Ranking of the best document cameras for 2022

When learning something new, the most visual way is a presentation. This method is used both in schools and in higher educational institutions, and even in large organizations. The easiest way to make a decent presentation is with a document camera. With such a device, it is possible to show a large audience not only paper information, but also various experiments or three-dimensional objects.

What is a document camera

The device is a tripod on which the camera is mounted. The camera transmits an image or video to a computer or projector. This type of presentation is the most visual way to convey the necessary information to the audience.You can, of course, play back prepared material, but this will not have such an effect on listeners if they see all the actions on the screen in real time. Practice shows that presentations where material or various experiences are demonstrated in this way become more understandable, information is easier to digest, and viewers become more interested.

When recording video document cameras can make 30-60 frames per second, and besides this, the cameras have a CCD or SMOS matrix. In the aggregate of these qualities, the image will have a high resolution, the audience will be able to see everything to the smallest detail. And when reproducing movements or processes, there will be a smooth transition of actions that the observers will have the feeling that they are close to the object of observation.

This device has a backlight that does not create glare. With its help, you can see even the darkest objects, and not a single part of it will be illuminated.

Types of document cameras

The first type of this device includes lightweight models that have a low weight, usually not exceeding 5 kilograms. This type is called a portable document camera. They are very easy to carry from place to place, and for added convenience they are made of impact-resistant material. Also, such models have a special handle or bag, for ease and safety during transportation.

The second version of the devices includes stationary models. Such devices have a weight of about 15 kg, in addition, their functionality and capabilities are richer than those of portable devices.

The third version of the cameras is ceiling. From the name itself it is clear that such cameras are mounted on the ceiling with the help of special mounts.Ceiling cameras are indispensable for capturing large objects that a tabletop camera cannot capture. This version of the device has an excellent zoom, thanks to which even a very small font will be clearly visible on the screen, and the quality will not be lost.

Application area

The points where this device is used with a camera have already been discussed above, now let's take a closer look at the scope and capabilities of the document camera.

First of all, I would like to focus on education. To motivate schoolchildren or students to study new material, you need to properly interest them. Forcing something to memorize will not give the same effect as a visual analysis with the help of a presentation. The use of this technique will not only make life easier for students, but also for the teacher. To demonstrate new material, it will be enough to prepare diagrams or drawings on a regular sheet of paper, and then display it all on the screen. And the main plus is that all this can be done during the lesson, then students can see all the stages clearly. In addition, it is very convenient when parsing errors. To do this, you can display the student's notebook in close-up and thoroughly explain and discuss all the inaccuracies. According to teachers working with such a device, feedback from students is established faster, and the learning process is more efficient.

Often a document camera is used in videoconferencing. Here it can be used as a webcam and in parallel to demonstrate the material. With this method of holding a conference, communication will turn out to be more personal and effective, which cannot be said about telephone conversations or correspondence. Besides, it will save time.

Do not forget about the use in medicine.Large clinics in big cities have a full staff of specialists. If we talk about small towns, then there are not all specialists. With the help of a document camera, you can get advice from specialists during difficult cases, for example, during surgery. Also, the use of the camera is common in medicine, as a means of education. A specialist can demonstrate the process of a complex operation, and it is also possible to gather specialists from all over the world to discuss complex cases of oncology, dermatology or radiology. This method is widely used in European countries.

Criterias of choice

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the resolution of the camera. Low resolution will not allow you to take a clear picture, and then process it in the future. Of course, if you use this tool only as a projector, then a resolution of 1-2 megapixels will be enough.

A positive point is the presence of automatic camera settings. In this case, when changing the audience and lighting, the equipment itself will set the necessary parameters optimal for the current conditions. This will reduce preparation time and eliminate unnecessary hassle.

The tripod of the device should also not be left unattended. Usually there are two types of tripods: flexible and extendable. With the first option, it will be more convenient to adjust the location of the camera, and the second option is more resistant to wear.

Visualizers have an internal memory that can store previously acquired information and compare it with new results. A large amount of memory may not always be useful, because it will be difficult to find the necessary information there.

The best document cameras

AVer Vision U50

AVer Vision U50 is a handy portable document camera.It has a 5 megapixel camera and a built-in microphone. Together with these parameters, it is possible to record video, which has a recording rate of 30 frames per second. Such features make it possible not only to work with documents, but also to conduct video conferences. The AVer Vision U50 camera has a fast autofocus function and an 8x digital zoom.

AVer Vision U50 can be used with an interactive whiteboard by using the AVerVision Flash or A+ plug-ins. With their help, it will be possible to record video or audio in real time, as well as shoot high-quality images. You can also work with image effects using the software. For example, make an image black and white or freeze a certain frame in a video. Also, using the software, you can adjust the white balance and exposure, it is also possible that the program itself adjusts these parameters. Burst shooting function is supported.

"AVer Vision U50" has a flexible tripod and a built-in LED lamp. A handle is provided for easy transportation. I support work with Windows and MacOS. The size of the "AVer Vision U50" in working condition is 24.8 * 48.8 * 39 cm, and in the assembled - 25.9 * 3.9 * 16.3 cm. The weight is 1.5 kg. Powered via USB, it can also work, receiving a charge only from a computer.

The average cost is 18500 rubles.

• Built-in microphone;
• Compatible with video conferencing software such as Skype;
• Compatible with Windows and MacOS;
• Automatic camera settings;
• Ability to add effects to photos and videos.

• Camera resolution 5 MP.

Elmo MX-1

"Elmo MX-1" combines small size and big features. The camera has 4K resolution. Video is recorded at up to 60 frames per second. All video in the lens will be transferred to the screen without delay. All the main functions of the document camera can be controlled directly on it, and not through a computer, as with many models. You can also install additional features using special software.

The camera head can be rotated in any direction, which, in combination with an adjustable tripod, makes it easy to adjust the desired position. In addition, the "Elmo MX-1" has a removable magnetic support, with which it is easy to install the device on a metal surface. Its light weight makes it easy to take it with you wherever you go for presentations. In addition, there is a removable unit that has VGA and HDMI outputs. With their help, you can display an image on a projector or screen.

The average cost is 35,000 rubles.

• Camera resolution 4K;
• Flexible tripod;
• Magnetic support;
• Video transmission without delay;
• Brightness, focus, image rotation can be controlled directly on the device itself;
• The weight of the device is 430 grams;
• 5 years warranty from the manufacturer.

• Not flexible tripod.

Doko DC1310F

"Doko DC1310F" is a modern model of material demonstration equipment. This version of the document camera can be used both in educational institutions and at various auctions, office presentations or exhibitions.

The camera has a matrix with a resolution of 13 megapixels, so there is an optical zoom with the ability to increase 10 times.It is worth noting that the lens and the matrix have the ability to automatically adjust the parameters, which will help you instantly achieve the required image sharpness. But in low light, the automatic settings can slightly reduce the quality of the shooting, but you can manually adjust the settings, which will lead to impeccable quality. You can configure these parameters using the buttons located on the base of the device. Due to the fact that Full HD resolution is supported in Doko DC1310F, you can save the required information without losing quality.

VGA and HDMI outputs are available for projecting images to a screen, video projector, or interactive whiteboard. In addition, there is an input for a microphone, an output for speakers, which allows you to use sound during the demonstration. "Doko DC1310F" has a built-in memory that allows you to store about 400-500 pictures, but it is also possible to install an additional memory card up to 32 GB.

The size of "Doko DC1310F" is 40*20*50 cm, and the weight is 1.7 kg. The device has a flexible gooseneck tripod.

The average cost is 38,000 rubles.

• 10x optical zoom;
• Comes with adapters for the microscope;
• There are built-in presentation effects;
• The control buttons are embossed;
• It is possible to adjust the brightness of the backlight;
• Anti-reflective film;
• Possibility to install an additional memory card.

• No bag or storage case included.

Smart SDC-450

"Smart SDC-450" is an ideal device for demonstrating material or process both in educational institutions and in various video conferences.This Visualizer works well with other Smart products, making it easier and more convenient to use.

"Smart SDC-450" supports augmented reality function. Smart Notebook software allows you to control animated or 3D objects, as well as sounds. The kit comes with a special cube, rotating which, you can demonstrate the object from all sides. This feature will make the learning process more interesting and memorable. Augmented reality tools support several object formats, and a special software library contains a large amount of material.

The Smart SDC-450 is not only compatible with Smart products, but also works great with projectors, monitors and interactive whiteboards.

"Smart SDC-450" has a camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels and the ability to magnify the object up to 80 times. Focus can be adjusted manually or automatically depending on the light source and viewing angle. The camera capture area is 30*40 cm. Built-in memory "Smart SDC-450" allows you to store up to 240 shots, there is also a slot for a memory card. Comes with a microscope adapter.

The size of "Smart SDC-450" when disassembled is 203*550*380 mm., and when folded - 254*70*305 mm. Weight with packaging is 4.5 kg.

The average cost is 63,000 rubles.

• 80x magnification of the object;
• Antiglare screen;
• The bracket has a flexible design;
• Possibility of automatic adjustment for shooting;
• Included is an adapter for a microscope;
• Compact size.

• Camera resolution 5 MP;
• High price.

Epson ELPDC13

Using the Epson ELPDC13 desktop camera and projectors, you can supplement the educational process with demonstration material that will make life easier for teachers and students. A feature of the model is the ability to simultaneously display 2 images from different sources. This is achieved thanks to the Split-screen function.

No need to worry about insufficient lighting in the room, thanks to the LED-backlight. Even in dim lighting, all the details will be clearly visible to the audience. The camera of the device captures an area of ​​297 * 526 mm, which allows students to demonstrate large format maps or diagrams. And so that no detail is left without attention, a 16x digital zoom is provided.

No movement will be missed when displaying live video as the Epson ELPDC13 can record video at a frame rate of up to 30 frames per second.

The design has a flexible tripod that can rotate in three directions. Also, this design makes it easy to fold the document camera for storage or transfer. For convenience and reliability, a special case is included in the kit. It is worth noting that there is a special lock that will not allow stealing "Epson ELPDC13" during storage.

The size of "Epson ELPDC13" in the working position is 27 * 31.7 * 47.7 cm, and in the folded position - 36.7 * 12.2 * 12 cm. The weight is 2.5 kg.

The average cost is 42,000 rubles.

• Possibility to display simultaneously two images from different sources;
• Large scanning area;
• Supports memory card up to 32GB;
• Comes with a storage case;
• There are adapters for a microscope;
• Bright backlight.

• No.

Conclusion

A document camera is a necessary element, both in the learning process and for demonstration at video conferences. With its help, the material is easier to digest and becomes accessible, thanks to visibility. The price categories of such devices are suitable for any financial possibilities. Also, before buying, it is better to consult with a store specialist who will offer the best option based on the requirements and wishes.