Abstract: The document (12) is placed on a plane support (14) defining an object plane. The apparatus (10) includes a camera (16) situated at a distance from the document, and having an objective lens system forming an image of the document on an image plane. The camera has a photosensitive sensor scanning a line of the image plane in a first direction, and first motor means suitable for moving the sensor in controlled manner in a second direction that is distinct from the first in such a manner as to sweep the surface of the image plane in said second direction. At least one light generator (20) is also provided suitable for forming a narrow strip of light (36) on the object plane and oriented parallel to said first direction, the generator also including second motor means suitable for moving the strip of light in controlled manner so as to sweep the surface of the object plane parallel to said second direction.