Document+Camera

After the projector the next piece that might need the most work setting up is the document camera. A document camera is a digital camera attached to a flexible arm that provides a real time image to the projector of anything you want. It is the modern equivalent of an overhead projector, except it can project more than just transparencies. To activate it you need to press the power button. Depending on which model you have the power button is either on the side or on top of the base of the camera.

The document camera also functions as an A/V switcher for the projector. On top of the machine you will see a button that allows you to change the source of the projector. Your choices are: If you do not see the image of your computer it is best to check to make sure the PC is chosen as the source.
 * Camera - gives you the image from the document camera
 * Playback - shows you the selection of images stored in the document cameras internal memory
 * PC - shows the output of the PC

Operating the Camera
To view an item, place it on top of the cart and aim the lens of the camera at it. The arm might give you some resistance, but if you keep at it you can place it just how you would like it. Pushing the camera closer in or farther away from the object works like zooming. There is also a dedicated zoom button (older) or a dial (newer) on the base. To focus the image use the dial near the lens. An attached LED light gives you more light for your subject. The light can reflect and make it more difficult to see shiny objects. The camera has built in adjustments to change the quality of the image despite available light. Buttons like Auto Image will adjust the image quality to match the surroundings. Clicking the menu button allows you to make adjustments to all the visual settings. It is best not to mess with these since the automatic settings are so good.

You can capture images for later use. Place an item under the camera then press the Capture button to keep the image. The image is saved to the internal memory of the camera. Pressing Playback gives you thumbnails of saved images which you can then access and show the class even with a slideshow option.

Since all the connections are already made on the document camera you do not need to connect or disconnect anything. Newer models do not even need to be turned on to allow the passage of PC signal to the projector. If you do not see the PC image remember to press the source button to cycle through the choices or choose the source by pressing the matching button.

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