VideoLabs FlexCam iCam Technical Information download pdf (Page 23)

16.6.5 Flexcams

Flexcam

is a trade name for a particular brand of video camera made by a company

in the USA and sold by several suppliers in the UK. More information is available

from ClearOne Communications

. However, the name is often used generically to refer

to all makes of camera of a similar design and several of these are now on the market

These cameras are mounted on a gooseneck support, which enables them to be sited

and held securely to record images to be viewed in ‘real time’ (as they are happening).

The image can be viewed via a display device using the connector supplied with the

camera or with a suitable adaptor; see section 16.6.4 and Table 16.6. The original

Flexcam

range had analogue connections. Versions of various brands of flexcam are

now available with either or both analogue and digital connections and external

capture devices can be used to enable those with only analogue connections to be used

with computers.

Important considerations when choosing a flexcam include the following.

• Specification of the camera.

• Compatibility with the display equipment with which it will be used, or the

availability of suitable adaptors, if required.

• Stability of the base support.

• Length and sturdiness of the gooseneck.

• Ease of setting up, transporting and storing.

• Availability of adaptors for attachment to a microscope, or to view illuminated

specimens, if required.

• Ability to detach the camera for use separately, if required.

• Ability to give clear images in a variety of lighting conditions, if appropriate.

• Ability to record sound with a built-in microphone.

• Suitable, easy-to-use software, if a computer connection is used.

Many flexcams have a fairly low resolution, eg, 640 × 480 pixels, and a frame rate of

15 fps. Models with higher specifications are becoming available. Nevertheless, the

images produced from more basic models are perfectly acceptable for many applica-

tions in school science. See section 16.6.8 (Video microscopy) for more information on

the use of a flexcam with a microscope, including the importance of the right adaptor.

Formerly Videolab; details of this company’s products can be found on the web site: www.clearone.com. The Videolab range of

Flexcam models includes the iCam, StudentCam and the TeachCam, offering different levels of sophistication. Flexcam models

are currently available from Griffin Education, Philip Harris, Lakeland Microscopes and Timstar Laboratory Suppliers.

For example, the Digiflex range from Philip Harris, the Educam from Griffin Education, the Eurocam range from Metascientific

Ltd, the Ecocam and Procam models from Scientific & Chemical Supplies.

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VideoLabs FlexCam iCam Technical Information Page 23