The PiShell from SB Components is a compelling case option that might just fit your needs.

This article first appeared in The MagPi 79 and was written by Lucy Hattersley

Made of high-quality materials, the PiShell offers a couple of features that lift it above the raft of Raspberry Pi cases.

The case is made of three parts: a ‘base-bumper’ that holds the Raspberry Pi board; the ‘body-cover’ that covers the board (with access holes for the GPIO pins, camera connector, and DSI display connector; and the ‘camera-cover’, which seals the whole device.

Camera Module integration is one of the key features that raise PiShell above the rest. The Camera Module board screws on to the middle board (the ‘body-bumper’) via two supplied screws. Once assembled, the camera points out through a hole in the case.

With the case flat on a surface, the camera points straight up, which we found handy for testing out with the Teachable Machine project.

Wall mountable

On the reverse of the device are two holes for wall-mounting the device. We can see it neatly turning into a smart security camera or camera doorbell.

The case is made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. So it’s got a nice feel, with good protection for your Raspberry Pi. There are vents on both the front and back.

The PiShell is a very good-looking case, available in a range of colour combinations. You can also buy a pack of five for £20 – good value for schools or clubs.

We like the PiShell case. It’s not quite as sleek as the Official Case, but it’s sturdy; that and the Camera Module integration make it a handy surround for your Raspberry Pi board.

Verdict

8/10

A solid case with a clever design that can house a Camera Module and be wall-mounted. We think the PiShell is a great option.