PiGear FAQs¶

What is PiGear API and what does it do?¶

Answer: PiGear is a specialized API similar to the CamGear API but optimized for Raspberry Pi Boards, offering comprehensive support for camera modules (e.g., OmniVision OV5647, Sony IMX219), along with limited compatibility for USB cameras. For more info. see PiGear doc ➶

I'm only familiar with OpenCV, how to get started with PiGear API?¶

Answer: First, refer to the Switching from OpenCV guide, then go through PiGear documentation. If you still have doubts, ask us on Gitter ➶ Community channel.

Why my camera module is not detected by PiGear?¶

Answer: Make sure to complete Raspberry Pi Camera Hardware-specific settings prior using PiGear API. Also, recheck/change your Camera Module's ribbon-cable and Camera Module itself, if it damaged or got broken somehow.

How to select camera index on Pi Compute IO board with two Cameras attached?¶

Answer: Refer this bonus example ➶

Why PiGear is throwing SystemError?¶

Answer: This means your Raspberry Pi CSI ribbon-cable is not connected properly to your Camera Module, or damaged, or even both.

How to assign various configurational settings for Camera Module with PiGear?¶

Answer: See this usage example ➶

"Video output is too dark with PiGear", Why?¶

Answer: The camera configuration settings might be incorrect. Check this usage example ➶ and try tinkering parameters like sensor_mode, shutter_speed, and exposure_mode. Additionally, if your framerate parameter value is too high, try lowering it.

How to dynamically adjust Raspberry Pi Camera Parameters at runtime with PiGear?¶

Answer: See this bonus example ➶

Is it possible to change output frames Pixel Format in PiGear API?¶

Answer: Yes it is possible with Picamera2 Backend. See this bonus example ➶