Do I need a document camera or a webcam?
The past year has seen many things we usually do in person move online, from business meetings to conferences to classes. As such, you might be seeking out some new technology to meet your needs. Whether you require a webcam or a document camera depends on what you want to achieve.
Document cameras are designed to focus on documents or other items and enlarge the picture on a screen or stream it over the web while webcams are primarily designed for video calls and other situations where you might want to stream or record your face. In some cases, it’s possible to use webcams as document cameras and vice versa, but it isn’t what they’re intended for, and results will vary.
Webcams
Webcams are computer-compatible cameras, most commonly used for video calls, but also for vlogging, live streaming and recording video. They’re ideal if your computer doesn’t have a built-in webcam or you’re unhappy with the quality of your built-in webcam.
High-end webcams can record in 4K or even 8K resolution, but even those with lower HD or full HD resolution tend to be better set up to cope with subpar lighting and give you a clearer image than built-in webcams. They’re less versatile compared to document cameras since they’re usually fixed in one position or can tilt slightly. Webcams cost anywhere from around $20-$200.
Webcam pros
If you attach your webcam to the edge of your computer screen, you automatically have a good angle for video chatting.
Webcams are highly affordable compared to document cameras of similar quality.
It’s extremely easy to use a webcam — just plug it in, and you’re ready to get started.
Webcams tend to have quality built-in microphones. Not all document cameras have microphones, and when they do, the quality varies.
Webcam cons
Although you can technically use a webcam to display documents or other items, you’ll need to hold it in place or mount it in a downward position.
Not all webcams can zoom in and out, and they usually have a relatively fixed angle, which makes them less versatile than document cameras.
Best webcams
Anyone looking for a high-end webcam should consider the Logitech BRIO Ultra HD Webcam. You can use it to record, stream and video call, and it has a maximum 4K resolution. It’s great in a range of lighting conditions, and the built-in mic is decent.
The Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam is an excellent mid-range choice. It features a built-in ring light, so it’s ideal for anyone who struggles with their lighting conditions. Those who need a budget option should consider the NexiGo Full HD Business Webcam. Despite the low price tag, it still outperforms most built-in webcams.
Document cameras
Document cameras are like modern versions of overhead projectors, allowing you to blow up a document and display it on a large screen, which is useful when teaching classes or doing presentations for work. However, they can also be plugged into your computer, so you can get close-ups of documents when streaming content or during video calls, which is perfect for teaching online classes or taking conferences and business meetings online.
Document cameras don’t just work on documents, though. You can get them to focus on any item of your choice, which gives you more options to use them as a teaching aide or even for making YouTube videos or similar. They can usually zoom in or pan out as required, and some can even attach to microscopes for use in science classes. While you can find basic document cameras for around $100, top-end models with the most impressive zoom capabilities cost up to $1,000.
Document camera pros
Document cameras have moveable arms, so you can adjust them to use them like a webcam.
When using a document camera online, you can use picture-in mode with your laptop webcam to display both your face and whatever you want to show with the document camera simultaneously.
You can use a document camera as a scanner for documents and photos.
Because they’re freestanding, you have more versatility over where you position document cameras, while webcams usually must be mounted on the rim of a laptop screen.
Document cameras often feature built-in lighting to better display the document or object of your choice.
Document camera cons
High-end document cameras are much more expensive than high-end webcams.
If you want to use your document camera with a smart whiteboard, not all cameras work with all whiteboards, so you’ll need to check compatibility.
Best document cameras
The Epson DC-07 has an 8 times digital zoom, built-in microphone and outputs a max 1080p resolution. If you want a more affordable option, try the IPEVO V4K Document Camera, which has full HD definition and a multi-jointed stand that allows you to easily configure it in a range of positions. We also like the iCODIS X3 Document Camera, which is excellent for scanning documents.
Should you get a webcam or a document camera?
Webcams are fine for anyone who simply needs a camera for video calls or vlogging, while document cameras are best for people who want to display documents or objects on screen, not just their faces.
It’s worth noting that a document camera can more easily double as a webcam than a webcam can double as a document camera, so you can simply opt for a document camera instead of buying both a webcam and document camera.
Lauren Corona is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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