The document camera's main function is to capture the image of an object in real-time and display it to large audience or a classroom. It is able to magnify as well as project images of objects as well as transparencies.
A document camera is a high-resolution web cam with arms. The arms allow the user to place an object under the camera for it to be projected.The document camera can also come with a SD memory card so the user can record her presentation or lecture.
ELMO Company Limited is the leading document camera manufacturer. The company's website states that ELMO is the only document camera manufacturer with its own lens factory which results in vivid image quality.
Other electronic companies such as Samsung, Epson, Document Camera Experts and AVerMedia, also make document cameras. In 2010, their products sold for more than $500.
For a document camera to function properly, it must be connected to a television monitor or video projector, which may not be available in all circumstances.