SMART Document Camera

Frequently asked questions


How does the SMART Document Camera work?
The SMART Document Camera displays real-time images of static or moving objects onto a SMART Board interactive whiteboard or other display device. Using Notebook collaborative learning software, you can write over images and capture them with or without annotations. The camera lens can even be aligned to the eyepiece of a microscope to view minute details, and it doesn’t require an optical adapter.

Does the SMART Document Camera come with software?
The SMART Document Camera comes with Notebook collaborative learning software 10, which offers many features to help you create and deliver lessons.

How do I connect the SMART Document Camera to the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, projector and computer in my classroom?
The document camera, computer, projector and interactive whiteboard can be connected in a variety of configurations. Please refer to the installation and user's guides for more details and to determine the best setup for your particular classroom.

I am using SMART Board software (version 9.7 or earlier). Do I need to upgrade to Notebook software 10?
Yes. The SMART Document Camera comes with Notebook software 10, and the document camera’s full functionality is available only through this latest version of the software.

Is the SMART Document Camera an overhead projector?
No, but they are similar. Document cameras look and act like overhead projectors but can do a lot more. They also employ different technology. Unlike traditional overhead projectors that use mirrors and light tables, document cameras use high-resolution video cameras to project images. Document cameras also allow you to display images through devices such as digital projectors, televisions or computer monitors.

Can I use the SMART Document Camera without a SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
Yes. You can connect the SMART Document Camera directly to a display device such as a computer monitor, digital projector or television and save images to an SD Memory Card (not included).

Can I use the camera with an interactive whiteboard other than a SMART Board interactive whiteboard?
No. The SMART Document Camera is integrated with Notebook software. Without this software, the camera will only work when directly connected to a display device such as a computer monitor or television.

Do I need to use the removable presentation stage?
No. The removable presentation stage is not attached to the document camera. You can use it anywhere in the room to write on, stage objects or provide a frame of reference for positioning documents and objects. It can be moved out of the way for displaying larger objects, up to the 17" x 12.5" (43.2 cm x 31.8 cm) maximum viewable area.

How much does the SMART Document Camera’s head or arm rotate?
The head can be rotated vertically 90 degrees, while the arm can be rotated horizontally 180 degrees.

Do I need an optical adapter to align the SMART Document Camera with a microscope?
No. The camera has an adapter-free microscope mode, so you can easily adjust the rotating head to align the camera lens without an optical adapter.

Do I need an SD Memory Card to save images?
No. You can save images directly to a connected computer. If the camera is not connected to a computer, you can save to an SD Memory Card (not included) that can be inserted into a slot located on the base of the document camera.

Does it come with a product warranty?
Yes. The SMART Document Camera comes with our standard five-year warranty.

Is product training available?
Yes. SMART offers a variety of training materials and services to help you get the most from your SMART products. You can choose to learn at your own pace free of charge or through instructor-led sessions and training provided by the reseller who sells you the product. To see all our training options, please visit our training center.

What resources are available for educators?
SMART delivers the most comprehensive portfolio of premium content resources and educator support in the market. SMART’s resources include Notebook software, SMART lesson activities, the SMART Exchange, SMART-accredited software and the SMART Learning Marketplace , a subscription service with over a million copyright-cleared images, video clips, audio files and manipulatives.

To access these educator resources, please visit our Teachers' Hub.

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