Arducam B0167B5 / B0167B8 5MP / 8MP Pan Tilt Zoom PTZ Camera with Base for Raspberry Pi 4/3B+/3

The Arducam B0167B5 and B0167B8 are motorized pan-tilt-zoom camera modules engineered for Raspberry Pi single-board computers, delivering 5MP and 8MP image capture capabilities with continuous servo-based mechanical control. These modules are widely used by robotics engineers, surveillance system developers, and computer vision researchers who require dynamic camera positioning without external servo controllers. This PTZ solution eliminates the need for separate motor drivers by integrating pan-tilt mechanics with the camera module, solving the challenge of implementing multi-axis camera movement in space-constrained embedded vision projects.

Product Overview

The Arducam PTZ camera system operates on a mechanical servo-driven platform that enables 180-degree horizontal pan rotation and 120-degree vertical tilt rotation, controlled directly through GPIO pins on Raspberry Pi boards. The camera module itself features a fixed-focus lens with automatic white balance and exposure control, delivering crisp image capture across varying lighting conditions. The integrated stepper motor control eliminates the need for additional motor driver modules, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing power consumption through direct GPIO interfacing. Both B0167B5 (5MP) and B0167B8 (8MP) variants utilize the same mechanical platform, allowing users to choose resolution based on project requirements and bandwidth constraints.

The included mounting base provides a stable foundation with precision ball bearings for smooth pan-tilt operation, ensuring minimal mechanical lag during rapid directional changes. The system supports continuous servo control via standard PWM signals, enabling real-time camera tracking applications. The camera communicates with Raspberry Pi through the CSI ribbon connector, utilizing the native camera interface for optimal performance and minimal latency. This architecture makes it ideal for time-sensitive applications such as object tracking, automated surveillance, and interactive robotics where mechanical responsiveness is critical.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera Module with Motorized Base
Brand	Arducam
Origin	Original/Authentic
Warranty	7 days on manufacturing defects
Shipping	1-5 days from Bengaluru
Delivery	7-8 days across India
Support	24/7 via Email and WhatsApp
Resolution Options	B0167B5: 5MP, B0167B8: 8MP
Pan Range	180 degrees continuous rotation
Tilt Range	120 degrees vertical movement
Control Interface	GPIO PWM signals via Raspberry Pi
Camera Connection	CSI ribbon connector (15-pin)
Compatible Boards	Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3B+, Raspberry Pi 3
Power Consumption	Approximately 500mA at 5V during operation
Operating Temperature	0 to 50 degrees Celsius

Key Features

• Motorized Pan-Tilt Mechanism: 180-degree horizontal pan and 120-degree vertical tilt with servo-based positioning for dynamic camera control without external motor drivers
• Dual Resolution Options: Choose between 5MP (B0167B5) for bandwidth-constrained applications or 8MP (B0167B8) for high-detail surveillance and documentation tasks
• Direct GPIO Control: PWM-based servo control integrated with Raspberry Pi GPIO pins, eliminating the need for separate motor driver modules and reducing system complexity
• Precision Ball Bearing Base: Smooth mechanical operation with minimal friction and backlash, ensuring accurate camera positioning for tracking and scanning applications
• Native CSI Integration: Connects directly to Raspberry Pi camera port for optimal performance, low-latency image capture, and simplified software implementation
• Automatic Image Processing: Built-in white balance and exposure control adapts to varying lighting conditions without manual intervention
• Compact Form Factor: Integrated design reduces overall system footprint compared to external servo and camera combinations

Applications and Use Cases

• Automated Surveillance Systems: Deploy in home security or facility monitoring setups where the camera needs to scan multiple zones autonomously, with pan-tilt mechanics enabling 360-degree coverage from a single mounting point
• Object Tracking Robotics: Implement in robot vision systems that require real-time camera orientation adjustment to follow moving targets, utilizing continuous servo feedback for smooth tracking motion
• Time-Lapse and Panoramic Photography: Create dynamic panoramic images and time-lapse sequences by programmatically controlling pan-tilt angles, ideal for nature documentation and construction site monitoring
• Interactive Human-Machine Interfaces: Build gesture-recognition or face-tracking applications where the camera automatically orients toward detected subjects, enabling hands-free control systems and accessibility solutions
• Educational Robotics Projects: Teach embedded systems and computer vision concepts using the integrated platform, reducing development complexity and allowing focus on algorithm implementation rather than hardware integration
• Industrial Inspection Systems: Monitor manufacturing processes or equipment from multiple angles without repositioning the entire system, improving inspection efficiency in quality control applications

How to Use

Begin by connecting the camera module to your Raspberry Pi using the CSI ribbon cable, ensuring the connector is fully seated and the locking tab is engaged. Mount the camera assembly to your desired location using the provided base, which includes standard mounting holes for flexible installation options. Power your Raspberry Pi with a 5V supply capable of delivering at least 2.5A to accommodate the additional current draw from the pan-tilt servo motors. Enable the camera interface in Raspberry Pi configuration settings by running raspi-config and selecting Interfacing Options, then Camera, and reboot the system.

Control the pan-tilt mechanism using GPIO PWM signals through Python libraries such as RPi.GPIO or pigpio. Assign two GPIO pins for pan control (horizontal movement) and two for tilt control (vertical movement), typically using pins 17, 27, 22, and 23. Set PWM frequency to 50Hz with duty cycles ranging from 5% to 10% to achieve the full range of motion, with 7.5% corresponding to the center position. Capture images using the picamera library or raspistill command-line tool, synchronizing camera movement with image capture to create dynamic scanning sequences. Test servo response times to optimize tracking performance, typically achieving pan-tilt repositioning in 200-500 milliseconds depending on movement range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the B0167B5 and B0167B8 models?

The primary difference is sensor resolution: the B0167B5 features a 5MP sensor suitable for standard surveillance and robotics applications where bandwidth and processing power are limited, while the B0167B8 provides 8MP resolution for detailed image capture and high-resolution documentation tasks. Both share identical pan-tilt mechanics and control interfaces, so the choice depends on your specific resolution requirements and system processing capabilities.

Can I control the pan-tilt servos without additional motor driver modules?

Yes, the integrated servo control design allows direct PWM signal generation from Raspberry Pi GPIO pins without external motor drivers. The camera module includes onboard servo control circuitry that accepts standard 50Hz PWM signals with duty cycles between 5% and 10%, making it one of the simplest PTZ solutions for Raspberry Pi platforms.

What power supply specifications are required for reliable operation?

Use a 5V power supply rated for at least 2.5A continuous output. The camera module draws approximately 500mA during servo operation, while Raspberry Pi itself requires 1.5-2A depending on board model and attached peripherals. Inadequate power supply can cause servo jitter, image corruption, and system instability. We recommend using a dedicated 5V supply with proper voltage regulation and decoupling capacitors near the servo power input.

How do I achieve smooth tracking performance for moving objects?

Implement a feedback control loop using computer vision algorithms to detect object position in the captured image frame. Calculate the required pan-tilt angle adjustments based on object displacement from the frame center, then apply proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control to generate smooth servo movements. Typical tracking update rates of 10-15Hz provide adequate responsiveness while maintaining computational efficiency on Raspberry Pi processors.

Is the camera module compatible with Raspberry Pi Zero or Raspberry Pi 5?

The B0167B5 and B0167B8 are officially supported on Raspberry Pi 4, 3B+, and 3 models as specified. Raspberry Pi Zero compatibility depends on your specific Zero variant and available GPIO pins for servo control, though the CSI camera connector is present on all Zero models. Raspberry Pi 5 compatibility requires verification with current Arducam driver support, as newer board architectures may require updated firmware.

When will I receive my order?

Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.

What is your return and warranty policy?

We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.

Are bulk discounts available?

Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.

Why Buy from The Engineer Store

• Genuine Products: Sourced directly from authorized distributors with authentication
• Expert Team: Our technical team validates every product before listing
• Fast Shipping: Dispatched within 1-5 days from our Bengaluru warehouse
• Pan-India Delivery: 7-8 days to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata
• Payment Options: COD, UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, EMI available
• Technical Support: 24/7 expert guidance via email and WhatsApp
• Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only

Buy Arducam B0167B5 / B0167B8 5MP / 8MP Pan Tilt Zoom PTZ Camera with Base for Raspberry Pi 4/3B+/3 Online in India

Purchase the Arducam B0167B5 / B0167B8 5MP / 8MP Pan Tilt Zoom PTZ Camera with Base for Raspberry Pi