to Use
Begin by ensuring your Raspberry Pi is powered off, then carefully insert the CSI ribbon cable from the camera module into the camera port (CSI0 on Raspberry Pi 4/3B+/3) with the blue tab facing outward. Gently push the connector until the ribbon seats fully and the retention clip locks. If using the included LS1820 lens, verify the M12 mount is properly threaded into the camera module's lens interface. Connect GPIO pins for the motorized filter control to your designated pins (typically GPIO 17 and 18) through appropriate level-shifting circuitry if operating above 3.3V logic levels. Enable the camera interface in raspi-config under Interfacing Options, then install the picamera or libcamera Python libraries depending on your Raspberry Pi OS version.
To control the motorized IR filter, write Python code that sets the GPIO pins to HIGH for day mode (IR filter engaged) or LOW for night mode (IR filter disengaged). Implement automatic switching by reading an analog light sensor through an ADC module, or use time-based schedules with the datetime library. Test image capture using raspistill or Python picamera commands to verify focus and exposure before deploying in production. For optimal results, adjust the M12 lens focus ring while observing live preview output, typically focusing at your expected working distance. Monitor power consumption as the motorized filter mechanism draws additional current during switching transitions, ensuring your power supply provides adequate headroom beyond the base Raspberry Pi requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the motorized IR filter and standard fixed filters?
The motorized IR cut filter in the B0154 uses a servo-controlled mechanism that physically moves the filter in and out of the optical path under GPIO control. This eliminates the color shift and reduced sensitivity of permanently installed fixed filters, allowing true day/night capability where daytime images maintain accurate color reproduction while night mode captures infrared wavelengths for low-light imaging. Fixed filters compromise either daytime color accuracy or nighttime sensitivity, whereas the motorized approach provides optimal performance in both conditions without requiring manual intervention or hardware modification.
Is the LS1820 lens fixed focus or adjustable?
The LS1820 lens features a manual focus ring that allows adjustment across its focusing range, typically from approximately 0.5 meters to infinity depending on the specific variant. The focus ring should be adjusted while observing live video preview from your Raspberry Pi to achieve sharp focus at your intended working distance. Once focused for your application, the ring can be locked in place using the set screw provided, preventing accidental focus shift during operation or transportation in mobile robotics applications.
Which Raspberry Pi models are compatible with the ArduCAM B0154?
The B0154 is fully compatible with Raspberry Pi 4, 3B+, 3, 3A+, and Zero W models. All these boards feature the CSI camera interface connector required for the module. However, Raspberry Pi 4 offers superior performance for real-time image processing due to its quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor, making it the recommended platform for applications requiring concurrent video capture and computer vision algorithms. Ensure your chosen board has adequate power supply capacity, as the motorized filter mechanism increases power draw compared to standard camera modules.
How do I control the motorized IR filter with Python code?
Use the RPi.GPIO or gpiozero libraries to control the filter. Typically, the filter control requires two GPIO pins for direction control or a single pin for toggle operation. Example code: import RPi.GPIO as GPIO; GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM); GPIO.setup(17, GPIO.OUT); GPIO.output(17, GPIO.HIGH) engages the filter, GPIO.output(17, GPIO.LOW) disengages it. For automatic switching based on light levels, read an analog light sensor through an ADS1115 ADC module and implement conditional logic to switch the filter state. Consult the ArduCAM documentation for your specific GPIO pin assignments and control sequence timing requirements.
What is the maximum frame rate at full 8MP resolution?
The ArduCAM B0154 achieves up to 30 frames per second at full 8MP resolution (3280 x 2464 pixels). If higher frame rates are required, you can reduce the resolution to achieve 60 fps at 4MP or 90 fps at lower resolutions. The CSI interface bandwidth supports these rates, but sustained high-speed capture may require optimization of your Raspberry Pi's CPU and storage I/O performance, including use of fast microSD cards or external SSD storage for video recording applications.
Can I use this camera module with other single-board computers besides Raspberry Pi?
The ArduCAM B0154 is specifically designed for Raspberry Pi boards with CSI camera interface connectors. While some other boards like Jetson Nano feature CSI connectors, compatibility requires matching the physical connector specification and software driver support. The motorized filter control uses standard GPIO pins, so any board with GPIO capability could theoretically control the filter, but camera image capture would require native CSI driver support. For non-Raspberry Pi platforms, consider ArduCAM's USB camera modules or other board-specific camera solutions.
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