The compact AVerVision CP300 digital document camera has a 3.2 megapixel sensor, 8X digital zoom + 2X AVERZOOM (total 16X zoom), fast-response auto focus, laser positioning guide, split screen, and picture-in-picture. The camera can store up to 80 images and will support 1280x720 resolution. There is also a selection of online lesson plans, software tutorial and training video to help teachers get started. The software for this camera allows for the complete control of the camera from a computer. Presenters can annotate an image on the camera. They also have both remote viewing and remote control of the camera over a LAN.
Pros: Unlike some other document cameras, the CP300 is very easy to move from one classroom to another. The software is very easy to use and learn. Since the camera allows users to record and annotate any process, a teacher in any subject can record something she wishes to teach or remediate and annotate the process. This is recorded as an avi file, which means the teacher can then post in on her Web page for students to view. This is in addition to all the standard functions of a document camera. The split screen and picture-in-picture screen allows the teacher to display both a “live” sample and a reference sample (from one of the 80 stored images), or from the Web on the screen at the same time. There is also a microscope adaptor available.
Cons: The advanced features might take longer to learn than on some document cameras. But the online software tutorial and training videos are helpful and the basic set-up and operation is as simple as most.
Overall Impression: At $700, this is an affordable and worthwhile addition to any classroom.
Retail Price: $699
-- Joe Huber
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