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FAQ |
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What is the difference
between auto focus and adjustable focus? |
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Does the Claris use
LEDs or fiber optics for lighting? |
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Is the Image the same
when the sheath is on? |
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Can I freeze an image
with the Claris? |
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Will the camera work
with my existing software? |
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If I don’t want
to use a computer, how can I use the camera? |
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Is the Claris wireless? |
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Is it possible to print
images? |
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Is the Claris camera
digital? |
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How would the Claris
improve my practice? |
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Why should I buy the
Claris? |
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What is the difference between
auto focus and adjustable focus?
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The term “auto” focus is
more of a marketing point. One is led to believe that
there is an automatic mechanism that adjusts the focusing
on the camera. However, this is not the case. All “auto”
focus cameras are actually fixed focus cameras. What this
means is that the focal range is fixed and the depth of
field is set to cover a certain area, i.e. a single tooth
to three teeth on a typical fixed focus camera. The majority
of intraoral cameras come with an adjustable focus. The
Claris camera is designed to provide the highest image
quality in its price range. That is why it features an
adjustable focus as well, which allows the user to vary
the range to capture clear images as close as 1/2 molar,
and as far as full face. On a typical fixed focus camera,
the depth of field is set at a focal point that allows
you to have a clear image from a single tooth to three
teeth. Images in the outer limits of the range, such as
the full face, full arch and smile images, are hazy. Also,
with a fixed focus camera, you can never adjust the focal
point. Thus, the overall range covered while still capturing
a crisp image is significantly greater for an adjustable
focus camera. The design concept behind the Claris Series
was to provide the sharpest image available in the market.
That is why it has an adjustable focus, or sometimes referred
to as variable focus. With the Claris, the user can capture
sharp, clear images in the half molar, as well as the
full face, and everything in between. Also, Claris comes
equipped with an easy-to-use ergonomic finger focus button
that allows you to focus the image using only one hand.
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Does the Claris use LEDs
(Light Emitting Diodes) or fiber optics for lighting? |
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In most cases, ambient and chair lighting
is not enough to illuminate intraoral images. Thus, intraoral
cameras have a light source either in the handpiece (LED
based cameras) or in the docking station (fiber optics-halogen
lamp based cameras) to illuminate the mouth and provide
enough lighting for the image. A common problem with many
LED cameras is that they tend to produce a bluish light
that makes images look unnatural, especially in the mouth.
However, the technology behind Claris was able to resolve
this issue. Thus, the Claris camera provides a clear,
natural look. Because the Claris operates on LEDs, the
docking station is conveniently portable and can be installed
in various manners without taking much space. |
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Is the Image the same when
the sheath is on? |
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Yes, you are able to capture the same
quality image with the sheath on. Be sure the clear sheath
covers the prism smoothly. Read the Sheath Installation
procedures to learn the technique in achieving optimal
clear images. We recommend using the sheaths only for
intraoral use since they are not needed for extraoral
images. However, if you insert the sheath properly, you
will be able to achieve clear extraoral images as well.
Learning the proper method takes some time and practice,
but once you learn the technique, you can do it every
time. Please contact Customer Support if you need assistance,
and be sure to review your sheath installation instructions. |
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Can I freeze an image with
the Claris?
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Yes, you can capture images either
with the handpiece button or through the use of a foot
switch pedal. With the Claris i310F you can capture multiple
images by utilizing the foot pedal switch. |
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Will the camera work with my
existing software? |
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Yes, the Claris will work with any
practice management or imaging program that supports a
video signal. In order to utilize the Claris on your computer,
a video capture card needs to be installed, which allows
for the computer to receive input from the Claris. An
important detail to remember about intraoral cameras and
software compatibility is that many dental practice management
and imaging software companies will proclaim that only
their camera will work with their software. However, this
is not true. All intraoral cameras output a standard video
signal that is universally compatible with video capture
cards.You can simply install a video capture card that
is compatible with your software, and plug in the intraoral
camera you prefer. It is not necessary to purchase your
software and camera from the same supplier in order to
achieve a successful outcome. |
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If I don’t want to use
a computer, how can I use the camera? |
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You can use the Claris with any standard
monitor. All you need to do is plug in the camera either
through an S-Video input or a Video Composite input. We
recommend using a 15-19 inch monitor, which is ideal for
viewing Claris images. If you are looking for a monitor
to purchase, you can contact Customer Support and we can
recommend good monitors. |
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Is the Claris wireless? |
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The Claris i310 has a wireless option.
Please be aware that the quality of the image of the wireless
version could vary due to environmental conditions. If
an operatory has significant RF interference, then there
will be degradation of the image quality. Potential sources
of RF interference include cordless phones, other WLANs,
and microwave ovens. However, in some operatories where
the only feasible option is a wireless version, we have
tested and implemented wireless Claris cameras. In certain
cases, the wireless version provides the optimal solution
and operates successfully. |
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Is it possible to print images? |
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Yes, the Claris can be attached to
a video printer directly for hard copy printing of images
without the use of a computer. Or, if the Claris is networked
to a computer, any acceptable quality inkjet or laser
printer can be used to produce printed output.
However, if you need to print to a digital printer
and do not have the Claris networked to a computer,
we can recommend a device that allows you to store the
Claris images so that you can transport them to the
digital printer.
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Is the Claris camera digital? |
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This is a commonly misused term in
the intraoral camera industry. If you are referring to
the Claris being able to operate with a computer, then
the answer is yes. However, if you are referring to the
video signal by which the camera operates, then the answer
is no. Many manufacturers claim their cameras as being
digital when they actually are not completely digital.
None of the intraoral cameras on the market today are
truly a digital device. The video technology used in intraoral
cameras, called the CCD (Charged Coupled Device), is an
analog signal that can be converted to a digital signal. |
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How would the Claris improve
my practice? |
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The Claris would provide you with a
better and faster workflow, improved patient education,
better disease detection, and overall, better integration
with your practice management. Having the Claris would
be an excellent marketing tool for the practice and would
provide an efficient method of dealing with obtaining
reimbursements from electronic claims submissions. |
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Why should I buy the Claris? |
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Every dentist has special needs for
intraoral cameras, and the Claris provides a practical
solution for many of these needs. At its price point,
it has the highest quality image available, comparable
to many high end cameras. SOTA has been manufacturing
intraoral cameras for 7 years, and has specialized in
manufacturing and engineering optics and optical housings
for 15 plus years. In making a decision for a camera,
you should consider a few things. First, learn about the
company that makes the camera. How long have they been
in business? Will they be around to provide technical
support and service in the future? SOTA has been in business
over 15 years. Since our company’s founding, there
have been close to forty intraoral camera companies that
have started and failed. This leaves many dentists with
“orphan cameras,” cameras that can no longer
be serviced for maintenance since the manufacturers have
closed down. Second, examine the camera closely. There
are many details that are commonly overlooked by other
camera companies. What is the quality of the components
used? Does the camera look and feel well-engineered? What
is the quality of the lenses in the camera? Lastly, it
is important to consider the overall value. For the amount
of features, durability of the camera, and the overall
image quality, the Claris is a clear value. |
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