How to Choose the Right Document Camera for school.
There's a wide range to choose from and one
unit can't do it all......but which one is the best for you?????
EASY!!! One click at a time. Just click on
the statement that best describes your needs.
I wish to run
power point presentations along with my documents.
I would like to
capture images on my computer?
I must carry my
equipment to many locations?
I want to
show; X-Rays Legal
Papers Slides
3D objects Children's
Drawings Books Newspapers
I have distance
learning or video conferencing equipment?
I need to
control the presentation from an internet or intranet connection?
I am working with microscopes?
I demonstrate hand held electronics devices for
communication, education or entertainment.
I need to show my students what I am doing with my
hands.
Answers
Power Point
The high resolution digital document
cameras connect directly to your laptop or computer and the projector or monitor using a
VGA, HD15 pin cable. They have a VGA pass-thru connection which allow you to switch between the laptop display or
document camera's live
image. You may also use an analog visual presenter, however both the laptop and
the presenter must be connected to the projector. You must then switch video
displays using the projector's input controls.
Image Capture
Most of the high resolution digital
presenters have a USB connection and are available with Widows or Mac based software for
image capture. Most units now have an additional SD card slot for image and
movie capture. You may also capture images with an analog presenter if you have
an image capture card installed in your computer. You may then connect the
S-video or RCA composite outputs onto your card ports.
Carrying
Weight is the most significant factor here!
The portable models are now all high resolution digital.
Some have multiple video outputs with audio.
Each model has it's own benefits and drawbacks, so the best unit depends on the
intended use.
X-Rays Legal
Documents Books Slides
High resolution, full sized, illuminated base units are the best here, check out the ELMO HV-5100XG,
Lumens 660 SXGA or the
ELMO P-100
Newspapers
The DC-166SXGA and PS660 SXGA out perform
the pack. Both are high resolution and portable. They have the largest field of
view, digital magnification and have a remote control. The image can also be
rotated.
Children's Drawings
The analog models are great. The video image is smooth and the colors are
bright. The ELMO TT02RX , Lumens
DC 133 are the best bet for "Show and Tell" in our electronic
classrooms.
Video Conferencing Equipment
Go for the highest resolution analog visual presenter that is compatible with your
conferencing equipment. Models vary. We can easily determine the best compatible
model with a couple of phone calls to the manufacturer. Best Bet: ELMO
EV-4400AF
Internet control
Some visual presenters are IP addressable, one is the ELMO
P100 SXGA, Lumens 660 SXGA , both are high resolution
presenters. Their images and controls are addressable via the internet when
connected to a web server.
Microscopes
Check out the Ken-A-Vision line
of digital and analog microscopes. High quality and easy to use, software
included with the USB models. The PupilCam®
attaches to the eyepiece, and is available in a USB or RCA composite output. The
ELMO TT02RX directly connects to a
microscope without any additional adaptors
Hand Held Electronics
The Samsung SDP860 DC 166 SXGA and PS660SXGA out perform
the pack. Both are high resolution and portable. They have the largest field of
view, digital magnification and have a remote control. The image can also be
rotated.
Hand or Craft Displays
The Samsung SDP860 DC 166 SXGA PS660SXGA are the best
for desk oriented tasks. Ken-A-Vision has a nifty camera with a spring loaded
grip clamp. Great for auto shop!
