Raspberry Pi Zero — Version 1.3 with Camera Port

The Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 is the original ultra-slim Raspberry Pi, designed for projects where every millimeter of space and every milliamp of power counts. It keeps the essentials—a 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, mini HDMI, and USB—while dropping onboard networking so you can decide exactly how it fits into your design.

This version adds the camera connector, turning the tiny Zero into a flexible imaging platform for timelapse, security, and computer-vision experiments. Add a Wi-Fi dongle, USB gadget, or go completely offline for secure, air-gapped builds and ultra-low-power installations.

Why choose the original Zero

Ultra-slim form factor: Smaller than a business card, easy to fit inside tight enclosures and wearables.
Camera-ready: Dedicated CSI camera connector for use with Zero-compatible camera cables.
Flexible connectivity: Use USB OTG to attach Wi-Fi, Ethernet, serial adapters, or custom USB devices only when needed.
Low idle power: Ideal for battery-powered or always-on appliances that do not need heavy processing.

Typical projects and use cases

Timelapse and camera traps: Pair with a Raspberry Pi camera module for wildlife cameras or build-site time-lapse rigs.
Wearable or portable gadgets: Slim enough for badges, props, and custom handheld devices.
Embedded controllers: Hide inside panels, kiosks, or art installations where you need a full Linux stack.
Secure, offline tools: Air-gapped logging or analysis tools with no permanent network connection.

Starter bundles

Zero camera starter: Zero v1.3 + Pi camera module + Zero camera cable + 16 GB microSD card.
Connectivity pack: Add a USB OTG adapter, Wi-Fi dongle, keyboard, and mouse.
Embedded pack: Zero + low-profile case + standoffs + right-angle headers.

Recommended add-ons

Mini HDMI cable for initial setup and configuration.
5 V micro-USB power supply sized for any USB peripherals you plan to attach.
40-pin header kit if you want breadboard or HAT compatibility.
USB Wi-Fi dongle or USB‑to‑Ethernet adapter if you need network connectivity.

Technical specifications

Processor	Broadcom BCM2835, Arm11 single-core @ 1 GHz
Memory	512 MB RAM
Wireless	None on board (use USB Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapters if required)
Storage	microSD card slot for operating system and data
Video & audio	Mini HDMI output; composite video via test pads
USB	1 × USB 2.0 via micro-USB OTG (plus micro-USB for power)
Camera	CSI camera connector (requires Raspberry Pi Zero camera cable)
GPIO	40-pin unpopulated header footprint, standard Raspberry Pi pinout, 3.3 V logic
Power input	5 V DC via micro-USB
Dimensions	Approx. 65 mm × 30 mm

Pinout & power notes

3.3 V GPIO only: Protect pins from 5 V signals by using level shifters or resistor dividers.
USB OTG setup: A simple OTG cable lets you attach Wi-Fi, keyboards, or serial interfaces as needed.
Camera cabling: Use the special Zero-compatible camera ribbon cable, not the standard Raspberry Pi camera cable.

What’s in the box

1 × Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 board (no headers installed)

FAQ

How is this different from Raspberry Pi Zero W?: Zero v1.3 does not include built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It is better suited for ultra-low-power, offline, or tightly controlled connectivity projects where you add networking only when required.
Can I still get online with this board?: Yes. Use a USB Wi-Fi dongle, USB‑to‑Ethernet adapter, or tether it to another device over USB for network access.
Which operating system should I use?: Raspberry Pi OS Lite is recommended for most headless and camera-based projects because it keeps resource usage low on the small CPU and memory budget.