ArduCAM IMX519 Autofocus Camera User Guide

High-Resolution Autofocus Camera
for Raspberry Pi

Getting Started

Operating instructions, safety
information, etc.

Published in September 2021
by ARDUCAM TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED

www.arducam.com

Installation

Camera Enclosure

M1.8 Screw

Upper Lid

Arducam Autofocus Camera

Socket

To t a camera board (High-Resolution Autofocus Camera/V1/V1.3/V2/V2.1):

1. Open the upper lid of the enclosure.

Ribbon Cable

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High-Resolution Autofocus Camera for Raspberry Pi

Installation

2. Put the module into the socket and install the screws.

3. Put the upper lid back.

Tripod Mount

There’s a standard tripod mount (1/4"-20) at the
back of the enclosure, you can use it with all
sorts of tripods.

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High-Resolution Autofocus Camera for Raspberry Pi

Installation

Camera Enclosure

The camera enclosure that comes with the Arducam High-Resolution Autofocus Camera
is also compatible with Raspberry Pi camera module V1/V1.3 and V2/V2.1.

Before Connecting The High-Resolution Autofocus Camera to Your Rasp­berry Pi

1. Find the camera connector, gently pull the plastic catch up.

2. Insert the ribbon cable with pins facing away from the catch.

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High-Resolution Autofocus Camera for Raspberry Pi

Installation

3. Push the catch back in.

Operating The Camera

Please make sure you are running the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS.
(March 4th or later releases).

1. Download the shell scripts

wget -O install_pivariety_pkgs.sh https://github.com/ArduCAM/Arducam-Pivariety-V4L2-Driver/releases/download/install_script/install_pivariety_pkgs.sh

chmod +x install_pivariety_pkgs.sh

2. Update your Pi

sudo apt update

3. Install libcamra-dev

./install_pivariety_pkgs.sh -p libcamera_dev

4. Install libcamera-apps

./install_pivariety_pkgs.sh -p libcamera_apps

5. Install the kernel driver

./install_pivariety_pkgs.sh -p imx519_kernel_driver

6. enjoy.

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High-Resolution Autofocus Camera for Raspberry Pi

Operating The Camera

For Raspbian Buster users, please also:

1. Open /boot/cong.txt.

2. Add the following line under [all]:
dtoverlay=vc4-fkms-v3d

3. Save and reboot.

For Bullseye users running on Pi 0 ~ 3, please also:

1. Open a terminal

2. Run sudo raspi-cong

3. Navigate to Advanced Options

4. Enable Glamor graphic acceleration

5. Reboot your Pi

For Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3/4

The latest software only supports one camera at this time, CM4 uses CAM1 by default.

libcamera-still is an advanced command line tool for capturing still images with the

High-Resolution Autofocus Camera Module.

libcamera-still -t 5000 -o test.jpg

This command will give you a live preview of the camera module, and after 5 seconds, the
camera will capture a single still image. The image will be stored in your home folder and
named test.jpg.

-t 5000: Live preview for 5 seconds.

-o test.jpg: take a picture after the preview is over and save it as test.jpg

If you only want to see the live preview, use the following command:

libcamera-still -t 0

Manually adjusting the focus

1. Download the software:
git clone https://github.com/ArduCAM/Arducam-Pivariety-V4L2-Driver.git

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High-Resolution Autofocus Camera for Raspberry Pi

Operating The Camera

2. See the camera in live preview:
libcamera-still -t 0

3. Use our focus adjustment tool:
cd Arducam-Pivariety-V4L2-Driver/focus
python3 FocuserExample.py -d /dev/v4l-subdev1

4. Press the Up/Down Arrow for focus adjustment, press “ctrl + c” to save, or “r” to reset.

One-time autofocus

For one-time autofocus, use --autofocus:

libcamera-still -t 3000 -o test.jpg --autofocus

For more advanced information about controlling the camera, please visit:

https://www.arducam.com/docs/cameras-for-raspberry-pi/raspber­ry-pi-libcamera-guide/

Instructions for Safe Use

To properly use the Arudcam High-Resolution Autofocus Camera, kindly
note:

Before connecting, you should always power the Raspberry Pi o and remove the power

supply rst.

Make sure the cable on the camera board is locked in place.

Make sure the cable is correctly inserted in the Raspberry Pi board’s MIPI CSI-2 connec-

tor.

Avoid high temperatures.

Avoid water, moisture, or conductive surfaces while in operation.

Avoid folding, or straining the ex cable.

Avoid cross-threading with tripods.

Gently push/pull the connector to avoid damaging the printed circuit board.

Avoid moving or handling the printed circuit board excessively while it’s in operation.

Handle by the edges to avoid damages from electrostatic discharge.

Where the camera board is stored should be cool and as dry as possible.

Sudden temperature/humidity changes can cause dampness in the lens and aect the

image/video quality.

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High-Resolution Autofocus Camera for Raspberry Pi

MIPI DSI and MIPI CSI are service marks of MIPI Alliance, Inc
Raspberry Pi and the Raspberry Pi logo are trademarks of the Raspberry Pi Foundation
Arducam High-Resolution Autofocus Camera And Arducam logo are trademarks of
ARDUCAM TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED

www.arducam.com