Technology has been changing different aspects of our lives and the classroom has seen so many innovations aimed at improving interactive teaching and learning. Document cameras are among the latest offerings in the class of equipment that can transform the classroom experience and make teaching and learning easier and better. These devices can also be helpful in offices when team leaders or other team members need to make important presentations.
Document cameras allow you to transfer images and documents into your PC and turn them to soft copies with ease. They can be incredibly helpful in visual presentation as you can literarily take an image from a sheet of paper and present it in real time. It offers so much flexibility that you can add images and documents to your presentation in the very last minute.
Below, we’ve researched extensively to put together the top 10 best portable document cameras on the market. Check them out.
Top 10 Best Portable Document Cameras
1. Ipevo Ziggi-HD Plus
This is an advanced document camera for classroom that will transform the way you present your lesson. It has grown really popular among teachers and there are good reasons for that. For a start, the device is easy to use. It is also a budget document camera even though it is highly rated. It also packs a lot of wonderful features that makes quality presentations possible. Its multi-jointed stand and swiveling head makes it versatile.
The Ipevo Ziggi-HD Plus is a space efficient device that will not clutter your desk. A powerful camera with large shooting range, this document camera features HD and SD resolutions: it has a frame rate of 30 fps (at full HD) and up to 15 fps (at 3264 x 2448 pixels). A powerful camera of 8.0 Megapixels, the device has 12x continuous digital zoom and full autofocus lens. It also has a built-in mic. Connection is achieved with USB. It comes with the Ipevo Presenter software.
2. IPEVO VZ-R Document Camera
This is a versatile document scanner camera that can serve as your perfect visual presenter in different settings. It can be used in the classroom, in offices and at your home too. The CMOS technology based device can transform documents and real objects into image signals that can be displayed with other projector accessories.
The IPEVO VZ-R is a high performance document camera of 8 Megapixels. It can capture high resolution images in different modes for presentation. In USB mode generates 3264 x 2448p; and HDMI mode generates 11920 x 1080p images. The document camera supports video recording in USB mode only. Other features that make this document camera an amazing device include multiple connectivity options, powerful zoom technology, responsive autofocus technology, bright LED lights and annotation on live/still image.
3. HUE HD Pro
This is another impressive professional grade USB document camera that can enhance classroom experience meaningfully. It is arguably the best you can get from the HUE range of USB cameras in terms of value. It features a newly designed head and base that are sturdy enough and improves the durability of the camera.
The Hue HD Pro USB Document Camera is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. It comes with wide-angle lens and supports full 360 degree rotation. The camera system also has a built-in microphone and a set of bright LED lights to make visualization and presentations better. It supports a full interactive experience as you can record video and sounds directly to the computer, take snapshots, take multiple images over time, annotate live video and images with text, drawings and shapes. You can also flip the camera image horizontally and vertically.
4. CZUR ET16
This is definitely one of the best document cameras in the market. It is compatible with Mac and Windows. It will definitely enhance your scanning experience. It has the capacity to directly scan books, magazines or any form of document within size A3 at an incredible speed of 1.5s/page. Besides books, this device is also capable of scanning physical objects such as sculptures. Anything scanned by this device can be converted to editable Word/PDF/TIFF or JPG, thanks to the Smart Optical Character Recognition (OCR) function.
Some of the prominent features that make the CZUR ET16 document camera great include innovative side lighting, automatic flattening and finger removal feature, and the fact that it will tilt itself to provide tilt correction. It also has multiple operating modes.
5. Elmo 1349 Model TT-12ID
This is somewhat a high-end that will be the perfect teaching tool if you can afford it. This document camera sells at a price that can be considered a little expensive but there are lots of interesting features that justifies this. It will be your perfect stand alone document camera if you can afford it.
The Elmo 1349 Model TT-12ID boasts of exceptional optical and digital zoom 96x, (12x optical and 8x digital). It will capture documents in detail and let you present to your students or audience top quality content. The camera features 3.4 Megapixels while resolution is 2144 x 1588 PIXELS. For frame rate, it delivers 30 fps at full HD resolution and up to 15 fps at 3264 x 2448 pixels. This document camera can be connected via USB, VGA, and HDMI. Other interesting features include built-in switcher, and audio input/output.
6. Lumen DC265 UXGA
This is a high-definition multimedia document camera that will consistently deliver clear images and crisp text that will make classroom come alive. It seems the device is specifically made for teachers and there are several features that make using it fun. The design is even outstanding, with the two bright lights giving it a nearly floral appearance.
The Lumen DC265 UXGA comes with a camera of 5 Megapixel and offers resolution off 1920 x 1080 pixels. Frame rate is 30 fps while zoom is impressive at 6x optical zoom and 8x digital zoom. The device is also very adaptive: connection options include USB, VGA, and HDMI, allowing you to connect it to PCs, TVs, or monitor. Extra features besides the double lamps include SD Card slot, internal memory, and Built-in mic.
7. Ipevo CDVU-03IP
This is a budget document camera for classroom. It is made for those that are looking for a document camera projector for basic presentations. With a camera that is just 2.0 Megapixels and resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels, this is a simply designed USB Web camera. It is compact, versatile and powerful enough for basic presentation. Its standout quality is the price.
The Ipevo CDVU -03IP point 2 view camera offers multi-jointed stand positions for documents, objects, and hands-on demonstration. It features continuous or single-click autofocus for sharp, clear text and detail. The device is also compatible for with Mac, Windows and Chrome Operating Systems. There is also custom software and one-touch snapshot feature that can capture images to your drive.
8. Lumens DC120
This is a portable document camera that offers so much in terms of value. It is a lightweight device that appeals to many due to its plug and use design. It is a versatile document camera projector that you can carry about easily and set up to use anywhere and anytime. With an impressive range and powerful audio and video recording properties, you will find it very helpful.
The Lumen DC120 Ladibug Document camera produces clear High-Definition images with superior color reproduction quality. The output resolution differs in different modes: XGA (1024 x 768p); SXGA (1280 x 960p); and UXGA (1600 x 1200p). It has frame rate of 30 fps and Zoom Ratio of 5.5 x mechanical zoom. This device supports most computers and has a built-in LED lamp.
9. Samsung SDP 860
Samsung has established itself as a technology giant and you can always expect their products to be top of the class. This is a true definition of quality and you can get it at a very reasonable price for the premium value it offers. It is complete classroom recording solution that can capture and project high resolution images and movies with clear audio.
The Samsung SDP 860 Digital Document camera can record up to 32GB through an SDHC memory card. At 30fps, it provides full motion display with no latency. It also comes with 2d/3d Noise reduction technology to improve overall quality of presentation. With 48x combined zoom (6x optical and 8x digital), images are clearer than what you can obtain with many other document cameras.
10. AVer Information U70
This is a well-engineered plug-n-play USB document camera that will offer value for money. It has all it takes to transform your classroom. It also makes it possible for you to create lessons on the go. It is a portable device and you will find it incredibly helpful if you travel often or need to make presentations at different places. It comes with an award winning A+ Suite Sphere2 software to make learning more interesting in the class.
AverVision U70 USB has a compact design and is super light. It delivers vivid motion consistently, thanks to the 8 Megapixel camera and 16x optical zoom that boosts clarity. Other interesting features include the built-in LED lights to illuminate any object under the camera. You can take a video or capture images at 60fps, 4K quality.
Buyer’s Guide
Factors to consider before buying a document camera
There are some really important factors you need to consider before buying a document camera. Firstly, you need to consider the purpose of the device. Depending on where and how often you will be using the device, there are so many features you need to consider. Here, we will quickly go over some of the most important factors you must consider before parting with your money for a document camera.
Design/construction
It is important that you consider how the document camera was constructed and the materials used. This is to make sure that you have a durable device that will serve you for as long as possible. There is no need buying a nice looking document camera that will not stand the test of time. A solidly built device will let you enjoy top-quality presentation for years.
Portability
Portability is a desirable quality in document cameras. This is more important if you are going to be using the device in different places. If they are bulky, you will have a tough time trying to move with them when you need to but once they are adequately portable, you can easily move them from place to place and enjoy the full benefits they offer on numerous occasions.
Performance indicators
There are some important pieces of information that will give you an idea of the sort of performance you should expect from your document camera. Such information as the resolution of the lens, lighting, and the availability of optical zoom technology are important criteria you need to consider. You need a top quality document camera that will perform excellently in different environment on a consistent basis.
Connectivity options
You also need to consider the number of connectivity options you have with your document camera. There are some brands that come with limited ports for connection and can only be successfully connected to few display options. There are some, on the other hand, that can be connected to a variety of display options including computer screens, projector, and even TV screen. Look out for document cameras that feature HDMI input ports and USB ports too. They offer more options in terms of connectivity.
Resolution
It is important that we talk about the resolution separately because it will meaningfully influence the experience you will get using your document camera. You need well-engineered camera that can capture HD-quality images and videos. If you are on a tight budget and can’t get the top-end products, you should settle for the ones that can, at least, capture XGA and XVGA images.
Ease of use
It wouldn’t make much sense that you should spend your money on a document camera you will have hard time using. There are some brands that can be a little complicated to use. It is better that you invest in a device that you understand how it works and can use easily and conveniently. Your document camera should also be easy to install: there are models with plug and use system.