DIY: Document Camera
With a document camera, you can easily present printed papers, photos, small objects and more to a large group, simply by placing that object on a display platform just below the mounted camera. However, document cameras can be rather expensive, which is why if you are in need of one, the best route for you to take would probably creating your own.
Instructions
Building Your Document Camera
1. Look at the various pieces of a document camera and you will see that it is really nothing more than a mounted camera, a lighting setup and a display surface for documents. Purchase either a tripod that comes with a full range of motion, or if you have the budget for it, a copy stand with a lighting setup, which can be bought relatively inexpensively online.
2. Purchase either a digital video camera that can stream video straight to a TV or projector, or a digital still camera that has a video-out option for streaming video. Along with the camera, purchase any cords or cables that you will need to connect the camera to a TV or projector.
3. Mount the camera on the copy stand if you chose to get one, and connect the camera to the TV or projector that you wish to use to display your documents. Set the camera to video-out mode and close-up mode if there is one.
4. Mount the camera on the tripod if you chose to go the tripod route, and connect the camera to the TV or projector which you wish to use to display your documents. Aim the camera straight down toward a table or surface on which you can place your documents, then set the camera to video-out mode and close-up mode, if there is one.
5. Turn on the lights on the copy stand if there are any, or aim a desk lamp at the document surface if you are using a tripod or copy stand without lighting elements. You are now ready to use your new do-it-yourself document camera.
Tags: copy stand, camera projector, connect camera, connect camera projector, your documents, camera that, camera video-out