Registered: May 2001
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 4

HandCam or Eyemodule2 for flipcharts?

I need to purchase a camera for my Prism, primarily to take photos of flipchart pages that I prepare in meetings for my consulting clients. I usually leave the large flipchart pages for the clients' use, so I need to keep a record of what I produce which I can reference later. Obviously, I can't photocopy such large pages, so a photo stored on my Prism would be an ideal solution.

Does anyone have experience using the Targus HandCam and/or the Handspring Eyemodule 2 in interior lighting situations which one would encounter in your typical corporate conference room (usually flourescent lighting)? Has anyone taken photos of flipchart pages using either camera? Any assistance would be welcomed. Thanks.

Registered: Feb 2001
Location:
Posts: 99

Images of Flip Charts

I don't own either camera but I was intrigued by your application - I too do lots of flipcharts and hadn't thought of using a camera to capture the pages quickly, so I did a few quick experimental shots to simulate the results: (yes, I'm an ex-engineer which explains the "geek factor")

I used my digital camera to simulate the situations - the link will take you to the photos I took:

1. 1634.jpg - is a 1Meg photo with flash - this is just to show you if you were to buy a cheap digital camera instead of using a handspring module. It has the best resolution and is easiest to see all the fine details. I think this is your best option.

2. 1635.jpg - is an image with the resolution turned down on my camera - 480x640 pixels is the resolution of both cameras. Once again I used a flash (by accident) - but it did a lot for making an easily readible page. The smaller letters and numbers are harder to read. (you can get a cheap digital camera in this range for $60).

3. 1636.jpg - is an image that probably most closely resembles what the handspring modules will look like. Flip page, w/o direct lighting (nearby halogen lamp) - and no flash. Note the loss of resolution. W/o a flash and indoor lighting - combined with the strange form factor of taking a photo from your handspring - you're more likely to have slightly blurred images.

I hope this helps - let me know if you end up getting a module camera and if it works out for you!

Registered: Nov 2001
Location: Philippines
Posts: 38

the EM2 works great for situations you had in mind. The brighter the lights are the better your pics will come out. 'Typical' office brightness conditions are OK.

just remember to hold the Visor very still. I also suggest you make the font on your flipcharts large enough to come out clearly.

Registered: Oct 2001
Location: Duluth GA
Posts: 26

I've tried it...

Basically if you are trying to view an overhead, you'll not get much detail.

In a conference room, lighting isn't a problem. Once the light goes out, it'll depend on your focal length. You'll probably end up with a fuzzy screen image.

Given the nature of focusing on the Visor and that you have to trust it, chances are you'll be slightly out of focus and won't be able to tell on the Visor screen.

I've got lots of shots using the Handcam -- See revised sig line below...

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