Instructions follow for building your own classroom document camera for use with an LCD projector. You may be able to improve this design by using a different camera; let us know if so. This document camera is significantly less expensive than commercial models, though it is not quite as easy to use.
I used a Canon SD200 camera because that’s what I had around. The only problem was the automatic shut-down, which was avoided by having the shutter button pressed halfway (using a rubber band).
Materials
Point-and-shoot digital camera with movie mode (This one is using a Canon SD200)
AC adapter for camera
Video-out cable for camera (with RCA plug)
L-bracket, 3 in. x 0.75 in.
2 Carriage bolts, 3/8 in. x 1.5 in.
1 Carriage bolt, 3/8 in. x 2.5 in.
3 Wing nuts, 3/8 in.
2 Washers, 3/8 in.
1 Bolt, 1/4 in. x 1 in.
1 Wing nut, 1/4 in.
2 Plywood strips, 3.5 in. x 10 in.
1 Wood block, 2 in. x 4 in. x 6 in.
1 Clamp to secure it to a table.
1/8 in. length of 1/4 in. dowel, or other small piece of wood to fasten to the shutter button of the camera.
Rubber band
Cost
The camera here (Canon SD200) can be found for around $40 on eBay (with video cable included), the AC-adapter (ACK-DC10) for around $40, the clamp for $10, and the hardware for $3. The wood can be scrounged for free.
Tools
Drill with 3/8 in. bit
Bandsaw or jigsaw
Sand paper or file
Spray paint (optional)
Hot glue gun
Instructions
1. Cut the ends of the plywood into half-circles, and drill 3/8 in. holes at the centers of the circles (unless you don’t like step 5, in which case you would make one of the holes smaller).
2. Taper the block down to 1.5 in. for easier clamping (if you have a shorter clamp), and drill a 3/8 in. hole near the wide end.
3. Cut a square hole halfway through one of the holes on each piece of wood. This is for the carriage bolt inset. Use a chisel, or a rotary too if you’re in a hurry.
4. Sand and spray paint the wood pieces.
5. Drill a 3/8 in. hole in the L-bracket. (Alternatively, use a small-diameter carriage bolt and wing nut for the L-bracket connection.
6. Assemble the pieces, using a washer where the wing nuts tighten against wood. Attach the camera to the bracket with the 1/4 in. bolt and wing nut.
7. Use hot glue (because it’s temporary) to attach the small dowel section to the shutter button on the camera. This is to raise it up so that the rubber band can put pressure on it. Slip the rubber band on and size it with staples.
8. You’re ready to go! With the camera in movie mode, zoom in, focus on the document, and place the rubber band.
If you have improvements to share, leave a comment or contact us.
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