Raspberry Pi camera module comes to the UK May 14th, lands early for some (updated)
Remember that Raspberry Pi camera module we wrote about a few months ago? It looks like UK-based electronics retailer CPC / Farnell will start taking orders for the shooter on May 14th. Users on the Raspberry Pi forums who signed up for info about the camera module have received an email from the retailer inviting them to order. As a reminder, the five megapixel fixed-focus shooter -- which only measures 25 x 20 x 9mm -- can snap 2,592 x 1,944-pixel images and capture video at 1,080p (30fps), 720p (60fps) and VGA (60 or 90fps). While the accessory is expected to cost about $25, there's no actual pricing details on CPC / Farnell's website. Wanna see the camera module in action? One lucky Raspberry Pi user's received the device early and shared a video -- check it out after the break.
Update: As promised, the boards are now officially available to order per a blog post on the Raspberry Pi website. And the price is indeed $25. Hit the source link for a list of commands needed to activate the add-on, or check after the break for another video demonstrating the setup process and some PR explaining Element 14's competition to promote the Pi and its camera.
[Thanks, HaloBlu]
Show full PR text
Launch of New Module Allows Photographers to use Raspberry Pi to Capture Images and Video
Photography competition from element14 to celebrate launch of camera module for Raspberry Pi
May 14, 2013 – Chicago – The eagerly anticipated Raspberry Pi camera board is making its debut with Newark element14 today, allowing potential photographers to take pictures and video with their Raspberry Pi.
One of a strong pipeline of exclusive Raspberry Pi accessories to be launched this year, the camera board, which retails at $25, is available through Newark element14 and MCM in North America, Farnell element14 in Europe, CPC in the UK and Ireland, and element14 in Asia Pacific.
The camera board is a custom designed add-on for the Raspberry Pi that attaches to one of the small sockets on the board's upper surface. This interface uses the dedicated CSi interface, designed especially for interfacing to cameras. The camera board itself is tiny, at around 25mm x 20mm x 9mm.
Key features of the camera board:
• 5 megapixel native resolution sensor - capable of 2592 x 1944 pixel static images
• Supports 1080p30, 720p60 and 640x480p60/90 video
• Supported in the latest version of Raspbian - Raspberry Pi's preferred operating system
To launch the camera, element14 is calling all budding photographers to enter its Raspberry Pi photography competition to win a supply of new Raspberry Pi accessories throughout the remainder of the year. Anyone who owns a Raspberry Pi and camera can enter the competition, which calls for images taken with the device to be submitted in four categories: o Your Workshop/Den
o Your Pi Project
o People and Pets
o Outdoors
Five finalists will be selected in each category. These entries will be uploaded to Facebook for a public vote to select an overall winner. The competition will run from May 14 to June 14, 2013.
Claire Doyle, Global Head of Raspberry Pi at Newark element14, said, "Since we launched the Raspberry Pi exclusively at Embedded World 2012, Newark element14 has led the activity through the phenomenal journey of this little computer. The camera board is the latest in a suit of accessories, the most recent being Embedded Pi launched just last week, which allow customers to create their own solutions. It is an exciting journey and the camera board has been so eagerly anticipated, we felt we should commemorate the launch with a competition for our customers."
With over 9 million views of the Raspberry Pi group on the element14 Community, the success of the micro-computer is clear. To join the conversation, go to http:// www.element14.com/raspberrypi. To take part in the Raspberry Pi camera competition and find out more, please visit www.element14.com/picamera.
###
About element14
Launched in June 2009, element14 is the first information portal, collaborative community and electronics store specifically built for electronic design engineers. The community recently unveiled its element14 knode, a unique automated platform that enables engineers to quickly research, design, develop and prototype in a single, intelligent environment. element14 is an innovative offering from Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl), FTSE 250, a leader in multi-channel electronics distribution trading throughout Europe (Farnell), the Americas (Newark) and Asia Pacific (element14). The company had group sales of £952m last year.
About Premier Farnell
Premier Farnell plc (LSE:pfl) is a global leader in high service distribution of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair. Its differentiated proposition includes 29 local language transactional websites, and the critically important element14 Community for design engineers – an industry first (www.element14.com). With sales last year of £952m the Group distributes its comprehensive portfolio of products and services throughout Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, supported by a global supply chain of over 3,500 suppliers and an inventory profile developed to anticipate and meet its customers' needs.
While global in scope, Premier Farnell recognizes the individual needs of each market and has continued to internationalize its model accordingly. It trades locally as Farnell in Europe, Newark/ element14 in North America and Mexico and Farnell Newark in Brazil. Across Asia Pacific the business trades as element14.
