Desktop Digital Magnifiers

Portable magnifiers are useful tools, and many of us have one or two we keep handy around the house. They’re often great for short-term jobs, like checking medications or reading a label. But there are some things that they’re not as good at - things like writing a letter to a friend, reading a magazine, or doing the crossword. For those tasks we need a tool that has a much wider field of view, like the whole page of a magazine or an entire sheet of notepaper. For many people, that tool is a Desktop Digital Magnifier.

Desktop Digital Magnifiers, sometimes called CCTVs or electronic magnifiers, can have many features and come in a lot of sizes, but they’re all designed the same way - they have a camera connected to a video screen. The camera records video, and the screen displays the video. It’s that simple. Common models have a screen mounted on a stand with the camera attached underneath it. Below the camera is a moveable tray. You put your book or magazine on the tray, and the image is magnified on the screen. But that’s just the start: These devices have a bunch of features that may make any kind of visual task easier. Let’s look at some of them.

Unlike handheld magnifiers, desktop models allow for writing. The tray can hold a sheet of paper, and between the tray and the camera is enough space to hold a pen upright. There’s a trick, though – you have to get used to looking at the screen while you’re writing, especially if you’re using a lot of magnification. That might take a bit of practice.

Because the device is freestanding, your hands are free to hold crafts or other projects under the magnifier. Jobs like threading a needle or changing a hearing aid battery may be easier when you magnify them.

With a desktop digital magnifier, you have tons of options to enlarge an image. A glass magnifier only has one level of power. A digital model has a lot - up to ten or more. What this means is that you won’t run out of options no matter what the size of print or image is that you’d like to see. You can adjust the power level to fit your needs. One digital magnifier can perform the job of ten or more glass magnifiers – that’s a lot of flexibility!

Another great feature is how you can change color and contrast: Have you noticed it’s easier to see some colors of print more than others? A digital magnifier can change the color of an image to one that works best for you. And it’ll change the background so the print color you prefer will stand out even more. Even basic models will offer you a number of color combinations, and it’s amazing how much difference this can make – and it helps with eye fatigue too.

Now, let’s discuss getting things into focus: A glass magnifier has to be held at an exact distance to be in focus. But you don’t have to do that with a desktop digital magnifier. Many will focus automatically when you place your reading material on the tray. That means less effort to hold things steady, and less strain on your arms or back as you try to stay in one position while reading.

And it can be helpful to see the image with both your eyes: If you’ve used a powerful glass magnifier you’ve likely had to hold it up close – so close you can only use one eye. With a digital model, you can use both eyes. It doesn’t have to be held close to your face to be in focus, and you’ll be able to see the image at a comfortable distance – one that lets you use all your vision.

Now there are some things to consider when you think about buying a desktop magnifier. They’re not very portable – even around the house - so you’ll need to have a permanent place for one. You’ll also need a sturdy desk or table that will hold the device at the right height so you’re looking straight at the screen when comfortably sitting down. This is really important if you plan to spend any amount of time using it to read books or magazines. So you won’t be using one to read in bed! And cost is a factor – most models can cost much more than a newer television set.

This means that before you buy one, you should try one. Desktop magnifiers are not for everyone, so you’ll want to make certain they can meet your needs. Many libraries and senior centers have models for folks to use. Magnifier vendors may also have loaner models. Spend some time with one and experiment with the reading and other tasks you’d like to magnify. There’s a bit of a learning curve with these machines, so you’ll want to get used to them.

And most of all, your success with a desktop magnifier will depend on the quality of training that comes with your purchase. Most models have controls and features that will need explanation and practice. The best way to receive this training is from a qualified vision professional. Check out our resource section, or ask your learning expert for ways to find a vision professional near you. And our resource section will have information on some of the options that digital magnifiers may offer – from cameras on flexible arms to software that reads aloud any print that is magnified. With all these features, a desktop video magnifier makes a great addition to your reading toolbox.