Raspberry Pi5 Camera Pinout: A Practical Guide for Connecting MIPI Cameras

What Is the 22-Pin MIPI CSI-2 Interface?

The 22-pin connector on the Raspberry Pi5 camera pinout supports a 4-lane MIPI CSI-2 interface. This setup allows cameras to send data at a much faster rate than earlier models with 2-lane connections. The higher bandwidth helps when working with higher resolution sensors or when fast frame rates are needed. Each pin in the connector is assigned a specific function—like power, ground, clock signals, and data lanes—which together manage camera communication efficiently.

Connecting MIPI Cameras Using Vadzo’s ATR Board

While the Pi5’s camera interface is powerful, making the actual connection between the board and a camera can be tricky, especially if you're using a MIPI camera that doesn't natively fit. This is where Vadzo’s ATR board comes in. It's designed to support both 2-lane and 4-lane camera modules and links directly to the Pi5 using a 22-pin flexible flat cable (FFC). The board simplifies hardware setup and provides a more secure connection between components.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Check Compatibility
   Make sure your camera module supports the 4-lane MIPI CSI-2 interface. Cameras from Vadzo’s Bolt series are built to work with this setup.

2. Attach the Camera to the ATR Board
   Align the camera’s connector with the ATR board and secure it properly.

3. Connect the ATR Board to Raspberry Pi5
   Use a 22-pin FFC to link the ATR board with the Pi’s camera interface.

4. Install Drivers and Required Software
   Once connected, boot up the Raspberry Pi5 and install the necessary drivers. Depending on the OS, you may also need to enable the camera interface.

5. Run Camera Tests
   Use simple commands or scripts to verify that image capture and video recording are working correctly.

Where This Setup Works Best

Using Raspberry Pi5 with a MIPI camera setup is ideal for projects like:

• Smart cameras with facial or object detection

• Home or office security systems

• Industrial visual inspection tools

• Remote sensors for environmental monitoring

Final Thoughts

The Raspberry Pi5 camera pinout and the 22-pin CSI-2 interface offer solid performance for modern imaging applications. When paired with Vadzo’s ATR board, the setup becomes more reliable for real-world use. Whether you’re working on a prototype or deploying a production-ready system, understanding how to connect your MIPI camera to the Raspberry Pi5 is a valuable step.

To learn more about Raspberry Pi5 camera pinout and compatible hardware, visit our website.