MaixCAM2 – Camera and Lens Selection & Usage

Camera Sensors Officially Supported by MaixCAM2

Parameter \ Model OS04D10 SC850SL OS04A10
Resolution & FPS 2568x1448@30fps (2K / 4MP) 3856x2176@60fps (10bit) (4K / 8MP) 2688x1520@30fps (2K / 4MP)
Pixel Size 1.998µm x 1.998µm 2.0µm x 2.0µm 2.9µm x 2.9µm
Sensor Size 5130.864µm x 2893.104µm - 7841.6µm x 4454.4µm
Lens Size 1/3" 1/1.8" 1/1.79"
Output Format 10bit RAW RGB 12/10/8bit RAW RGB 16/12/10bit RAW RGB
Shutter Type Rolling Shutter Rolling Shutter Rolling Shutter
CRA 12°
Max Exposure 0.5s - 45s
Dynamic Range - Linear mode 75dB
WDR mode > 100dB
>120dB (2x/3x staggered HDR)
SNR - 39dB -
Sensitivity - 5034 mV/lux·s 32,000 e-/Lux-sec (green pixel @ 530nm illumination)
Operating Temp -30°C ~ 85°C
Optimal -20°C ~ 60°C
-30°C ~ 85°C
Optimal -20°C ~ 60°C
-30°C ~ 85°C
Application Lower resolution, lower heat, good image quality, suitable for general AI detection/recognition High resolution & clarity, higher heat High-quality imaging, color night vision, HDR, higher heat

- = not listed in datasheet or not tested.

More sensor datasheets can be found on the download site.

Lens and Mount Parameters & Replacement

Each official camera module comes with a standard M12 lens.
Note: Lens parameters vary by sensor. If you want to purchase different lenses, use the sensor specs above and the reference lens table below.

Datasheets for more lenses and mounts are available at the download site.
⚠️ Actual lenses may differ slightly from the datasheet (e.g. OS04D10 and SC850SL default lenses don’t use 650 IR-Cut even though listed). Always go by actual parts.

Lenses

Official MaixCAM2 Kit Lenses

SC850SL Lens

Parameter \ Model OS04D10 SC850SL OS04A10
Interface M12 M12 M12
Diameter 12mm 12mm 12mm
Thread Pitch 0.5mm 0.5mm 0.5mm
FOV H 90°
V 81°
D 90°
H 86.7°
V 48.8°
D 99.5°
H 88°
V 49.9°
D 100.2°
Distortion None -25.6% -25.6%
IR-Cut None None None
Lens Size 1/3" 1/1.8" 1/1.8"
CRA 12° 16.2° 16.2°
TTL - 22.28±0.2mm 22.28±0.2mm
Focal Length 3.05mm 4.9±5%mm 4.9±5%mm
Back Focal Length 3.1mm 6.41±0.2mm 6.41±0.2mm
Flange Distance 3.1mm 6.17±0.2mm 6.17±0.2mm
F-Number 2.5 1.65±10% 1.6±10%
Lens Elements 2G2P 4G4P 4G4P
Resolution Std. 4MP 8MP 4MP

Focusing

Default M12 lenses are manual focus.
If the image looks blurry, rotate the lens until focus is achieved.
Some lenses include a lock ring—loosen it before adjusting focus, then tighten it to secure.

Zoom

Default M12 lenses are fixed focal length—they support focusing (sharpness) but not zooming (optical magnification). If needed, purchase an M12 zoom lens, referencing the specs above.

Replacing the Lens

Choose another M12-compatible lens.
Important factors: lens length, mount height, and focal length.

To ensure proper focus:

  1. Focus before bottoming out: Sensor-to-lens distance (at screw-in) must ≤ flange distance. Otherwise, it can’t focus.
  2. Focus before falling out: When focusing on close objects, lens may need to move outward (v_d). Ensure flange + v_d < mount height, or the lens will slip out before focusing.

If unsure, provide your sensor + mount specs to the lens vendor for confirmation.

Mounts

Mounts are generally not replaceable (glued to PCB). Choose lenses that fit the existing mount.

Parameter \ Model OS04D10 SC850SL OS04A10
IR-Cut 650nm IR-Cut 650nm IR-Cut 650nm IR-Cut
Height 12mm 13mm
(12mm + 1mm spacer)
13mm
(12mm + 1mm spacer)
  • IR-Cut: Filters infrared. If you need IR capture, you must remove or replace the filter (not easy).

Can I Replace the Sensor?

In theory, yes.
Official sensors are already tuned and plug-and-play.
If you want a new sensor, you’ll need sensor driver integration experience and ISP tuning. The process is complex and not covered in this doc.

Real-World Camera Comparisons

TODO: