Document camera

File:Wolfvision-vz9plus3.jpg

Visualizer of WolfVision

Samsung document camera

Document camera with a gooseneck arm

Document cameras, also known as image presenters, visual presenters, digital visualizers, ("visualisers" in the United Kingdom) digital overheads, and docucams, are real-time image capture devices for displaying an object to a large audience. Like an opaque projector, a document camera is able to magnify and project the images of actual, three-dimensional objects, as well as transparencies. They are, in essence, high-resolution web cams, mounted on arms so as to facilitate their placement over a page. This allows a teacher, lecturer or presenter to write on a sheet of paper or to display a two or three-dimensional object while the audience watches.

Document cameras are typically used in classrooms or scientific presentations. One of the downfalls is it has a codependency problem, it must be connected to a video projector or TV monitor. They replaced overhead projectors, which were formerly used for this purpose. The zoom feature makes document cameras great for zeroing in on the small print in books and for projecting printed pages as if they were traditional transparencies. Also the room does not have to be pitch black to run a document camera, in a classroom setting this is a great asset. Most document cameras can also send a video signal to a computer via USB cable. More commonly these days document cameras will also be connected to an interactive whiteboard (like a Panaboard, Qomo board, Smartboard, Activboard or other brands) instead of a standard screen.

Many portable document cameras incorporate a flexible gooseneck design for ease of use, and some are capable of high-definition display. High-definition document cameras include an HDMI output port.

Most document cameras can also be supplied with an accessory so that they can be used with a microscope. According to recent research by Futuresource Consulting over 11k visualisers were sold in UK in 2008 and Futuresource forecasts that over 17k will be sold in 2009. The market is valued at £12 million in 2009 increasing 53% in 2010 to £18 million. 1 in 30 UK school classrooms now have a visualiser that will increase to 1 in 10 by 2010.

As of 2008, the most economical document cameras capture XGA resolution images of 1024×768 pixels. Document cameras that capture SXGA images capture a resolution of 1280×1024 which equates to 66% more pixels than XGA images. Higher resolution images contain more (smaller) pixels and provide sharper detail. UXGA is considered high-definition and equates to 1920×1080 pixels.

Top 10 features to know

• 1. Auto Focus: A great time saver that focuses the lens for the sharpest image
• 2. Auto Tune: Another great time saver that automatically adjusts to ambient lighting and produces the best possible image
• 3. Remote Control
• 4. Rotating Gooseneck Arm to capture images from all angles
• 5. 64 image storage inside the camera for full screen JPEG slideshow capability
• 6. Freeze and Zoom
• 7. 20,000 hour bulb life
• 8. Analog output to a TV or VCR and DVI output to a computer with projector
• 9. USB output to transfer images from the camera to a computer for editing or saving
• 10. USB 335 Software for direct capture to a computer and for editing

Document cameras in education

Today, document cameras are seen in most classrooms. What one would assume to be an expensive upgrade of the old overhead projector, many view to be a great asset and tool to use in order to help students visualize what they are learning. Many teachers are excited to share what the document camera has done for their classroom and its many uses.

All students have a better view of the information that the presenter is sharing with the class. Its use brings an end to the days of children pushing and shoving to gain a better view of a teacher-demonstrated science experiment. Furthermore, a document camera is a great classroom management tool. For example, the teacher can use the document camera to display a kitchen timer while the class is working in groups or independently. A picture schedule can also be displayed to help English Language Learners understand directions. By allowing all students to view an item simultaneously, document cameras also have the ability to streamline show-and-tell. The presenter does not have to walk slowly around the room to show everyone his or her treasure.

Document cameras are compatible with scanners, projectors, computers and many other technologies. Cost can vary from $700 to $3000. Document cameras are also an excellent tool when striving to create a "green" school. No more transparencies. Paperless handouts are now possible.

Activities or uses for the classroom

Document cameras are user friendly and kids of all ages can share in the experience. Many of the uses listed can be utilized and adapted for any grade level:

• Demonstration. Show students how to do assigned work.
• Showing math examples, manipulatives in color and three dimensions, and whole group math games.
• Immediate feedback for displaying student work
• Freeze-frame the camera for various teaching purposes. Worksheets can be frozen, work out answers on sheet, unfreeze, and show final answers.
• Close up detail observation of objects
• Zoom in on reading text and read whole class-helps when pointing out certain topics words and students can follow along.
• Use lined paper to project onto white board. Students can write on lines for handwriting examples
• Music lines on white board demonstrating musical notes—students can come up and place notes on board.

Over 150 uses compiled for education

• 101 uses for document camera. [1]
• 26 Activities for document camera: [2]
• Favorite 50 uses for a document camera [3]

List of document camera product brands

• AVerMedia: AVerVision
• Elmo: P10
• Epson: DC-10s
• Samsung: SDP-860
• Smart: SDC330