Choosing the ideal document camera for educational or professional use can often seem like a daunting task. Factors such as image quality, features included, compatibility, and cost all play a crucial role in the decision-making process.
Guide for Teachers: How to Choose the Right Document Camera>>>
In a market flooded with options, each boasting different specifications and price points, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Teachers, in particular, may find it challenging to sift through these choices, often defaulting to the cheapest option or the most recognized brand. A prime example is the IPEVO V4K, a well-established name in the world of document cameras.
However, it is important to explore the available options to make an informed choice. In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive comparison between the IPEVO V4K and our own OKIOCAM S2 Pro, which are both USB document cameras reasonably-priced at $99. Through this comparison, we’ll shed light on the features of each model, helping teachers understand why the OKIOCAM S2 Pro is a top choice when looking for an excellent doc cam for teaching (or jump to the summary and comparison table at the end!).
Features of the OKIOCAM S2 Pro & the IPEVO V4K
Camera Sensor and Image Quality:
The IPEVO V4K features an 8-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor with a maximum resolution of 3264 x 2448. Its high resolution provides clear images suitable for most educational and professional purposes.
On the other hand, the OKIOCAM S2 Pro is equipped with a 13-megapixel next-gen Sony CMOS sensor, capable of delivering true 4K resolutions of 3840 x 3104 in wide view and 3840 x 2160 in standard view. The S2 Pro offers a higher resolution than the V4K, ensuring detailed and crisp images, and makes it ideal for displaying intricate details on a large screen for the whole class to see.
Frame Rate and Video Performance:
As noted in our Guide, it’s important to consider a camera’s frame rate to make sure that it’s high enough for lag-free streaming, and both cameras perform well in this regard. However, the IPEVO V4K operates at 30fps at only up to 1080p, and the frame-rate drops to 15fps at its maximum resolution (3264 x 2448), providing a stable and decent video experience.
Alternatively, the OKIOCAM S2 Pro supports 30fps video streaming at up to 4K (3840 x 2160) and 15fps in wide mode (3840 x 3104), ensuring fluid video streaming and recording.
Modern Design and Portability:
Being a classic doc cam released back in 2018, the IPEVO V4K is larger and heavier, and offers a more robust-looking build. Its design makes it a reliable camera for static, dedicated spaces, and also takes up slightly more space on your desk. The IPEVO camera does not come with a built-in light source.
Launched in late 2022, the OKIOCAM S2 Pro is a product of thoughtful design, shaped by customer feedback and the evolving dynamics of modern classrooms. It distinguishes itself with a design that is both compact and stable, catering to the needs of active teaching environments. This portability enhances the classroom experience, enabling teachers to present from anywhere in the classroom and offering online tutors the flexibility to operate effectively from home. As long as it’s connected to a laptop, the OKIOCAM S2 Pro breaks free from the constraints of a traditional desk setup, ushering in a new era of interactive and versatile teaching.
Another notable feature of the OKIOCAM S2 Pro is its built-in light, which aims to improve visibility and clarity, especially in low-light conditions such as when using a projector.
Additional Features and Functionality:
Both cameras are USB plug and play and offer their own visualization software with standard features like software-controlled digital zoom (the S2 Pro also offers hardware zoom (LSZ)), annotation, snapshots, and video recording.
Launched amidst the digital surge of the post-Covid era, the OKIOCAM S2 Pro stands out by offering complimentary access to OKIOPoint & OKIOCAM Live software, offering smart presentation capabilities without additional costs. It allows teachers to effortlessly navigate their class materials without having to adjust the camera or move their materials around.
OKIOPoint and OKIOCAM Live was featured by Dr. Monica Burns on her blog. Learn more about this awesome technology on her website Next-gen Document Cameras for Classrooms>>>
In contrast, the IPEVO V4K only offers standard document visualizing software, and its advanced software features, OCR, come with a paid license.
Compatibility:
Both cameras are designed to be versatile and user-friendly, compatible with Mac, Windows PC, and Chromebook systems. This broad compatibility ensures that they can seamlessly integrate into most existing setups. In addition, OKIOCAM also supports iPads (from iPadOS 17 onwards). The S2 Pro model, in particular, comes with its own Type-C adapter so teachers don’t have to buy one themselves.
Summary
Both the OKIOCAM S2 Pro and the IPEVO V4K are excellent options in the document camera market, each having its unique strengths. The OKIOCAM S2 Pro stands out for its higher resolution, portability, and all-inclusive software package (no installation or usage restrictions), making it a top choice for all settings and uses. The IPEVO V4K, with its solid performance and good image quality, remains a reliable option, especially for users who prioritize a more traditional, stationary setup.
Key Differences at a Glance:
OKIOCAM S2 Pro
- Higher resolution 13-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor
- USB connection to computer/iPad (iPadOS 17 and above)
- Built-in light and microphone
- Modern and compact design while still robust
- Free all-inclusive smart presentation software package
IPEVO V4K
- High resolution 8-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor
- USB connection to computer
- Built-in microphone
- Slightly heavier and larger
- Offers basic software for free but requires paid license for advanced software features like OCR, no smart presentation software
Full Comparison Table
| Document Camera | OKIOCAM S2 Pro | IPEVO V4K |
| Camera Sensor | 13-megapixels Sony sensor | 8-megapixels Sony sensor |
| Maximum Resolution | 3840 x 3104p (wide view) / 3840 x 2160p | 3264 x 2448p |
| Capture Size | Letter-size documents | Letter-size documents |
| Frames-per-second | 30fps at up to 4K 3840 x 2160p and 15fps at 3840 x 3104p | 30fps at Full HD/ 15fps at 3264 x 2448p |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Light | Yes | No |
| Size (assembled) | W 3.6 x L 2.35 x H 11.5 in | W 3 x L 5.5 x H 13.4 in |
| Size (folded) | W 2.8 x L 6.9 x H 1.5 in. | W 3.07 x L 10.91 x H 1.89 in |
| Weight | 0.9 lbs | 1.28 lbs |
| Output | USB 2.0 Video Class (UVC) interface + USB-C adapter included | USB 2.0 Video Class (UVC) interface |
| System Compatibility | Works with Mac, PC and Chromebook | Works with Mac, PC and Chromebook |
| iPad Compatibility | Compatible with iPadOS 17 and above | Compatibility unspecified |
| Zoom Capability | Yes, hardware control on the camera and with our software | Yes, using their software |
| Visualizing Software | Yes | Yes |
| OCR Software | None | Yes, paid license required |
| Smart Presentation Technology | Yes, using OKIOPoint & OKIOCAM Live software | None |
