If you are like many presenters, you know the real power of multimedia and you take the time to create good electronic presentations. You probably write good outlines, create presentation slides, and look for artwork that supplements your message. But you may be missing one important tool that can add power to your interactive presentations: the document camera.

Document cameras are wonderful tools that allow you to show detailed drawings, 3-D renderings, photos, and more — in many settings, including formal presentations, training seminars, court hearings, and videoconferences. Whether you're using a document camera in a classroom to demonstrate an intricate biology project or in the boardroom to show new product designs, you have the power to focus the audience's attention on nearly anything. No more transparencies, no more oversized sketches taped to a wall. A document camera lets you show all of those items that don't fit neatly into an electronic presentation.

What is a Document Camera?

Think of a document camera as a 21st century overhead projector . . . sort of. Well, it looks and acts somewhat like an overhead projector. However, unlike traditional overhead projectors that use mirrors and light tables, document cameras use a high-resolution video camera for display. Document cameras also allow you to feed images through multimedia projectors, television sets, or computer screens. So, begin with a basic "overhead projector", add in the capabilities of a scanner, microscope, whiteboard, and computer — and you understand the power of a full-feature document camera. At right, Epson Document Camera ELPD04.

Document Cameras Make Presentations Interactive

Document cameras come with many useful features for presenters.

• Zoom
  The zoom feature on a document camera is truly a great benefit. You can zoom on all sorts of text, graphics, and objects. As a rule, document cameras can easily read small 8 point-text, and they are ideal for displaying 3-D objects. You can literally take something as small as a penny and enlarge it so the tiniest features (nearly invisible to the naked eye) are projected and visible to an audience.



• Image Capture
  Of course document cameras allow you to display documents in real-time. However, they also allow you to capture images just as you would with a scanner or digital camera. This means you can capture images, save them as JPEGs, and retrieve them later. You can distribute captured images easily or add them to electronic presentations.



• Other Advanced Features
  Some document cameras also come with advanced features such as wireless remote control, one-touch freeze function for seamless transitions between document changes, on-screen display menus for easy control of the unit, multiple inputs for seamless transitions between two applications, and built-in USB and RS-232 interfaces.

Tips for Purchasing a Document Camera

If and when you decide a document camera may make sense for you to purchase, try to consider the following four items: image quality, color reproduction, zoom capability, and depth of field.

• Image quality (CCD and resolution)
  Image quality is a function of CCD and resolution. CCD refers to the display technology of the document camera. Resolution, of course, refers to the amount of pixels displayed. As a general rule — the more expensive the document camera, the better the image quality. Lower priced cameras usually provide 800x600 resolution, and premium cameras can provide up to 1024x768 resolution. Before purchasing a document camera, it is wise to consult with everyone who will use it to determine their resolution needs.



• Color reproduction
  All document cameras provide decent color reproduction. However, when color reproduction is extremely important (when colors must be true), it is a good idea to compare units in the native environment. This will ensure a real "apples-to-apples" comparision.



• Zoom capability
  Some users find a good zoom feature the most important aspect of a document camera. If you will use the camera to enlarge technical drawings, for example, the zoom feature might be most important and the color reproduction less so.



• Depth of field
  This feature allows you to display taller than average objects.

When considering a document camera, make sure to contact your AV reseller to request a full product demonstration. Ask your sales representative to show you the models that meet your specific needs. And make sure to have your own files on hand to display. This will ensure you find the document camera best suited to your needs.