Raspberry Pi Camera HDMI Cable Extension

by Petit Studios

A set of connectors to extend the Raspberry Pi camera cable with a standard HDMI cable.

This is a kit to use a standard HDMI cable between the Raspberry Pi and its camera. The biggest advantages are obviously the range increase, the possibility to use widely available cables, and to use a round and sturdy HDMI cable instead of a flat ribbon. Note that this is just an extension between the camera and the Raspberry Pi. Four additional pins are available, this may become handy to use a few sensors with low current requirement along with your camera. The parts in the kit are shown in the third picture, every board is tested before shipping. This system works with all Raspberry Pi models.

I have tested successfully simple 5 meter HDMI cables, cheap or expensive cables worked the same. The video signal should not show any degradation until a certain distance (yet to be found).Passed the limit the video signal will be lost entirely. I have not tested HDMI boosters or HDMI conversion to CAT6, please report if you do.

Assembly Instructions

Assembly is simple but require precision to place and tighten the small M2 screws (4mm). To reproduce the setup shown on the first picture:

  • Assemble the 60mm flat cable between the camera and board, watch carefully the picture for the side of the cable; the connections face away on the extension board and toward the camera.
  • Lock the connectors in place, here it helps to have long nails. This is mandatory for a good connection.
  • Place the boards back to back, the flat ribbon should form the shape of an "S".
  • First with your fingers and maybe tweezers set a screw and spacer loosely. Set another on the opposite side and tighten a bit. Then place the two remaining screws, tighten everything with a small screw driver and a 4mm wrench or a pair of pliers. Et voila you are done!

If after plugging the camera with this kit the Pi does not detect it, you may have bought an HDMI cable without data shield. Please read my blog post that explains an easy fix.

27 customer reviews

3 years ago
This is the means of connecting the Pi camera to the Raspberry Pi using a durable cable. The kit is only available for UK customers via Pimoroni because it's impossible to get a delivery in the Tindie market place where it's normally been sold. I make digital amateur TV equipment. The BATC Portsdown transmitter is an amazing application of the Raspberry Pi. The Petite Studio cable extension set is the only compatible device to connect the Pi camera to Portsdown. Thanks Pimoroni for saving my project!
by David about Raspberry Pi Camera HDMI Cable Extension via REVIEWS.io
4 years ago
Fast shipping to the USA, good packaging, and works as described. The Pi Camera HDMI Cable Extension is much more slim and works over longer distances than a ribbon cable.
by David about Raspberry Pi Camera HDMI Cable Extension via REVIEWS.io
5 years ago
Really neat bit of kit - easy to set up despite the mounting holes not lining up with the new hi-res camera board. That was easily fixed with a 3d-print! Similarly there is not easy way to mount the small PCB onto the Pi4 motherboard, but its not a major issue. A slightly longer ribbon cable would also help there too. Overall a really nice addition that allows the camera to be moved about and used in a more practical way.
by Andrew about Raspberry Pi Camera HDMI Cable Extension via REVIEWS.io