Table of Contents
If you remember I created a post that explains what is a document camera used for? This time let me show you the best document cameras for teachers.
You need a doc cam that can magnify objects and texts for everyone in the classroom to see. Imagine this convenience to both you and your students. Your doc cam should also be applicable for laboratories, conference rooms, boardrooms, school gyms, and even at home. 
What is a Document Camera & How to Find the Best One
A document camera is a classroom device that works similar to a projector but with a higher role of being able to project the images of actual, three-dimensional objects. It is typically mounted on a projector or computer so as to facilitate their placement over a page.
The best document cameras are equipped with high-resolution web cameras. This feature offers the entire class the ability to see texts, notes, drawings, and equations clearly from anywhere in the classroom. The result is your students can better understand what you are lecturing about. The big bonus part is it saves you from spending too much on handouts and photocopies.
__________
>> Are you in a hurry? Take a look!
**Disclosure: There are Amazon affiliate links below, meaning that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Top 6 Editor’s Picks for the Best Document Cameras
| Product | Image | Reasons to get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKIOLABS OKIOCAM | |
|
Check Price ---> |
| INSWAN Tiny | |
|
Check Price ---> |
| iOCHOW S3 | |
|
Check Price ---> |
| HUE HD Pro | |
|
Check Price ---> |
| IPEVO VZ-X | |
|
Check Price ---> |
| ICODIS X3 | |
|
Check Price ---> |
__________
__________
Our No.1 Document Camera for Teachers 2023
INSWAN Tiny USB Document Camera
- 8MP USB doc cam captures live images up to 3264 x 2448 pixels at 30 fps.
- Features Auto-Focus and LED Supplemental Light for quick shifts of focus.
- With the ability to macro-capture objects to as close as 10cm.
- Comes with a built-in microphone that works with webinar software for PC.
_______________
What Should You Look For in a Document Camera
Consider these features when shopping for a document camera.
1) Portability
Do you teach from building to building or classroom to classroom? A document camera is easy and light to carry. Some models don’t even require you to connect them to projectors, laptops, or whiteboards. But see to it your model comes with an on-board adjustable zoom dial so you can adjust to the type of setting need. With a portable model, you will worry less about where to store your device or how you can carry it – even when you have to keep traveling.
2) Functionality
The camera is very important because it is responsible for presenting your lessons. It should be dependent enough whether you are taking snapshots manually or using an automated capture mode.
Is the neck of your document camera flexible? Can you move it to an angle required for the best view of what you like to show the class? What about the camera itself? Does it allow you to flip the camera image horizontally and vertically?
A good doc cam is professionally mounted in a vertical position on a base or stage. This is the best stance that gives way for the camera to capture images of two- and three-dimensional objects that you place in the viewing area. When these details are converted to an electronic signal, these waves are then transmitted to your projector, TV monitor, or computer.
If you’re lucky to have an interactive whiteboard in your setting, get a document camera that you can hook up to your existing format.
3) Connectivity
If you are using Macs and PCs, does the doc cam work for both devices? What about if your preference is a SMART Board tool with your doc cam? Before paying, see to it that the device of your choice requires a VGA connector to be able to connect it directly to the projector. Note that hooking up your document camera to a computer may require edits and other changes on your computer for better visibility.
When you are familiar with your doc cam’s connectivity features, it makes it easy to complete the basic connections as well as the different modes and to access the on-screen display menu for these modes.
4) Interactivity
Document cameras are intended to magnify important details for the entire class. Look for models with autofocus so they become more interactive. In science or laboratory classes, for instance, where you need to focus on 3D objects, contingents, and specifics – you may need a model that offers a microscope adapter, or a feature that can read microscale items.
Does it offer a built-in microphone? Perfect! You can record both video and audio for a narrated lesson. This is more effective than recording simple pictures. Since doc cams can connect with iPads and integrate into interactive whiteboard systems, then it’s the perfect device you can use from K-12 to high school classes.
Watch this video and learn how to use a document camera.
__________
11 Best Document Cameras for Teachers Review
1) OKIOLABS OKIOCAM S USB 2-in-1 Webcam and Document Camera
click image for details
Perfect for distance learning, the OKIOLABS OKIOCAM is a 2-in-1 webcam & document camera.
Designed with a standard front-facing webcam you can use it to demonstrate lessons using pen paper, to share an important page of a book or any other crafts that you need to magnify images of actual, three-dimensional objects.
This document camera captures 1440p video resolution with video, time-lapse, image, and stop-motion shooting modes.
It’s perfect that it is compatible with popular recording tools so video conferencing is all the time possible. It works with Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Mac FaceTime, native Windows Camera app, native Chromebook Camera app, Mac QuickTime player, and of course, today’s most useful platform – Zoom.
OKIOLABS OKIOCAM has a lightweight portable design and is highly adjustable. With a retractable arm, foldable magnetic baseplate, and a 360-degree rotating camera, you can capture images and videos from all angles.
When you head back to the classroom, or anywhere you have a projection screen or board through a computer, you can simply connect OKIOCAM and begin sharing worksheets, quizzes, and other presentations with the whole class.
_______________
2) INSWAN INS-1 Tiny 8MP USB Document Camera
click image for details
If you are looking for something easy to use in your classroom that is lightweight and durable, the INSWAN INS-1 is a tiny 8MP USB doc camera.
It features an Auto-Focus and LED Supplemental Light to offer quick shifts of focus between items or articles. What is unique with this doc cam is its ability to macro-capture objects to as close as 10cm.
Also perfect for distance education and web conferencing, the INSWAN INS-1 comes with a built-in microphone that works with Documate (a bundled application), MacOs or higher, Chromebook, Windows, and other webinar software. One of the things you’ll love is its USB-A cable plug-and-play feature.
For live streaming, it captures live images up to 3264 x 2448 pixels at 30 fps. Use the camera’s auto-focusing lens to switch focus instantly between objects. Plus, with its durable multi-joint design, you and your class will be enjoying excellent capture of 2D and 3D objects.
You’ll be thankful as it can connect to a Ø28mm / Ø34mm eyepiece microscope so it allows you to output microscopic lessons to a big screen. Getting ultra-high definition images to be seen on your projector, large monitor, or even on TV means better presentations that make the class lively and engaging.
It’s cute that its small size will not occupy a big space on your desktop.
_______________
3) IPEVO V4K Ultra High Definition Document Camera
click image for details
This one is an 8 megapixel USB doc cam you can trust for capturing ultra-high-definition live images. Known for a high frame rate for lag-free live streaming, it streams up to 15 fps at 3264 x 2448 pixel and at up to 30 fps at full HD. It captures 1080p video resolution.
IPEVO V4K is also called a premium presentation tool because it works not only for live presentations but for scanning books, documents, magazines, QR codes, and texts, as well as archive photos.
Since your document camera can be a workhorse when it comes to presentations and the joints may become loose, IPEVO V4K has been especially bolted to each of the connecting joints so you can simply turn the assigned bolts clockwise to tighten using a coin.
It is convenient to use because it is compatible with most software and applications. It works with a PC, Mac, and Chromebook. System-wise, it matches a Mac Intel Core i5 CPU or higher, OS X 10.10 or higher, Solid-state drive, and 200MB of free hard disk space.
You will like its fast-focusing speed that minimizes the need to stop and switch between different materials. It has the quality that features Sony CMOS Image Sensor that produces color but reduces noise. Just what you need for capturing images if your classroom lacks light.
_______________
4)IPEVO VZ-X 8MP Wireless Document Camera
click image for details
From its name wireless, the IPEVO VZ-X features three connection modes－Wi-Fi, HDMI, and USB. That is not only to give you different possibilities but to let you capture and stream real-time images to your computer, Android devices, TV, or projectors in the setup that best suits your needs.
It offers a wireless connection to a PC, Mac, Chromebook, iOS, and Android devices, as well as Apple TV. Because it uses a battery with 9~12 hours of life, your IPEVO VZ-X will last for daily presentation.
This is another 8 megapixels camera with HDMI mode that captures images in high definition (1920 x 1080), and in near 4K quality in USB mode (3264 x 2448). The HDMI connection helps cut the clutter and makes large-screen projection less complicated.
Skip the need to connect to a monitor or projector using an HDMI connection. This doc cam can help you minimize the clutter.
The way it works is boosted by the Sony CMOS image sensor and Amarelle integrated system-on-a-chip (Sock) that translates to faster-focusing speed, better noise reduction when in low-light conditions. Use the time-lapse feature for more exciting captures and excellent reproduction of colors.
_______________
5) iCODIS Document Camera X3
Specially made for teachers, the iCODIS X3 works from non-stop shooting, demonstrating, to editing, scanning, and image segmentation. You’ll love that it boasts a multi-language OCR and English article recognition feature for a more improved perception.
With an 8 Megapixel real resolution 3264×2448 high-performance, it scans a page in just 1.5s, significantly improving the efficiency of scanning books or magazines.
The iCODIS X3 model is a multipurpose scanner so it helps you in everything you need to digitize like exam papers, magazines, blueprints, and catalogs even as large as A3 format. It also works on various occasions like scanning barcodes and QR codes.
Just one click and it will allow you to convert scanned pages to any writable Word, PDF, and JPG documents. ts. Use the built-in HD LED light as an auxiliary light source when shooting in a dark room. They are low-consumption led lights.
Some of its powerful functions are automatic image segmentation, correcting and filling defective images, and scanning bar codes or QR codes. While it only supports Windows and is not compatible with Macs, you can download the software.
_______________
6) HUE HD Pro USB Document Camera
click image for details
You’ll like the improved flexibility of the HUE HD Pro Document Camera. This design is intended for convenient use in the classroom, office, personal use, or chatting with remote schools in other countries with web chat software.
The extremely flexible neck with a good length allows its camera to view a full A4 or US letter page. With the help of its built-in microphone and LED lights, your lessons will come out clear and lively. A great choice both for classroom and distance learning.
You will like the wide-angle lens that supports A4 and US letter pages, and of course, a built-in USB microphone and LED camera lights. This one has a manual focus so can move if you need to refocus for close-up presentations. The whole class will benefit from its native resolution of 1280×720 (720p).
The HUE HD Pro is your versatile classroom companion because it requires no drivers with the camera that comes with its very own premium presentation software that is compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux.
_______________
7) Thustar USB Document Camera
click image for details
Regardless of whether you’re in the classroom or teaching from home, the Thustar USB Document Camera is equipped with an 8-megapixel camera sensor and has the potential of displaying resolutions of up to 3264 x 2448 (4:3). That’s 5 times more pixels than a standard laptop webcam resolution. You get a 45% larger field of view.
Use the multi-directional movable bracket to raise the camera so you get maximum access for recording. The detachable arm extender can help you to take photos and videos of large objects or bigger than average-sized textbooks including large paintings from an overhead angle.
Thustar USB Doc Cam is designed to allow you to use it just as you would a standard front-facing webcam – now you don’t have problems when conferencing or recording online lectures. Use it as a doc cam when you need to demonstrate solutions be it math or scientific.
Feel free to use it with a pen and paper, share an important page of a book, or show arts & crafts projects in great detail.
It has a built-in microphone and other webinar software for Windows, Mac OS, and Chromebook. I bet you’ll also like that it is a plug-and-play model where you can simply use the USB-A cable for any time web conferencing.
_______________
8) ANSAUCT Document Camera for Teachers
click image for details
As a device designed for teachers, students, and workers alike, ANSAUCT Document Camera comes with a full-length USB 2.0 cable. It operates in a simple plug-and-use style without the need for HDMI and VGA cables.
An 8 Megapixel sensor displays live images of Ultra HD (3264 x 2448p) at 15 fps and of Full HD (1920 x 1080p) at 30 fps. Thanks to its auto-focus lens – it lets you shift focus between objects with macro capturing objects as close as 10 cm.
This ANSAUCT model is compatible with PC Windows XP, Mac OS, and Chromebook. It works perfectly with most video platforms and online software such as Skype, Zoom, Facebook, FaceTime, YouTube, Google Hangouts, Twitch, Bandicam, Amcap, and OBS.
This doc cam duo gives you laser-sharp renditions as well as colorful and lively face-to-face streaming and interactions. You’ll enjoy how can present your lessons in the most vivid mathematical illustrations, arts and drawings, and any lessons requiring a pen and paper.
As a webcam, ANSAUCT will help you present your best self during classes, conferences, meetings, web calls, and even recorded lectures. This is another great way to redefine your remote teaching using a 2-in-1 document camera.
The doc cam and webcam duo will bring you laser-sharp renditions, efficient materials, as well as engaging face-to-face interactions.
_______________
9) CZUR Shine500-Pro High-Speed Document Camera
click image for details
What inspires CZUR Shine500 Pro Series is to replace difficult-to-carry scanners. Likes teachers who lecture from classroom to classroom, or handle meetings online – portability is important for overall efficiency.
This model provides a scanning coverage that caters to objects that are smaller than A4 size with Ultra-fast scanning speed, which is less than 1 second per page. Well then, all teachers will love a device to scan FLAT papers and convert OCR files.
You will find the powerful OCR function very helpful as well, you will be able to scan 100+ languages and convert them to PDF, JPG, Searchable PDF, Word, Excel, and TIFF powered by ABBYY.
CZUR Shine 500 document camera is compatible with ZOOM with annotation tools that allow you to type texts and draw shapes, lines, stamps, or spotlight. The best thing is you can simply drag the sharing material by your mouse if you want to move it.
Furthermore, it has Smart Paging and Auto Cropping, Combine Sides, Stamp Mode, and Multiple Color Modes features along with handy tools like Snapshot and Video Recording – what else can you ask for?
Designed with a flexible 90-degree foldable and lightweight 4 lbs plus a foot pedal, operating it is convenient.
_______________
10) iOCHOW S3 Doc Cam
click image for details
iOCHOW S3 is a book and document scanner S3 ( the Next-Generation Smart Document Scanner) that comes with powerful software with multiple functions.
With 17 megapixels high performance, this doc cam supports multifile scanning, automatic correction, and background purification. It has power-enhanced OCR that offers more than 100 languages and captures images into editable Word, texts, and PDF formats, and scans up to A3 in size documents.
As you can see, iOCHOW S3 doc cam has a Flattening Curve Technology that detects the page curvature and automatically flattens the curve for easy scanning. It also has the finger removal function to output a flattened page and a time function for an automatic start and continuous shooting after turning pages.
You’ll like that iOCHOW S3 is a portable tool to capture and display graphic illustrations and objects. With 17MPI9 9 supplemental lights, you can be sure of clarity in your pictures and a high-definition color for an interesting presentation.
_______________
11) eloam Portable Document Camera/ Visual Presenter
click image for details
Eloam portable document camera uses a leading OCR technology that recognizes characters, tables, and symbols. It supports multiple languages, directly saving as Word, Excel, TXT, files.
Its all-around scanner captures up to A4 size resolutions and the picture formats like JPG, PDF, TIF, BMP, Word, and more, including video formats.
The software delivers image edit functions from rotating, image cutting, adding characters, adjusting saturation, contrast radio, binarization, and education annotations. With HDMI and VGA interface, it can directly connect to your projector, whiteboard, or any display device even without a computer.
eloam portable document cam gives you the required timing during shooting along with fast copying. It automatically scans after setting the shooting interval time. This feature helps save time when you need to scan larger volumes of files and documents.
Eloam portable document camera allows you to directly print by connecting to a printer. You can also send web fax and emails at once. It’s your all-in-one visual presenter device.
_______________
Conclusion
Don’t be confused by the different models of document cameras in the market. All document cameras work for presentation purposes which is important for students to better understand lessons.
However, being equipped with information about the details you need puts you at the perfect edge because you will get all that you wish for in a document camera.
For example: While any doc cam allows you to circle or underline interpretive parts of a text, image, or figure; a model designed with a microphone remains a lot better because it allows you to add a video or narrative explanation in real-time.
Since document cameras are intended to magnify important details, you may want to explore models with autofocus to be more interactive.
In science or laboratory classes, for instance, where you need to focus on 3D objects, contingents, and specifics – you may need a model that offers a microscope adapter, or a feature that can read microscale items.
Because a document camera can display even the tiniest of details on any large screen, it is one benefit any teacher has to choose it over any other display device.
__________
FAQ
1) What is the best document camera for teachers?
The following features are very helpful both for the teacher and the class.
- A stable platform and tall enough to enclose your space required.
- A movable neck that can move to get the best view of what you like to show the class.
- Compatible with your computer’s operating system and ports.
- With a VGA (Video Graphic Array) cable or connector for a reliable video signal.
- A model that you can carry from one room to another.
- Can flip or rotate the images captured by the camera.
- A device with a built-in mic lets you record both video and audio for a narrated lesson.
2) Can I mount a document camera on the ceiling?
Yes. That is if you require a more discreet document camera for an unobstructed view of your exhibit or demonstration. Since it offers a larger view, it is a perfect idea when presenting 3D objects.
However, this only works if you use the same classroom or boardroom all the time. Also, a mounted document camera should come with a rotating camera head and multiple output resolutions to be able to get the most suitable angle.
3) What are the basic parts of a document camera?
- You have the Camera Head which of course contains the camera lens, image rotation dial, the LED lamp, and a microphone.
- The Camera Arm extends or retracts to adjust the height of the camera head.
- Control Panel – This is where all the buttons are located and enables you to switch between functions. It allows you to adjust the settings and features of your device. This is where the
4) What is the purpose of the Freeze Button? Is this necessary?
The Freeze Button is for freezing live images then simply pressing the button again to resume the projection. Typically, it comes with an indicator that turns on when the image is frozen. But while the camera stops, it does not necessarily mean the audio follows.
5) How does a document camera help students?
A doc cam can magnify texts, images, and objects that give students the opportunity to see the items bigger and clearer. They can read and identify things better helping them understand the topic more.
Document cameras also do not require overhead sheets as everything is being presented digitally. Pre-schoolers will be looking forward to storytime as a doc cam can present bigger pictures and settings that put life to stories.
Using the document camera gives students the privilege to display and explain their solutions without having to re-rewrite things on the chalkboard. This strategy can even encourage groupings that can lead to generative discussions and collaboration.
6) Can a document camera make math presentations easier?
Definitely. That is the purpose of a document camera – to demonstrate better. Often, it’s a lot easier to display and exhibit figures that need to be analyzed rather than just explaining them.
As a matter of fact, a doc cam can be extremely effective in higher-level math classes. Everything seems simpler when you can follow every detail of a solution. A clear and visible guide as well expounds on how figures arrive at different conclusions.
7) Are all document cameras compatible with all computer operating systems?
No.
Some software may not be compatible with a particular document camera. For example, the iOCHOW model in our list above is not compatible with Apple Mac OS. Therefore you need to ask before purchasing. You can also inquire about installing software. The technician will help you solve issues like this.
8) What is the difference between a document camera and a projector?
A document camera is one sustainable tool that you can use anywhere you want to make a presentation as support to your lectures. Projectors are generally bulky which can be inconvenient when it comes to room to room or area by area use. So you may need an extra bag or luggage when on a trip.
Because you don’t need costly handouts or photocopies of text pages, using a document camera will help you and your students to save paper and protect the environment while sparing money from necessary costs. The best thing is you can simply put the device on your teacher bag without the bulk of wires compared to a projector.
If the school provides a projector, you are to return it as it is school property. Considering a document camera for yourself lets you bring it anywhere and use it anytime. Isn’t it a sense of achievement owning a very useful tech tool such as this?
Do you have your own experience using a document camera? Or a great model you want us to know about? Share them with us in the comments.
