# Piranha Pi Camera ## Overview https://youtu.be/WBJ08su91dg Build a Piranha Plant themed camera using a Raspberry Pi 5! The Warp Pipe-shaped base houses the Pi 5 with a fan and a 4" touch screen. A camera module is housed inside the Piranha mouth. The case has access to the USB ports with vents on the side to keep the Pi cool.     ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/507/medium640/camera_hero-mario-wide.jpg?1745928369) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/508/medium640/camera_hero-tri-wide.jpg?1745928413) Build a timelapse rig with the sleeve to mount to a tripod. Capture stunning timelapses with dynamic exposure thanks to the HDR mode.  The wide angle camera module V3 features autofocus and a 12-megapixel sensor and an HDR mode, giving you excellent image quality. High dynamic range means you can capture perfect exposures in timelapse videos. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/479/medium640/raspberry_pi_hero-boards.jpg?1745794131) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/509/medium800thumb/camera_mario-tl-b.jpg?1745928439 ) # Parts ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/480/medium800/raspberry_pi_parts.jpg?1745794315 ) ### Raspberry Pi 5 - 4 GB RAM [Raspberry Pi 5 - 4 GB RAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5812) The Raspberry Pi 5 is the newest Raspberry Pi computer, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing _better_! And what could make the Pi 5 better than the 4? How about a _faster_ processor, USB 3.0 ports, and an updated Gigabit Ethernet chip with PoE... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5812) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5812/guides) ![Angled shot of green Raspberry Pi 5 microcontroller.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5812-01.jpg) ### Official Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler [Official Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5815) The **Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler** is compatible with the [Raspberry Pi 5](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=raspberry+pi+5) and the [Raspberry Pi 5 Case](http://www.adafruit.com/product/5816). Designed for anyone who wants to push the performance of their... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5815) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5815/guides) ![Angled shot of a cooling fan installed on a green microcontroller.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5815-04.jpg) ### Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens [Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658) Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 is a compact camera from Raspberry Pi. It offers an IMX708 12-megapixel sensor with HDR, and features phase detection autofocus. Camera Module 3 is available in standard and wide-angle variants, both of which are available with or without an infrared cut... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5658/guides) ![Close up of Raspberry Pi Camera ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5658-04.jpg) ### Pimoroni HyperPixel - 4.0" Hi-Res Display for Raspberry Pi [Pimoroni HyperPixel - 4.0" Hi-Res Display for Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3578) **Pimoroni's HyperPixel** features a **4.0" display with 800x480** 18-bit color pixels and a capacitive touch overlay, making it more sensitive and responsive than a resistive touch display. The plate uses the high speed **DPI** interface on... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3578) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3578/guides) ![Red polished finger scrolling through the adafruit website on a Pimoroni HyperPixel - 4.0" Hi-Res Display for Raspberry Pi. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/3578-03.jpg) ### Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw [Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392) _Whaddya got a screw loose or something?_ This **3/8" to 1/4"** **Adapter Screw** is super handy if you're building projects that connect to a tripod or a camera. It's a simple fix for getting a tripod with a 1/4" machine screw... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2392/guides) ![Camera and Tripod 3/8 to 1/4 Adapter Screw](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2392-01.jpg) ### Official Raspberry Pi 45W USB-C Power Supply [Official Raspberry Pi 45W USB-C Power Supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6320) If you want a general-purpose USB Power Delivery supply, the official Raspberry Pi 45W USB-C power supply makes for a good quality PD supply that provides high current at a large option of voltages, including 12V which is not always supported, and 5A and 5V which also is a bit rare but makes... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6320) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6320/guides) ![Angled Shot of the Official Raspberry Pi 45W USB-C Power Supply.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/6320-03.jpg) ### Official Raspberry Pi A2-Class microSD Card - 64GB Blank [Official Raspberry Pi A2-Class microSD Card - 64GB Blank](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6011) Optimise data transfer speeds on your Raspberry Pi computer with an official Raspberry Pi **64GB** microSD card. Rigorously tested to ensure optimal performance on Raspberry Pi computers, these Class A2 microSD cards help ensure you get the smoothest user experience from your... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6011) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6011/guides) ![Angled shot of black microSD card.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/6011-00.jpg) ### Part: M2.5x6mm Screws quantity: 13 M2.5x6mm Screws [M2.5x6mm Screws](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078BBQ1WD) ### Part: M2.5x5mm Screws quantity: 4 M2.5x5mm Screws [M2.5x5mm Screws](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CEAD7HG) ### Part: M2x6mm Screws quantity: 2 M2x6mm Screws [M2x6mm Screws](https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a15123100ux0365-Phillips-Countersunk-Machine/dp/B01DKI5ME2) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/513/medium800/camera_hero-tri-close.jpg?1745929094 ) # Piranha Pi Camera ## 3D Printing ## Parts List STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Most parts are designed to 3D print without any support material.  Original design source may be downloaded using the link below. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/481/medium640/raspberry_pi_parts-3d.jpg?1745794789) [Edit Design](https://a360.co/3YGXiUv) [Download Pi Piranha Cam STLs + 3MF](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/483/original/Pi_Piranha_Cam_STLs.zip?1745795131) ### Slice with settings for PLA material.  The parts were sliced using CURA using the slice settings below. - PLA filament 220c extruder - 0.2 layer height - 10% gyroid infill - 60mm/s print speed - 60c heated bed ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/482/medium640/raspberry_pi_slice.jpg?1745794814) # Piranha Pi Camera ## Assemble ## Mount the fan Plug the fan cable into the port by the headers on the Pi. Align the sticky thermal pads to the chips on the Pi. Gently apply pressure to the spring screws to the inner screw (the two holes without the yellow outlines) mounts on the Pi. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/484/medium640/raspberry_pi_fan-mounted.jpg?1745795247) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/485/medium640/raspberry_pi_fan-mount.jpg?1745795676) ## Camera ribbon cable Insert the included 150mm camera cable into the CAM/DISP 0 port as follows: Gently pull the two connector latches on each side of the camera ribbon connector. The cable should  face toward the USB A ports. Press fit the ribbon cable into the camera port.  Push each side of the latch connector one at a time to firmly attach the ribbon cable. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/487/medium640/raspberry_pi_cam-ribbon.jpg?1745795892) ## Mount Pi Align the USB A ports to the cutout on the bottom printed case. Fasten it using three M2.5x6mm screws. Leave the standoff next to the USB C port without a screw to accommodate the display standoff. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/488/medium640/raspberry_pi_pi-screws.jpg?1745795934) ## Display standoff Use one of the HyperPixel standoffs (included) to help level the display when attached to the Pi. Attach the standoff next to the longer ribbon cable port. Make sure the camera ribbon cable is laying towards the USB A ports. Add the included header extender to the display and mount to the headers on the Pi. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/489/medium640/raspberry_pi_display-standoff.jpg?1745796154) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/490/medium640/raspberry_pi_display-standoff-mounting.jpg?1745796269) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/491/medium640/raspberry_pi_display-standoff-mounted.jpg?1745802024) ## Peel the protective film Remove the protective film off the display before attaching the front case. Slide the front case rails under the display with the USB port cutout first. Press fit the rails one side at a time to snap fit together. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/492/medium640/raspberry_pi_display-peel.jpg?1745802464) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/493/medium640/raspberry_pi_display-cover.jpg?1745802532) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/494/medium640/raspberry_pi_case-snapped.jpg?1745802669) ## Assemble stem  Align the stem to the sleeve and fasten the tabs on the sides with two M2.5x6mm screws. The front screw holes use two M2.5x5mm screws, fasten from underneath the sleeve. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/495/medium640/raspberry_pi_stem-sleeve-align.jpg?1745802732) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/496/medium640/raspberry_pi_stem-sleeve-attached.jpg?1745802849) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/497/medium640/raspberry_pi_stem-sleeve-btm-screws.jpg?1745802886) ## Stem ribbon cable Align the sleeve to the screen cutout. Insert the ribbon cable into the stem cavity. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/498/medium640/raspberry_pi_stem-sleeve-ribbon.jpg?1745803025) ## Place bottom mouth  Align the ribbon cutout to the bottom mouth part and place over the screw mounts on the end of the stem. Pass the ribbon cable through the cutout. Fasten the mouth to the stem. The two screws on the outer side are M2.5x6mm long. The two center screws are M2.5x5mm long. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/499/medium640/raspberry_pi_mouth-btm-place.jpg?1745803107) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/500/medium640/raspberry_pi_mouth-btm-ribbon.jpg?1745803151) ## Attach the camera module Gently pull the two connector latches on each side of the camera module. Press fit the ribbon cable into the camera port.  Push each latch connector one at a time to firmly attach the ribbon cable. Angle the camera module to press fit into the bottom nubs. Fasten with two M2x6mm screws to the top standoffs. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/501/medium640/raspberry_pi_cam-snap-screws.jpg?1745803275) ## Attach the top mouth Place the top mouth part over the screw holes and fasten with three to six M2.5x6mm screws. To secure the sleeve to the case, use two M2.5x6mm screw on the sides. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/502/medium640/raspberry_pi_mouth-top-sleeve-screws.jpg?1745803420) ## Attach the leaf  The leaf press fits by gently bending one side of the cutout and place over the stem. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/503/medium640/raspberry_pi_leaf-attach.jpg?1745803561) ## Tripod attachment The tripod sleeve press fits to the bottom of the case and can be fasten with two M2.5x6mm screws. A 3/8" to 1/4" adapter screw threads into the screw hole. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/504/medium640/raspberry_pi_tripod-sleeve.jpg?1745803818) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/505/medium640/raspberry_pi_tripod.jpg?1745803862) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/512/medium800/camera_hero-mario-medium.jpg?1745928735 ) # Piranha Pi Camera ## Use The default installation of Raspberry Pi OS includes support for the V3 cameras. A full list of commands is linked below. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/510/medium640/camera_temp-preview-screen.jpg?1745928636) [Raspberry Pi Camera Commands](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/camera_software.html) ## Preview camera open a terminal window and load a preview window to frame up the camera. ```python rpicam-hello -t0 --hdr ``` ## Timelapse settings We used the settings below for quick on location timelapses. For 10 mins it will take one picture every 1 second. ```python rpicam-still -t 600000 --timelapse 1000 --datetime --hdr ``` ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/511/medium800thumb/camera_mario-tl-b.jpg?1745928696 ) ## Featured Products ### Raspberry Pi 5 - 4 GB RAM [Raspberry Pi 5 - 4 GB RAM](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5812) The Raspberry Pi 5 is the newest Raspberry Pi computer, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing _better_! And what could make the Pi 5 better than the 4? How about a _faster_ processor, USB 3.0 ports, and an updated Gigabit Ethernet chip with PoE... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5812) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5812/guides) ### Official Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler [Official Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5815) The **Raspberry Pi 5 Active Cooler** is compatible with the [Raspberry Pi 5](https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=raspberry+pi+5) and the [Raspberry Pi 5 Case](http://www.adafruit.com/product/5816). Designed for anyone who wants to push the performance of their... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5815) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5815/guides) ### Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens [Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658) Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 is a compact camera from Raspberry Pi. It offers an IMX708 12-megapixel sensor with HDR, and features phase detection autofocus. Camera Module 3 is available in standard and wide-angle variants, both of which are available with or without an infrared cut... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5658/guides) ### Pimoroni HyperPixel - 4.0" Hi-Res Display for Raspberry Pi [Pimoroni HyperPixel - 4.0" Hi-Res Display for Raspberry Pi](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3578) **Pimoroni's HyperPixel** features a **4.0" display with 800x480** 18-bit color pixels and a capacitive touch overlay, making it more sensitive and responsive than a resistive touch display. The plate uses the high speed **DPI** interface on... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3578) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3578/guides) ### Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw [Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392) _Whaddya got a screw loose or something?_ This **3/8" to 1/4"** **Adapter Screw** is super handy if you're building projects that connect to a tripod or a camera. It's a simple fix for getting a tripod with a 1/4" machine screw... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2392/guides) ### Official Raspberry Pi 45W USB-C Power Supply [Official Raspberry Pi 45W USB-C Power Supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6320) If you want a general-purpose USB Power Delivery supply, the official Raspberry Pi 45W USB-C power supply makes for a good quality PD supply that provides high current at a large option of voltages, including 12V which is not always supported, and 5A and 5V which also is a bit rare but makes... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6320) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6320/guides) ### Official Raspberry Pi A2-Class microSD Card - 64GB Blank [Official Raspberry Pi A2-Class microSD Card - 64GB Blank](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6011) Optimise data transfer speeds on your Raspberry Pi computer with an official Raspberry Pi **64GB** microSD card. Rigorously tested to ensure optimal performance on Raspberry Pi computers, these Class A2 microSD cards help ensure you get the smoothest user experience from your... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6011) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6011/guides) ## Related Guides - [Set up Web Workflow on the Adafruit MEMENTO](https://learn.adafruit.com/set-up-web-workflow-on-the-adafruit-memento.md) - [PyPortal Roku Remote](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-roku-remote.md) - [Custom 3D Hat Graphics](https://learn.adafruit.com/custom-3d-hat-graphics.md) - [CircuitPython Elgato WiFi Light Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-elgato-wifi-light-controller.md) - [Using Weird Displays with Raspberry Pi](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-weird-displays-with-raspberry-pi.md) - [NeoTrellis Sound Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/neotrellis-soundboard.md) - [PiGlass](https://learn.adafruit.com/piglass-wearable-raspberry-pi-computer.md) - [Raspberry Pi Wearable Time Lapse Camera](https://learn.adafruit.com/raspberry-pi-wearable-time-lapse-camera.md) - [PiGRRL - Raspberry Pi Gameboy](https://learn.adafruit.com/pigrrl-raspberry-pi-gameboy.md) - [Solar Boost Bag](https://learn.adafruit.com/solar-boost-bag.md) - [Doomscroll and Chill - A Wireless BLE Scroll Wheel Remote](https://learn.adafruit.com/doomscroll-and-chill-wireless-ble-scroll-wheel-rotary-encoder-remote.md) - [Stained Glass Lamp](https://learn.adafruit.com/stained-glass-lamp.md) - [Adding a Single Board Computer to PlatformDetect for Blinka](https://learn.adafruit.com/adding-a-single-board-computer-to-platformdetect-for-blinka.md) - [CRICKIT Flippy Robot](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-flippy-robot.md) - [Scan QR Codes with CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/scan-qr-codes-with-circuitpython.md)