10 Features to Look for in a Document Camera

Tech managers shopping for smaller classroom spaces or those with tight budgets may want to consider portable models of document cameras. Pictured here is the AVerVision F50, which can be folded away and stored, or shared between multiple classrooms with ease.

Document cameras with a built-in microphone allow teachers to record lessons that include audio and video, which is much more effective than recoding simple pictures. This Califone Diggiditto model document camera also includes a detachable camera, providing the user with greater recording flexibility.

The ElmoTT-12i interactive document camera can be connected to the Elmo student response system and wireless tablet to help teachers create interactive lessons. Depending upon the technology you already have in your classroom, you may want to look into a document camera that easily integrates with your other solutions to create a connected classroom environment that promotes 21st century learning.

If your teachers plan to use the document camera during science classes, then you may want to consider a model that offers a microscope adapter. This feature makes the document camera an even more versatile tool and is a great way to enhance lessons. Even the tinniest of details can be displayed on a large screen when a document camera is used as your presentation device.

Depending upon the teacher’s goals, you’ll want to make sure educators have the ability to annotate over pictures or video recorded by the document camera. Most manufacturers have some kind of software that allows for annotation capability or editing tools. These vary in capability. If this is something your teachers are interested in then check to see if the software is part of your purchase or an add-on and make sure it offers the features you need. Pictured here is Hovercam FlexView.

Purchasing a document camera with flexible neck is a good idea if you aren’t exactly sure how teachers plan to use the technology. The flexibility allows educators to capture pictures or video from a variety of angles. Pictured here is the Ken-a-Vision FlexCam 2.

You may want to consider purchasing a document camera that can be operated using a remote control. This is especially helpful for teachers who like to move around the classroom rather than be tethered to the front of the room. With a remote control, they can operate the document camera from anywhere. Pictured here is the control for the Qomo HiteVision QD700.

Some document cameras, like the Samsung SDP 960, come with a reference monitor that allows you to preview live images so teachers can see exactly what their students are seeing displayed on screen. This feature is helpful in situations where greater accuracy is required. For example, a biology teacher might appreciate this feature when she is showing her students the parts of a leaf under a document camera with a microscope attachment.

If you’ve already invested in interactive whiteboards for your classroom, you may want to take advantage of that investment and choose a document camera that integrates with the learning software you already have. This document camera by SMART Technologies allows for integration with Smart Notebook software for truly collaborative learning.

For teachers interested in the flipped classroom or lecture capture, an easy uploading option is key. Educators can record a lesson then wirelessly upload the video to YouTube, Dropbox, your LMS, etc. The less steps it takes to get content online, the better. Pictured here is the AVer TabCam.