Overview

The IMX477 is a 1/2.3"1/2.3\text{"} 12.3-megapixel back-illuminated stacked CMOS image sensor manufactured by Sony. Equipped with large 1.55 μm×1.55 μm1.55\ \mu\text{m} \times 1.55\ \mu\text{m} pixels (nearly double the area of IMX219 pixels), an internal 12-bit ADC, and a 2-lane MIPI CSI-2 interface, it powers the Raspberry Pi High Quality (HQ) Camera.

Designed for high-end optical performance, the IMX477 module incorporates an integrated aluminum C/CS-mount lens socket with an adjustable back-focus ring and trip-mount thread. Delivering exceptional low-light sensitivity, 4056×30404056 \times 3040 pixel RAW stills, 4K30 video, and 1080p60 high-speed video, it is used in professional machine vision, astrophotography, industrial inspection, and high-resolution time-lapse recording.

Quick reference

Optical format1/2.3-inch (7.9 mm7.9\text{ mm} diagonal active area)
Active pixel array4056 (H)×3040 (V)4056 \text{ (H)} \times 3040 \text{ (V)} (~12.3 Megapixels)
Pixel size1.55 μm×1.55 μm1.55\ \mu\text{m} \times 1.55\ \mu\text{m} (large area for high SNR)
Lens compatibilityC-mount and CS-mount lenses (adapter ring included)
Output interface2-Lane MIPI CSI-2 (up to 1.5 Gbps per lane)
Control interfaceI2CI^2C CCI control bus (0x1A)
IR cut filterIntegrated 650 nm IR cut filter
Video modes4K30, 1080p60, 720p120

Connector & Physical Features

  • Interface Connector: 15-pin 1.0 mm pitch FPC ribbon cable (standard Pi CSI connector).
  • Mount Thread: 1/4"-20 tripod mounting socket.
  • Lens Mount: CS-mount (12.5 mm12.5\text{ mm} back-focal length); includes 6 mm6\text{ mm} C-mount adapter ring (17.526 mm17.526\text{ mm} back-focal length).

Specifications

ParameterSymbolMinTypMaxUnitConditions
Analog Supply VoltageVANAV_{ANA}2.62.83.0VSensor analog core
Digital Supply VoltageVDIGV_{DIG}1.01.051.15VSensor digital core
I/O Supply VoltageVIOV_{IO}1.71.81.9VInterface logic
Max Frame Rate (12.3MP)FPS12MFPS_{12M}—1010fps4056×30404056 \times 3040 full 12-bit RAW
Max Frame Rate (4K)FPS4KFPS_{4K}—3030fps3840×21603840 \times 2160 16:9 crop
Max Frame Rate (1080p)FPS1080pFPS_{1080p}—6060fps1920×10801920 \times 1080 2×22 \times 2 binning
Max Frame Rate (720p)FPS720pFPS_{720p}—120120fps1332×9901332 \times 990 3×33 \times 3 binning
Dynamic RangeDRDR—70—dBHigh dynamic range

Supported Video Modes

ModeResolutionAspect RatioMax Frame RateBinning / Cropping
04056×30404056 \times 30404:310 fpsFull resolution RAW
12028×15202028 \times 15204:340 fps2×22 \times 2 full FOV binning
22028×10802028 \times 108016:950 fps2×22 \times 2 cropped binning
31332×9901332 \times 9904:3120 fps3×33 \times 3 full FOV binning

Wiring

Connect the 15-pin FPC ribbon cable directly to the Raspberry Pi board's CSI port:

  • Ensure the contacts face the HDMI connector on Raspberry Pi 4 models.
  • Rotate the back-focus adjustment ring to calibrate focus when swapping between C-mount and CS-mount lenses.

Example (Python libcamera / picamera2)

python
from picamera2 import Picamera2
import time

picam2 = Picamera2()

# Configure for full 12.3MP resolution still capture
still_config = picam2.create_still_configuration(main={"size": (4056, 3040)})
picam2.configure(still_config)

picam2.start()
print("High Quality Camera online. Focusing...")
time.sleep(2)

# Capture uncompressed high-resolution photo
picam2.capture_file("hq_photo.jpg")
print("12.3MP photo saved to hq_photo.jpg")

picam2.stop()

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting the C-mount adapter ring: Attaching a C-mount lens directly to the CS-mount socket without installing the included 6 mm6\text{ mm} extension ring prevents the lens from reaching infinity focus.
  • Unfocused back-focus ring: If images remain blurry despite adjusting the lens focus ring, loosen the small back-focus locking screw and rotate the knurled metal housing ring to align the focal plane.

Notes

  • IMX477 vs IMX219: IMX477 has a larger 1/2.3"1/2.3\text{"} sensor area (1.55 μm1.55\ \mu\text{m} pixels vs 1.12 μm1.12\ \mu\text{m} pixels), interchangeable optical lenses, superior low-light SNR, and higher resolution (12.3 MP12.3\text{ MP} vs 8.0 MP8.0\text{ MP}).

Assets & downloads