Raspberry Pi HQ Camera - Blurry Images

Overview

Getting blurry images from your Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera? This is usually related to the lens adapter ring or the focus section of the lens.

This guide will help you get sharp, focused images from your HQ Camera.

Check the adapter ring

Some lenses require the adapter ring to be removed:

• 6mm wide-angle lens: This lens and some others require the camera adapter ring to be removed. Otherwise the lens will be at an incorrect distance from the sensor and will not function as designed
• Test with and without: If images are blurry, check your lens specifications and try with and without the adapter ring
• Remove if needed: The black C-CS adapter ring unscrews from the front of the camera if it needs to be removed

When to remove the adapter ring:

• C-mount lenses: Remove the adapter ring
• CS-mount lenses: Keep the adapter ring on

Check your lens documentation to determine whether it's C-mount or CS-mount.

Adjust lens focus

Manual focus adjustment is required:

1. Locate the focus ring: Most lenses have a focus ring that rotates
2. Turn the focus ring: You may need to turn it many times to bring the lens into focus
3. Take test photos: Use libcamera-still -o test.jpg to capture test images
4. Check sharpness: View the images and continue adjusting until sharp
5. Lock focus (if available): Some lenses have a locking screw to prevent the focus from changing

Tips for focusing:

• Good lighting helps: Focus is easier to judge with adequate lighting
• Use distant objects: For wide-angle lenses, focus on objects at the distance you'll be photographing
• Be patient: Manual focus can take several attempts to get right

Lens requirement

Important: The HQ Camera needs a lens to function properly. Without a lens, no image will be produced!

The Raspberry Pi HQ Camera does not include a lens. You must purchase a compatible C-mount or CS-mount lens separately:

• 6mm wide-angle lens (popular for wide shots)
• 16mm telephoto lens (popular for standard photography)
• Third-party C/CS lenses from camera lens manufacturers

Further help

If images are still blurry after checking the adapter ring and adjusting focus:

• Clean the lens: Use a lens cleaning cloth to remove dust or fingerprints
• Check the sensor: Make sure the camera sensor (under the lens mount) is clean
• Verify lens compatibility: Confirm your lens is designed for C-mount or CS-mount cameras
• Test different apertures: If your lens has an aperture ring, try different f-stop settings