Low cost document camera (visualiser)

Document cameras, also known as visual presenters, digital visualizers, digital overheads, and docucams, are real-time image capture devices for displaying an object to a large audience. They allow the teacher, student, lecturer or presenter to write on a sheet of paper or to display a two or three-dimensional object while the audience watches.

Document cameras are typically used in classroom or scientific presentations and connected to video projectors.

This low cost solution is extremely mobile and effective for providing a digital display of texts, 3d objects and large scale display of small scale actions. The display software also takes still photo's and records video for documenting or making instructables.

Links for more info:
Your Classroom and The Document Camera
Case Study: Broadneck Elementary School, Benefits of Document Cameras

All you need:
- Webcam
- Desklamp arm
- Cable tie
- 2x Velcro cable tie
- Option USB ext lead
- Freeware application: Debut Video Capture

Step 1 Strip a desklamp to become the swing arm

I used a TERTIAL work lamp from Ikea. A long arm is important so it can lean over, but also be skinny enough it doesn't obscure your view, I chose a clamp base so more portable but a weighted base is just as good.

To prepare simply removed the lamp head & power supply to leave you with a blank arm. Make sure you keep an attachment point for your webcam.

You can use any form of lamp, the one I choose had a clamp fitting but you can also get them with a weighted base so free standing.