The Disadvantages of a Document Camera
Document cameras, the next generation of the overhead projector, have a lot of advantages and some disadvantages. Cost is a big drawback. Other problems include the need for a projection unit and the lack of awareness among schools, according to Techlearning.com. And some consider the name "document camera" a misnomer.
Description
The document camera is a video camera mounted on a stand with an illuminated display platform under the lens. A teacher or presenter places documents or objects under the camera and projects the image onto a screen. Other names for a document camera include video visualizer, video presenter, digital visualizer, docucams, or Elmo, a popular brand.
Innovation
The document camera is next generation to the long-used overhead transparency projector. While an overhead projector can only display and magnify transparencies, a document camera projects images of items, such as black and white paper, objects, color paper, textbooks and more.
Cost
Document cameras range in cost from $500 to more than $1,000. This is much more than the outdated overhead projector, which costs $100 to $300, according to the Schooloutfitters.com. An improperly maintained document camera can be expensive to fix. However, it eliminates the need for and cost of making transparencies. Some document camera manufacturers, such as Samsung, have either lowered prices on the cameras or created less expensive models for use in kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms.
Projection
Another disadvantage is the document camera must connect to a data or computer projector, a television or a whiteboard to display an image. Adding a projector, television or whiteboard only adds to the overall cost. Another slight disadvantage is while most documents are in vertical or portrait format, most display units feature horizontal or landscape orientation.
Not Widespread
Since the document camera is rather new, it is not well known and in widespread use in schools. Its expense is a problem for education, especially public schools. However, universities, businesses and churches use the technology to enhance learning, presentations and meetings. It also has use in court trials to display evidence.
Misnomer
Known by many names, the most common is "document camera." Some consider this inaccurate, however, because it displays more than just documents, according to the website Qomo.com.
Tags: document camera, document camera, more than, overhead projector, camera projects
