With the cost of LCD projectors coming down, many more classrooms are being equipped with this technology. However, document cameras remain quite expensive. As I often need to project an enlargement of something on the screen, I decided to see if I could get similar functionality from cheap and readily available materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since my projector is wired to my computer, I decided to go with a webcam as the video source. I\u2019ve seen many plans online for connecting camcorders and digital cameras to computers, and while they may provide a better quality and higher resolution image, a webcam serves the purposes of a document camera. It\u2019s definitely less bulky and the desktop microphone stand is great to hold up the tiny webcam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The webcam (at least the one listed below) is plug-and-play with Windows.\u00a0 Plug it in, open My Computer, click on USB Video Device, and it works out of the box.\u00a0 No special software or drivers necessary.\u00a0 The Genius webcam listed below offers 1280 x 720 resolution, though I believe that can only be achieved through the included software.\u00a0 The most I\u2019ve gotten Windows to do is 640 x 480.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The webcam is a manual focus by turning the lens, but if you set it to view a document once, it should be set for the most part. I\u2019ve seen the autofocus on a document camera do some weird things at times, so that may be for the best. There is also no zoom on the webcam, so you have to adjust the mic stand to get different fields of view. Also, the usb cord on the webcam was only about 5 feet long, so if you want to position it further from your computer, you\u2019ll want to get a USB extension cable<\/a>. Note that if you want to use a USB hub with your webcam, you\u2019ll need a powered one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want a full-screen view of your webcam on the screen instead of the smaller view available through Windows Explorer, try FS Cam View<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parts List:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Black 19 Inch Musician\u2019s Gear Gooseneck Black 19 Inch<\/a> $3.99<\/p>\n\n\n\n On-Stage Stands DS7100B Basic Fixed Height Desktop Stand<\/a> $6.99<\/p>\n\n\n\n Musician\u2019s Gear Clip-Type Mic Holder<\/a> $1.95<\/p>\n\n\n\n