How difficult can it be specifying a camera on a stick, you ask? Not difficult at all, if you’re happy with whatever classroom visualiser you get.
But what of optical zoom instead of digital zoom? An SD card slot for easy file showcases? 4K for some serious image and video quality?
A few things to consider, then, beyond ticking the box that you have a visualiser. Follow the guide below to cover all practical requirements.
Choosing classroom visualisers by brand
You can find some comfort in picking a well-known visualiser brand instead of some massively generic and cheap one. The biggies:
- Since 1942. Visualisers a thing since the 2000s. Its latest visualisers use the ELPDC naming system, such as ELPDC07 and the superior ELPDC13.
- A 2008 retailer, well-known in schools for imaging kits, including its visualisers. The most popular such model is the V500.
- Another one from 2008, must have been a good year. Particularly the Vision U70i model, which has that fantastic 4K resolution.
Choosing a visualiser based on classroom requirements
Every visualiser will competently display documents and physical objects on whatever display it’s set up for. That’s their schtick. They do, however, display images in different sizes, resolutions, and zooms, and it’s these you need to consider.
- Small classrooms: A visualiser that displays A4 is good enough, with resolutions of 720 and 1080 fine. 4K sounds fantastic, but it could cost you a lot of money without any significant benefit for such small showcases.
- Medium and large classrooms: A3 and no less if you’re going to be displaying larger objects. A larger capture area also needs a better resolution, say 1080 or 4K. 4K is a premium feature, but it’s futureproof. Remember that capturing 4K is one thing. You also need a 4K display to show it.
Choosing a visualiser based on connectivity
USB sticks and SD cards are necessary here because they provide instantaneous access to files. Most visualisers support them. However, SD card readers aren’t always a feature. The good news is you can get USB SD card readers (sold separately).
Your display connectivity determines requirements for your visualiser — USB requires USB ports, etc. HDMI is a much better format if your display is a television or monitor. Some also support VGA in and out, an older format for legacy screens.
Choosing a visualiser based on ease of use
Most visualisers let you connect the USB or HDMI cable to your laptop or external display, and the image then appears on the screen. You use a remote control or physical buttons on the visualiser to zoom in and whatever else.
Some models also come with companion apps for annotation, recording, and image capture if you want them, but they are not 100% needed.
Should software come with your classroom visualiser, then you need to know its use, such as whether it is necessary or optional for recording.
An overlooked feature is the arm, which, of course, you’re going to be using nonstop for different presentations. A mechanical arm with a hinge is best for consistency, creating viewing angles, whereas a flexible arm has more potential positions, but less consistency.
Choosing a visualiser based on your budget
Classroom visualisers aren’t expensive devices, although kitting out all of your classrooms is going to add up. Budget circa £200 to £500 per visualiser (inc. VAT) and you’ll be about right.
The Epson ELPDC07 is a good budget option. It has an A3 shooting area, x16 digital zoom, auto-focus, and supports 1080p via SD. Five-year warranty included.
Browse our complete classroom visualiser range here or contact us for advice:
- Telephone: 01924 423 111
- Email: info@kpms.co.uk
