Know the Camera
Step1
Select a computer monitor for small meeting rooms. Choose a computer monitor when access to a data projector is unavailable. Use this type of viewer to show a PowerPoint presentation or show images with other visual software. Or pick a television screen for small meeting rooms. Use a television screen when access to a data projector is not available.
Step2
Get fixed installations cameras for use in a library or on a stage. A fixed installations document camera is normally full-featured. Opt for a portable document camera when you need greater mobility. This document camera comes in basic to full-featured models.
Step3
Learn how the resolution of your document camera determines the quality of the image being portrayed. The resolution is measured by the number of lines or number of pixels. The most common type of document camera measures resolution by pixels.
Step4
Be aware that document cameras and data projectors categorize resolution in pixels and lines. Choose SVGA, SXGA, XGA or another type of resolution. Match document camera resolution and input resolution with output resolution, whether you use a computer monitor or a data projector.
Step5
Keep in mind that frame rate refers to the amount of times an image refreshes per second. It is often referred to as fps, frames per second. Frame rate greatly impacts the overall appearance of an image, even though it is not directly connected to resolution. Expect a presenter that refreshes 40 frames per second to show smoother movement than a presenter that refreshes 20 frames a second.
Determine Zoom Options
Step1
Bend the gooseneck to move the head closer to the object and make the object look larger. Using this method does not require extra cost.
Step2
Understand that optical zoom involves physical movement. The quality of the image will remain the same. Expect to pay more for this type of camera.
Step3
Resample the image with a digital zoom to make it look larger. Plan to pay less money for a digital zoom than an optical zoom. Expect a slight degradation in quality of the image.
Learn About Lighting
Step1
Dispel shadows and brighten the subject with one of the many document cameras equipped with lights.
Step2
Understand the type of lighting you need depends on the room where you plan to do your presentation. Lighting may not be needed in a bright and well-lit room. Use sidelights in a room with uneven lighting or a dark room.
Step3
Select back light, a special kind of light, when you use X-rays, transparencies or slides.
Determine Amount of Storage
Step1
Know that an increasing number of visual presenters/document cameras allow image capture and storage.
Step2
Understand that some elaborate presenters have memory cards for storage.
Step3
Remember that most presenters use internal memory which can be downloaded into a computer.
