Video magnifiers

This section includes electronic devices that use video camera technology to magnify text. 

Video magnifier systems that require PC or TV connection – these devices provide magnification only when connected to a TV or PC screen. They may consist of a handheld camera, similar in shape to a computer mouse, that rests on the original image and can be moved across the paper or object, or may be mounted resembling a desktop lamp with a head which contains the camera and can be angled to focus on the document. 

Portable video magnifiers – these CCTV camera systems are supplied with a screen providing users with a magnified image. They can be moved from one location to another but are not pocket-sized. The screen and camera may be separate units connected by a cable.  The camera, which is often similar in shape to a computer mouse, is placed on the original image and can be moved across the paper or object while the magnified image appears on the screen.

Handheld pocket electronic video magnifiers – these devices provide a magnified image on an integral screen. Most offer a choice of contrast modes and may also save or 'freeze' the image (image capture). These magnifiers may have the option of attachment to a monitor or television screen.

Desktop-mounted video magnifier systems – these devices provide a magnified image on a screen. The systems listed include a screen and camera, they are not designed to be portable. The printed material to be magnified is placed on a reading table, on most models the table can be moved left and right, and backwards and forwards.