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Photo ID Cameras

A photo ID camera is an integral part of a complete ID card system, allowing the end user to put a visual representation of the ID card holder onto the card. “ID camera” is a general term which can apply to many different types of cameras used to make IDs suitable for photo ID cards:

• Polaroid – Polaroid cameras are analog cameras that use a special type of film which develops the picture immediately after being taken. For ID cards, the creator would take a headshot of the cardholder, wait for the photo to develop (about 2 minutes) and then cut out the cardholder’s face and affix it to the card. Polaroid cameras and other methods of analog photography are rare and outdated, as they are expensive and labor intensive compared to digital technology. Photo IDs that use Polaroid photos are also not as professional as computer-generated ID cards.
• Webcam – Webcams are PC-powered digital cameras and are very popular for ID card systems. A cardholder stands in front of the webcam against a background while the user of the ID system previews the photo from a computer application and then snaps the photo. Webcam photos are high quality and can be easily imported into ID card software programs. However, webcams make it difficult to make ID card production portable. If, for example, a business with multiple offices wanted to make new ID cards for its employees, they would have to travel to the webcam and ID card system, as webcams are not portable.
• Digital Cameras – are another popular method for taking ID card photos. They take high-quality photos like webcams, but are easily movable. With a digital camera, the end user can mount the camera on the tripod to take pictures, and then upload them to the computer and ID card software using a USB cable. Some digital cameras also function as webcams, allowing the user to connect the camera to the computer and take the picture, without having to transfer the picture separately.

So what’s the difference between a digital camera and the photo ID camera that comes packaged with an ID card system? Most consumer digital cameras take large, high-quality photos and have a variety of different image sizes for increased photo quality. This can be an issue for some ID users, as most ID card software programs require that photos be no larger than 640x480 pixels. Editing photos to the right size can be confusing and time-consuming for some. Most digital cameras that come packaged with ID card systems are pre-loaded with drivers and specifications to optimize camera operation.

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Photo ID Systems

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