HD+Web+Camera

I was researching the idea of using a document viewer/camera in my Art Room, and you guys are more than welcome to steal the idea too. What I was thinking is that instead of using the traditional document camera see here:

@http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=727103&Q=&is=REG&A=details

$1000 +

What about using a HD Webcam. The resolution should be far superior to that of a document viewer and if we can mount them to the ceiling and run the wires (long set of USB or even use a wireless usb) we would be in business. Here are some that I found By the way they are all under $100 dollars (minus said usb cables) which are cheap.

The reason I think that most all would benefit from using this in an art/tech/home & careers type class is that the class could remain in their seat while watching what the teacher was doing in real time in High Quality, thus eliminating the crowding around a demo space and having to worry more about disciplinary issues rather than executing a solid demonstration.

Alternatives HD webcam options:

@http://www.huehd.com/

@http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/webcams

@http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/webcams/devices/6817

zoomable: @http://www.hercules.com/us/webcam/bdd/p/20/hercules-dualpix-hd-webcam/

@http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SPC1300NC-27-Video-Webcam/dp/B0016BEO0E

@http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-H5D-00001-LifeCam-Cinema/dp/B002MCZJ78/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_b

Please let me know what you think and what other options you may have. I would be willing to help with custom installation or further research if necessary. I just think that these cameras would help bring the class to life as well as encourage the use of video conferencing (skype etc..)

-sb

more information about what a document camera is ( and its uses)

@http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci834853,00.html

Some videos I found on document cameras, document readers: @http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3h_qLq_tAM

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaixlM5PFAM

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcBiUDTdkoQ

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OtigNJ5rFA&feature=related

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhaPsLwUurI&feature=related

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtMGFsuy_4M&feature=related

@http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4fpOf6zUOQ&feature=related

HUE HD webcam as a document viewer:  @http://www.classroom20.com/forum/topics/hue-hd-webcam-as-a-document