Elmo TT-12 Document Camera

The Elmo TT-12 Document Camera is a classroom device that connects to a computer -- Mac or PC -- and to a projector and offers two categories of use. It lets teachers apply features, such as picture-in-picture, to class material being projected onto a wall, and it allows class sessions to be captured in high-definition video that can be posted online for students and parents.

The features applicable are part of software called Image Mate that comes included with the camera. In addition to picture-in-picture, Image Mate offers split-screen, highlights, masks, color filters, Mosaic, and an annotation tool that works by mouse. For normal projection, class documents need only be placed under the camera eye. But for projection with a feature applied, in addition to what's under the camera eye, images separately captured can be incorporated, as they would be in picture-in-picture.

The camera has a 3.4 megapixel CMOS sensor that captures bright and colorful video and photos, and an internal mic that records sound. A jack for an external mic is also available. Shots can be gotten from almost any angle per a swivel-adjustable arm, and, by the combination of a 12x optical zoom and an 8x digital zoom, details can be magnified by 96 times without any distortion. Focus can be set manually or set automatically at the tap of a button. Files can be saved to a connected computer or internally via USB/SD/SDHC slots. Output is by HDMI out and audio line out, and is at 30 frames-per-second and thus in smooth, full-motion video. Different output resolutions up to 1080p HD can be selected at the flip of a switch.

For control, a control panel and a remote control are included. However, the camera is compatible with ELMO's CRA-1 wireless tablet that if incorporated would replace not only the control panel and remote control but also a connected computer.