The price and size of the Raspberry Pi Zero make it ideal for embedded projects such as data collection, home automation and body cameras. You’ll need a mini HDMI to HDMI cable or adapter to connect to a monitor or TV.

Obscure video port: Very few devices use mini HDMI, but the Raspberry Pi Zero is one of them.

Special camera cables: You’ll need special Pi Zero camera cables if you want to use a Raspberry Pi camera module.

But look at this as an opportunity to learn soldering, and with one of the best soldering irons from our list, you will make short work of the 40 pin GPIO. There are also some solder-free ways to attach pins.

Bring your own pins: The GPIO does not come pre-soldered, though you can find some stores that sell pre-soldered models for extra.

One data port: There is a single micro USB port for data (plus one for power), so to connect a keyboard and mouse we either need a USB hub or to use Bluetooth peripherals.

To save the money and size over a full-fledged Raspberry Pi 4, you have to make some compromises. When thinking about the Raspberry Pi Zero there are some caveats to consider. This model has been replaced so you’re unlikely to see it for sale anywhere.Īll three models share the same layout, size and HDMI / USB ports and if you are thinking of purchasing your first board then the Raspberry Pi Zero W should be your only consideration.

Raspberry Pi Zero (version 1.2): The original version of the Pi Zero lacked the CSI camera connector that version 1.3 and Pi Zero W have.Raspberry Pi Zero (version 1.3) : The current version of the Zero lacks wireless connectivity, but has an MSRP of just $5, which makes it attractive for a project where you either don’t need network access or can have it USB connected to a PC.Raspberry Pi Zero W : Clearly the best choice, but with an MSRP of $10, slightly more expensive than the regular Pi Zero, this version includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.There are three models of Raspberry Pi Zero, though only two of them are current. 40 GPIO Pins, CSI camera connector (not on version 1.2)Ģ.6 x 1.2 x 0.2 inches (66.0mm x 30.5mm x 5.0mm)

Raspberry pi zero install camera