The best document cameras take a focal point of the classroom and put it on the big screen for group discussion. These devices are also a great way to include more detail in an online lesson or video materials for students to view later. Overhead projectors are a thing of the past now that these versatile cameras are here to stay.
TO document camera (opens in a new tab)should not be confused with the best web cams (opens in a new tab), allows you to share live video footage of a document, small objects, experiments, a book, and more, directly to any screen your classroom might have. You can also use this on platforms like Zoom to include more video angles when teaching online lessons. Or create video assets using multiple camera angles for a more immersive learning experience.
Most of these cameras also function as scanners, using OCR (optical character recognition) to extract text and digitize it. Look for WiFi connectivity for the best compatibility. It’s also worth noting that USB is great for use online with computers, but the ones with HDMI are designed for classroom use primarily. You may want to broadcast via Zoom, or similar, directly to student devices in class so everyone has an up-close view wherever they are.
Here are the best document scanners for teachers to help you find the one that works best for you.
The best document cameras
1. IPEVO Do-Cam – Best Overall Document Camera
The IPEVO Do-Cam is an excellent document camera option for teachers who don’t want to break the bank but want plenty of features all in a portable package. Thanks to a collapsible design and built-in cable storage, it’s quick and easy to pack up for moving between classrooms.
Plug it in via USB and the camera is ready to go at its full HD resolution quality, assuming you have a device with a USB-A connection; sorry Macbook users. A one button switch allows you to easily switch between the 8 MP webcam and document scanner mode. The frame rate is decent and it weighs 0.74 pounds, plus if you really want to stand out, it comes in yellow and gray.
2. Aver U50: The best document camera for compatibility
The AVer U50 is a very versatile document camera, both for its flexibility, using the swing arm, and for its compatibility. It uses USB and works easily with Mac, Windows, and Chromebook devices. The 5 MP CMOS camera is powerful enough and offers 8x digital zoom. This camera is wide angle and has six LED lights that brighten the image, which are powered through the USB connection.
The camera is portable and light enough, but could offer even more flexibility in head movement. It’s relatively affordable and represents a very capable and easy-to-use option backed by stable AVer software.
3. Inswan INS-1: Best Affordable Document Camera
The Inswan INS-1 is a great option for anyone who wants a document camera for a bit less cost and still packs a lot of powerful features. This manages to deliver Full HD 1080p quality, with 30 frames per second of video, all over a simple USB connection that’s good for Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks.
This device doesn’t fold as neatly as some options, but it’s still lightweight and portable. The LED light is small, though it works well combined with that 8MP CMOS sensor. The buttons on the head can be useful, but they wobble when in use. You get digital zoom, and this will also double as a webcam should you need it. All of that for less than $100 is very impressive.
4. Epson DC-21: The best document camera for teaching
The Epson DC-21 is the best document camera specifically for teaching, but due to its very high price, it falls further down on this list. It’s heavier than others here and bulkier, though that’s because it’s designed for specific classroom use; It even comes with included microscope adapter heads, making it ideal for science lessons.
The 1/2.7″ CMOS sensor is very powerful and as such can capture entire A3/Tabloid areas in one shot, all easily thanks to a powerful autofocus button. This can be sent to a large screen via VGA pass-through while connected to a Mac or Windows machine. This unit can even split screen content and optically zoom in at an impressive 12x magnification.
5. ELMO MA-1: The best document camera for STEM learning
The ELMO MA-1 is another powerful teaching-specific document camera that has dropped down the list due to its high price. But for that money you get a tool that’s perfect for STEM learning and works independently without connecting to a computer. The touchscreen lets you annotate, zoom, and even access videos and images from an SD card.
On board there’s also a Chrome browser, WiFi connectivity, a QR code reader, a countdown timer (great for exams), and more. This is sent directly to a digital whiteboard via VGA or HDMI, and even allows you to add your own apps such as Google Translate to translate text live on the screen.
6. Ipevo VZ-X: Best for compatibility
The Ipevo VZ-X is a great choice for anyone who needs their document camera to work with many types of devices. This model is designed to work with Mac and Windows machines, but also with Chromebooks, iOS, Android and most other devices, whether via HDMI or even Apple TV. Pairing can be done over WiFi for the easiest way to connect without wires, and USB is also available when needed.
The wide selection of physical buttons on the base of the camera makes for easy controls, ideal if you’re presenting in front of the class with the camera while your laptop is out of reach. From zooming and focusing to position lock or using exposure compensation, it’s all just a tap away with dedicated buttons.
There’s also a built-in microphone, making it a viable streaming camera for teaching remotely and in class. Another model, without the WiFi function, is available if you want a more affordable variant of this excellent document camera.
