The best document cameras allow you to zoom in on papers, books, or other small items and show them to students, coworkers, or conference participants on bigger displays. They can also take videos and pictures and send them to conferencing applications like Zoom and Google Meet. They may also be used as a document scanner and are more portable than a standard flatbed scanner.
Some come with software that can automatically sequence pages; the resolution is frequently sufficient for sending contracts. Archivists will like the capacity to capture uneven materials and conduct OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on bound volumes.
These are the most important factors to consider while selecting document cameras.
Is This a Portable Document Camera?
Check whether your document camera is portable if you need it on the go.
Some document cameras are small and portable. They also don’t need to be connected to other devices like whiteboards, computers, or projectors.
Just be sure to acquire a model with an onboard adjustable zoom dial so that you can adapt to any setting you face.
Can It Be Hung From the Ceiling?
Consider getting ceiling-mounted document cameras if you require a discreet document camera. A ceiling-mounted document camera not only provides your audience with an uninterrupted view of your presentation but is also discreet.
If you want to use your document camera in the same place all of the time, such as a boardroom or other meeting space, consider choosing one that can be installed in the ceiling.
If you exhibit 3D things such as engines or large work areas, you will surely need a document camera with enough capacity.
If you want to install your document camera in the ceiling, make sure it has a rotating camera head and several output resolutions so you can achieve the greatest potential perspective.
Is It Possible to Connect It to a Computer or Whiteboard?
If you are a teacher or other educator with an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, consider purchasing document cameras to connect to your current setup.
Adding a document camera to a whiteboard expands your presenting capabilities.
When you connect your document camera to a computer, you may make adjustments on your computer while the projection is visible to everyone. This connection is usually made through USB.
Verify the document camera’s compatibility with different operating systems. If you use both, it makes sense to acquire a HoverCam that works with both Macs and PCs.
Is There a Zoom Feature?
The zoom tool lets you take something extremely tiny and magnify it so everyone can see it. This may be fine print on a business card, a cell under a microscope, or screw threads.
If you’re giving a presentation to a large group of people, you’ll likely use the zoom option.
Resolution
You can settle with 1080pHD (1920 x 1080 pixels) on most document cameras. Some of the less expensive devices do have a lesser resolution. However, they need to be updated.
Is There a Remote?
You will need camera accessories, such as a remote, if you want to wander about while presenting. A remote also enables increased audience interaction since it may be passed to a participant. If you are a teacher, a remote allows your students to present themselves while you observe.
Is There a Scanner?
If you want to capture images of what you’re working on, for example, an experiment, you’ll need a scanner. The images may be saved on your computer for later use or distributed to other collaborators or participants as a reminder of what was discussed in the session.
The images may then be used to kick off a follow-up session.
Some document cameras allow you to choose between auto-detection and manually selecting the area to scan.
Is the Split-Screen Functionality Available?
A split-screen lets you simultaneously display two sides of your presentation. The left side normally displays the camera’s live feed, while the right side displays an image of your choosing.
Some document cameras provide a split-screen capability to connect two document cameras simultaneously. This allows you to display two live streams, one on each side.
Is There a Video Recording Feature?
You may capture a video of your presentation using certain document cameras. It’s ideal for keeping up with folks who couldn’t attend the live presentation. This function is also valuable for documenting what you’ve done (e.g., for assignments or experiments that need evidence to be submitted).
Does It Support Picture-in-Picture?
This feature overlaps a small image of you over a larger image. If you are performing remote teaching or presenting, your attendees can watch you talk about what you are presenting while the document or other picture is shown.
Get Your Document Cameras Right Now!
You now understand how to choose document cameras based on how you want to use them and the characteristics you desire. Get one from the CD-Soft collections to get the most out of your document!
