I know many people have a problem with the binary blobs, but even with its limitations, the camera module is also at least $1000 cheaper than building a system

I know many people have a problem with the binary blobs, but even with its limitations, the camera module is also at least $1000 cheaper than building a system using something like a PointGrey Flea 3 and better than any consumer grade USB webcam currently on the market. Power consumption is low enough that solar power is a realistic option while keeping the system portable. JamesH has also been very responsive with adding new features to raspicam/raspistill such as the very useful signal mode. It WOULD be nicer without the binary blobs.