The Sony IMX219 8-megapixel sensor was introduced in April 2016, replacing the 5-megapixel OmniVision OV5647 sensor used in the original PiNoIR Camera Module.

The Camera Module 2 NoIR offers the same features as the standard Camera Module, but without an infrared filter. This allows for unique-looking pictures during the day and the ability to see in the dark with infrared lighting.

We bundle a little square of blue gel with the Camera Module 2 NoIR, which you can use with the camera to . The NoIR variant is very popular among wildlife hobbyists: with a few infrared LEDs, you can monitor what nocturnal animals are doing in your garden without disturbing them.

The camera works with all models of Raspberry Pi that have a CSI connector (all except Raspberry Pi 400 and the 2016 launch version of Zero). It can be accessed through libcamera and the libcamera-based Picamera2 Python library beta.

All models of Raspberry Pi Zero require a Raspberry Pi Zero camera cable; the standard cable supplied with the camera module is not compatible with the Raspberry Pi Zero camera connector. Suitable cables are available at low cost from many Raspberry Pi Approved Resellers, and are supplied with the .