Document cameras are used to show paper documents, books and small objects on a projector, a screen or in a video call. They suit teachers, lecturers and anyone who works remotely. Our range includes models from IPEVO, OPTOMA and AVer.
Document cameras come as portable USB models and as fixed units built for a classroom or meeting room.
How to choose a document camera
Resolution. Full HD is enough for printed text and lessons, but 4K shows fine print, diagrams and photographs more clearly and keeps more detail when you zoom in. If you mainly use the camera for video calls, smooth video matters more than resolution.
Connections. Portable cameras usually connect to a computer over USB and work as a webcam, so they can be used with Zoom or Teams. Fixed models often also have an HDMI output, which lets you send the picture to a projector or screen without a computer. Check which inputs your projector or display has before you buy.
Work area and design. Most document cameras cover an A4 page, and some can cover a larger area if you raise the camera head higher. A foldable camera fits in a rucksack and suits a lecturer who moves between rooms. A fixed model is steadier and quicker to set up in a permanent classroom.
Focus and lighting. Autofocus lets you swap pages or objects without turning the lens by hand. LED lighting helps in dimly lit rooms, and for glossy paper and photographs it is useful to be able to adjust brightness so reflections do not spoil the image.
Software. Many manufacturers supply apps for taking photos, recording video, annotating text or saving a document as a PDF. Check that the software works with your operating system, because that decides how many of the features you will actually use.
Brands we carry
- IPEVO: known for portable USB document cameras that teachers often use in the classroom and for remote lessons.
- OPTOMA: best known for projectors and interactive displays, so its document cameras can be matched with classroom or meeting room equipment from the same maker.
- AVer: specialises in education and video conferencing equipment, and document cameras are one of its main product lines for schools.
Frequently asked questions
How is a document camera different from a scanner?
A document camera shows a live picture, while a scanner produces a finished file. You use the camera in a lesson or presentation when you need to show a page, a book or an object to an audience at that moment. A scanner is better for archiving large stacks of paper, although the software for many cameras can also save an image as a PDF.
Can a document camera be used for video calls?
Yes, portable USB document cameras are usually recognised by a computer as a webcam. Once you select it as the video source in Zoom, Teams or Google Meet, you can show a document or write by hand on paper. Check that the manufacturer lists compatibility with your operating system before buying.
Does a document camera need a computer?
Not always. Models with an HDMI output can send the picture straight to a projector or screen, while USB cameras need a computer. If you want to record video or annotate text in an app, you will need a computer even with an HDMI model.
What resolution should a document camera have?
Full HD is usually enough for school and office use, because printed text stays clear at that resolution. Choose 4K when you need to show drawings, photographs or small objects, or zoom in a long way. Frame rate is worth checking too, since it decides whether moving objects look smooth.
