VideoLabs FlexCam iCam Technical Information download pdf (Page 13)

16.5.11 Cameras

An electronic camera is a very useful and relatively good-value device to support prac-

tical science teaching, especially when an electronic projector is available. Typical

applications include:

• showing the detail of a small demonstration on a large screen (eg, insect behav-

iour, reactions in test tubes, meter readings);

• recording a practical demonstration for later observation, eg, during revision

time;

• time-lapse photography, eg, for studying fast changes (eg, projectiles) or slow

changes (eg, plants or crystals growing);

• viewing microscope images on a computer, TV or projector screen. Associated

software allows image dimensions to be checked, electronic stains applied and

pictures to be stored or inserted into other documents.

The output signal from a camera is likely to be video, S-video or USB. Many cameras

are supplied with computer software to display and process images. Good local illum-

ination (at its simplest from a suitable bench lamp) is recommended for best results.

Generally the more expensive the camera, the better the picture quality

Some cameras are supplied with suitable stands, but the cheapest will usually require

the use of a separate stand and clamp (take care not to damage the camera!), small

tripod, or flexible gooseneck with base.

Table 16.3 gives an indication of the types of camera available; the least expensive is

described first. More detail on the types and uses of cameras is given in section 16.6

(Image capture and display).

Table 16.3 Types of camera

Type of electronic camera Description

Web cam

Takes medium-resolution, still or moving images. It usually connects to a

computer USB port.

Digital stills camera Takes higher resolution, still images. Also reduced-resolution moving

images, which may be recorded as short video clips (typically up to

1 minute) onto a memory card. It usually links to a computer via the USB

port. Live video may usually be fed to a TV or projector.

Cam-corder Takes moving video and lower-resolution still pictures that are stored for

later viewing on tape, DVD or a memory card. Video output can be fed

live to a TV or projector. Digital Video output can connect direct to a

computer, where recordings may be stored as computer files.

The image sensor in a camera is divided into millions of photosensitive cells called pixels. The greater the number of pixels, the

higher the resolution (detail) of the image produced. Currently, a good-quality digital stills camera might have a resolution of

4 Megapixels (4 million photosensitive cells).

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VideoLabs FlexCam iCam Technical Information Page 13