UPDATE: The Chrome extension for the IPEVO Visualizer software has suddenly stopped working. There is a web version available that works the same: apps.ipevo.com/pwa/visualizer.app/ Helpful for those of us that can not install software on our work laptops/computers. Thanks for dropping by the channel! I looked at 7 4-star or better document cameras from Amazon. I found some sleepers, here. One of my main criteria for a good sub-$100 document camera required that it be plug-and-play since my school system prevents us from installing software to our work device's hard drive. These cameras all worked with included browser extensions. There were a few of the cheapest cameras that did not offer any type of document camera software. However, Ipevo's Visualizer Chrome extension came to the rescue. The Visualizer app worked with ALL of these document cameras which came in clutch. Bravo to Ipevo for making a software that doesn't descriminate (unlike the other companies/software on this list). Please, share in the comments if you have a quality, plug and play document camera that you are using in your classroom.
Thanks. If I search Google/TH-cam for something art teacher related and can’t find the info for myself, I just go ahead and make a video on it (in this case document cams for art teachers). Since I don’t post on a regular schedule, I try to make each new post to the best of my ability. I am glad that you found this video helpful. Have a great week!
as an art teacher, this video is worth its weight in gold. Thank you for your honest and straightforward review. I'll definitely utilize this in my classroom. Might even do some recorded videos for the days where I don't have the energy (I have gotten tired of drawing, pausing, and walking around the room with my paper for reference. By the end of the day I would have done like 30 different variations of the same drawing for the kiddos)
I am glad you found this helpful. The recordings can also help with tardy or absent students (if your school has student devices and a LMS like Schoology,etc). I post mine and students (those that like to review, those that were late and those absent) can catch up independently and I don’t have to re-teach it all while the rest of the class has moved on. After they watch the video, I check in for questions/understanding but it is a lot less hassle. Plus, if you ever repeat the lesson in coming years you already have the video to re-use.
You can always use the IPEVO software with any of the document cameras. You don't have to use the software that came with the camera. I use the IPEVO Visualizer app with various brands of document cameras.
Yep. I mentioned this in the video. I hope that they never update the software to lock it down to Ipevo only cameras (Inswan and other currently do this...you can only run their software with THIER cameras).
@@unschooled_art I keep a download version of IPEVO in case an update ever breaks the programs. The version I know works and is tested I keep on my backup drive. This won’t help though if you don’t have access to install directly to the laptop though.
A hearty "Thank You" for the effort you put into this video. You answered several questions I had when I started my own search. I found your evaluation of these cameras to be unbiased and designed to give us the facts without loads of "push," a fact that supports your independence. You bought the cameras, rather than soliciting samples for review. Good for you! I also appreciate your recommendations; you have given me sound guidance upon which I can better make an informed purchase.
This is my first time seeing your channel. I am not a teacher, but I really liked the way you reviewed these...I'm looking for a document camera for streaming on Twitch, and this was extremely helpful. Subscribed!
@@zeronyne That’s awesome! I am glad that you found this helpful. Thanks so much for the kind words and for joining our little community. 😀 I hope that you are able to find what you need for Twitch. Btw, if you already own any modern mirrorless or DSLR camera, they make great high quality cameras for streaming. If not, a document camera is definitely a nice budget friendly way to go.👍
@@unschooled_art Thank you for the additional tip! I do indeed have a multicamera setup. I ended up ordering your first suggested camera and received it today. I needed something super portable, so this fit the bill. Thank you again!
You're welcome. I was trying to find what would work best for me as an art teacher, so I figured sharing what I learned could be helpful to other teachers, too. Thank you for watching!
I haven't made any reviews on higher end ones so I have not purchased any high-end ones for my classroom or for home. At my last placement, I had an older $500 Elmo brand document camera but I would pick the Ipevo or others from this list over that one (they can be moved easily, they don't require a hard drive install, they can run from a browser window, image is just as sharp, no matter what device is available to me I can use it, etc). The Elmo was super nice and easy to use. It had a lot of nice knobs and buttons for adjustments and control. The Elmo was also plenty tall and heavy-duty...I didn't have problems getting the complete paper into view with the Elmo. There was a higher end Ipevo that I had on my wishlist: www.amazon.com/IPEVO-Communication-Real-time-Projection-conferencing/dp/B088NGLQL4/ref=zg_bs_g_5728045011_d_sccl_7/144-3933964-6109700?psc=1 I wanted that one because you do NOT need a computer to use it. It also has other iterations that can cast wirelessly. Try searching for Epson, Hovercam and Elmo brand document cameras. I have heard good things about models from each brand. Sorry that I don't have more experience with the high-end models. Also, if you are only recording, have you tried using a digital camera instead? Any modern mirrorless or DSLR will always look better than a document camera. Many also have timelapse settings built in to the camera. Just a thought. I use a Sony ZVE10 for recording my art demos at home.
Sorry you didn’t find one that is available. Those no name cameras tend to be a flash in the pan as far as availability goes. They come and go. Good luck on your continued search! 👍
Thank you so much. I have a question though: I am interested in the Ipevo. Would you recommend it or do you think another one you tested is better? I only watched the Ipevo part (sorry).
I have used the Ipevo 4k before. It is a well rounded camera that can run in a browser window (it doesn't require the traditional installation on your computer's hard drive). The biggest cons I feel it has is it is short and made from plastic. That being said as long as you don't drop it and as long as you are not trying to display paper bigger than 8.5"x11", it is a very solid choice. I think you would be happy with it if those cons don't bother you. There were only one or two on this list I would NOT recommend....the Ipevo wasn't one of them. Go for it!
Great review with lots of information on each camera, tested across multiple computers with considerations for the user. Too bad some of these cameras are already not available less then a year later. Still, very helpful!
Thanks for watching and I am glad that you were able to find some useful info in the video. It looks like the AverMedia and the off brand Vizolink are out of stock. The AverMedia is available from other vendors but I was unable to find the Vizolink. Thank you for the heads up on stock. I will update the video description. Have a great week!
Glad that it was helpful for you. Both of those cameras have a really good image, but they are drastically different in size and build quality. I loved the software of the Inswan and the build of the Aver. Both do a great job of sharing an image so I don't think you can go wrong with either for that purpose.
No, you can not. These cheaper ones require a computer to be connected. They do make them that will work directly connected to a TV or projector (without a computer needed) but all of those that I have found cost $300 or more. If you have a ViewSonic screen in your classroom it will work directly there, as long as your are in their camera related app.
UPDATE: The Chrome extension for the IPEVO Visualizer software has suddenly stopped working. There is a web version available that works the same: apps.ipevo.com/pwa/visualizer.app/ Helpful for those of us that can not install software on our work laptops/computers.
Thanks for dropping by the channel! I looked at 7 4-star or better document cameras from Amazon. I found some sleepers, here. One of my main criteria for a good sub-$100 document camera required that it be plug-and-play since my school system prevents us from installing software to our work device's hard drive. These cameras all worked with included browser extensions. There were a few of the cheapest cameras that did not offer any type of document camera software. However, Ipevo's Visualizer Chrome extension came to the rescue. The Visualizer app worked with ALL of these document cameras which came in clutch. Bravo to Ipevo for making a software that doesn't descriminate (unlike the other companies/software on this list). Please, share in the comments if you have a quality, plug and play document camera that you are using in your classroom.
I am a little shocked to find such a thorough video on visualizers. You are the best resource I have found, so professional.
Wow- it’s really incredible that you took the time to film this for us Art Teachers!
Thanks. If I search Google/TH-cam for something art teacher related and can’t find the info for myself, I just go ahead and make a video on it (in this case document cams for art teachers). Since I don’t post on a regular schedule, I try to make each new post to the best of my ability. I am glad that you found this video helpful. Have a great week!
as an art teacher, this video is worth its weight in gold. Thank you for your honest and straightforward review. I'll definitely utilize this in my classroom. Might even do some recorded videos for the days where I don't have the energy (I have gotten tired of drawing, pausing, and walking around the room with my paper for reference. By the end of the day I would have done like 30 different variations of the same drawing for the kiddos)
I am glad you found this helpful. The recordings can also help with tardy or absent students (if your school has student devices and a LMS like Schoology,etc). I post mine and students (those that like to review, those that were late and those absent) can catch up independently and I don’t have to re-teach it all while the rest of the class has moved on. After they watch the video, I check in for questions/understanding but it is a lot less hassle. Plus, if you ever repeat the lesson in coming years you already have the video to re-use.
You can always use the IPEVO software with any of the document cameras. You don't have to use the software that came with the camera. I use the IPEVO Visualizer app with various brands of document cameras.
Yep. I mentioned this in the video. I hope that they never update the software to lock it down to Ipevo only cameras (Inswan and other currently do this...you can only run their software with THIER cameras).
@@unschooled_art I keep a download version of IPEVO in case an update ever breaks the programs. The version I know works and is tested I keep on my backup drive.
This won’t help though if you don’t have access to install directly to the laptop though.
Nice tip. Thanks.
A hearty "Thank You" for the effort you put into this video. You answered several questions I had when I started my own search. I found your evaluation of these cameras to be unbiased and designed to give us the facts without loads of "push," a fact that supports your independence. You bought the cameras, rather than soliciting samples for review. Good for you! I also appreciate your recommendations; you have given me sound guidance upon which I can better make an informed purchase.
Thank you so much! I tried my best to make the video helpful. I am glad it helped you.
This is my first time seeing your channel. I am not a teacher, but I really liked the way you reviewed these...I'm looking for a document camera for streaming on Twitch, and this was extremely helpful. Subscribed!
@@zeronyne That’s awesome! I am glad that you found this helpful. Thanks so much for the kind words and for joining our little community. 😀 I hope that you are able to find what you need for Twitch. Btw, if you already own any modern mirrorless or DSLR camera, they make great high quality cameras for streaming. If not, a document camera is definitely a nice budget friendly way to go.👍
@@unschooled_art Thank you for the additional tip! I do indeed have a multicamera setup. I ended up ordering your first suggested camera and received it today. I needed something super portable, so this fit the bill. Thank you again!
@@zeronyne Awesome! I think you will like it. Let me know how it goes. :)
I really appreciate you testing all of these cameras. Thank you.
You're welcome. I was trying to find what would work best for me as an art teacher, so I figured sharing what I learned could be helpful to other teachers, too. Thank you for watching!
Thank you for this video!!!!
I JUST found out about these types of amazing cameras!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eereeeeeek!!!!!🎉❤🎉❤
You're welcome! Document cameras are super helpful at demonstrating art techniques (or anything you want to show, really) to a class.
Thank you so much for this
You're welcome. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for taking the time to put together this very helpful information!
You are welcome. Thanks for watching!
Excellent review. Thank you
Thank you (and you're welcome)! I am glad that you found it helpful.
Anything on higher end ones for recoding art lessons?
I haven't made any reviews on higher end ones so I have not purchased any high-end ones for my classroom or for home. At my last placement, I had an older $500 Elmo brand document camera but I would pick the Ipevo or others from this list over that one (they can be moved easily, they don't require a hard drive install, they can run from a browser window, image is just as sharp, no matter what device is available to me I can use it, etc). The Elmo was super nice and easy to use. It had a lot of nice knobs and buttons for adjustments and control. The Elmo was also plenty tall and heavy-duty...I didn't have problems getting the complete paper into view with the Elmo.
There was a higher end Ipevo that I had on my wishlist: www.amazon.com/IPEVO-Communication-Real-time-Projection-conferencing/dp/B088NGLQL4/ref=zg_bs_g_5728045011_d_sccl_7/144-3933964-6109700?psc=1
I wanted that one because you do NOT need a computer to use it. It also has other iterations that can cast wirelessly.
Try searching for Epson, Hovercam and Elmo brand document cameras. I have heard good things about models from each brand. Sorry that I don't have more experience with the high-end models.
Also, if you are only recording, have you tried using a digital camera instead? Any modern mirrorless or DSLR will always look better than a document camera. Many also have timelapse settings built in to the camera. Just a thought. I use a Sony ZVE10 for recording my art demos at home.
Great and thorough review. Thanks
@@thepeopledinfinite Thanks for watching.
Have you found a document reader that can be used to project a worksheet to a wall or dry erase board
@@ashleysheppard5704 There are document cameras that will do that but not in this price point. Those are $200-$300ish.
Thank you for this!! Great video 🩵
You're so welcome!
Thank you so much for this video! The two that I liked are the ones that are no longer available so my search still continues. womp womp
Sorry you didn’t find one that is available. Those no name cameras tend to be a flash in the pan as far as availability goes. They come and go. Good luck on your continued search! 👍
Thank you so much. I have a question though: I am interested in the Ipevo. Would you recommend it or do you think another one you tested is better? I only watched the Ipevo part (sorry).
I have used the Ipevo 4k before. It is a well rounded camera that can run in a browser window (it doesn't require the traditional installation on your computer's hard drive). The biggest cons I feel it has is it is short and made from plastic. That being said as long as you don't drop it and as long as you are not trying to display paper bigger than 8.5"x11", it is a very solid choice. I think you would be happy with it if those cons don't bother you. There were only one or two on this list I would NOT recommend....the Ipevo wasn't one of them. Go for it!
@@unschooled_art Thanks again.
Great review with lots of information on each camera, tested across multiple computers with considerations for the user. Too bad some of these cameras are already not available less then a year later. Still, very helpful!
Thanks for watching and I am glad that you were able to find some useful info in the video. It looks like the AverMedia and the off brand Vizolink are out of stock. The AverMedia is available from other vendors but I was unable to find the Vizolink. Thank you for the heads up on stock. I will update the video description. Have a great week!
Thank you for this review! It was just what I needed to choose a new document camera. Now to decide between the Aver and the Inswan...
Glad that it was helpful for you. Both of those cameras have a really good image, but they are drastically different in size and build quality. I loved the software of the Inswan and the build of the Aver. Both do a great job of sharing an image so I don't think you can go wrong with either for that purpose.
Great video thanks for your efforts
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Thank you!!
You're welcome!
Thanks for the info.Very informative :-)
Glad that you found it helpful!
Can I plug them into a tv?
No, you can not. These cheaper ones require a computer to be connected. They do make them that will work directly connected to a TV or projector (without a computer needed) but all of those that I have found cost $300 or more. If you have a ViewSonic screen in your classroom it will work directly there, as long as your are in their camera related app.