How to Compare Photo ID Card Program Cameras

Customers just like you ask Idesco's ID Experts why not just use an inexpensive digital SLR camera instead of a photo ID card program-specific one. Our response is always, "Let us explain what your options are so you can make the best decision based on your needs."

A digital SLR camera takes wonderful pictures, but using it adds several unnecessary steps when compared to an ID card camera. The difference is photo ID cameras are tailored for your ID card software. What this means is when you connect your photo ID camera to your software program, you get a live image directly in your software template. The picture is inserted directly into your employee ID card template, and most often it's automatically cropped and edited to fit your card dimensions.

Photo ID card cameras are TWAIN compliant, which is how the camera shares the image directly into your software program. A regular digital SLR camera isn't TWAIN compliant, which adds quick a few steps to your process.

When you use a digital SLR camera, you'll need to download the picture taken. Then you must upload it to your software, crop and edit it, and insert it into your ID card template. These several steps take some time. So, if you're producing a high volume of photo ID cards, you can eliminate several steps and save massive amounts of time by using a photo ID camera.

Now, let's look at how to compare photo ID cameras to narrow your choices.

Is image quality important?

If your photos need to be crisp and clear, find a high-performance camera capable of taking high-resolution photos. Also keep in mind that your ID card printer might restrict or boost the quality of your photos. A high definition ID card printer can print higher quality images than those produced by a standard webcam.

If you want the highest definition photos for your employee ID cards, and you have a high definition printer, look for a camera like the VALCam that produces quality photos. If the quality of your photos isn't uppermost in your list of importance, you could use a webcam like the Credential Cam.

The way to tell a high-definition camera from an average one is the number of megapixels it has. The higher the megapixel number, the higher its image resolution, the clearer the image.

Is your photo ID program stationary?

Some employee ID programs have a central location where you take pictures and produce ID cards. You can control a lot with a central location, like lighting and more. But if your program needs to be mobile, this will affect the photo ID camera you choose.

First, you'll need a camera that is lightweight and easy to transport. In addition, make sure you don't choose a camera that needs to be plugged into a computer to work, unless you have a laptop that travels with you. Also consider getting a tripod so your pictures are stable.

Other considerations for a mobile photo ID program is the lighting situation. Because you can't control the lighting wherever you take employee photos, you might need a camera with a built-in flash. You also might need to purchase a backdrop that's easy to transport so your photo IDs are uniform.

For stationary programs, lighting might still be a challenge. And you might need to purchase a backdrop to keep pictures uniform. What you get with a stationary program though is easy transportation isn't the most important element. This leaves you free to choose options that offer greater results but aren't highly mobile.

Do you need additional lighting?

Not all photo ID cameras come with even and bright flash options. If the natural light isn't the best where you need to take pictures, you'll need a camera with a flash. Since most office spaces don't have access to natural light, look for a photo ID camera with an USB-powered LED flash like the Credential Cam Pro Plus.

The Pro model of Credential Cams also autofocusses which helps you take better pictures in less time. If you don't have great lighting, or your program is mobile and you can't control the lighting, consider a photo ID camera with a great flash option. Cameras with flash help you avoid shadows on your subject's face and take even and bright pictures consistently.

Again, besides a flash, a photo backdrop and a tripod will help you create consistent, professional looking employee ID photos each and every time.

Final thoughts

If you want high-quality pictures easy to manage, choose a TWAIN-compliant photo ID camera. Beyond that, you can choose anywhere from an entry-level camera to a high-end digital one that takes amazing photographs.

An Idesco ID Expert can help you choose the right photo ID card program camera that makes sense for your business needs and your budget. Contact us at 212-889-2530 today to discuss your photo needs and quality, your budget, and your options.