Welcome to Microscope-Digital-Cameras
Dedicated microscope digital cameras typically cost more for less resolution, but they have the advantage of being directly controlled by a computer. At this time, most 2MP digital cameras output the full resolution image as the preview, while higher MP cameras provide a lower resolution preview than the final still image will be. Consumer cameras change very quickly with new models every year. Scientific cameras just aren’t able to keep up. So, consumer hand-held cameras are recommended for routine micrography, especially as a replacement for instant film. The images are normally stored on internal memory cards from which they must be downloaded to the computer. This can present a problem if the image files need to be named as they are saved, and also may be inconvenient if the images need to be manipulated or measured immediately upon being captured.
For several years now, we have recommended using a DV camcorder with our MM99 adapter as the easiest way to acquire digital video from a microscope. We’ve tested our MM99 adapter with this camcorder and now with the HDR-HC3 and new HDR-HC7 on various microscopes with outstanding results. Recordings can be made to the internal DV tape, or captured directly into a computer. The move in recent years from classroom TV monitors to video projectors has greatly increased screen sizes, and meant that standard video microscopy often looks very grainy on a large projection screen. The heart of every digital camera is the Sensor, usually either a CCD or a CMOS type. The process by which the analog information is changed to digital is called Analog to Digital Conversion. The Sensor size is another consideration. The larger the Sensor size, the lighter sensitive the Sensor should be, so larger is better, at least in theory.
The Sensor Resolution is the total number of picture elements forming the image. Images in this category are still relatively small in file size, so are fine for email in jpg format. Eight, ten, twelve MP cameras, again, are improvements over 5MP cameras, but the next big 4x step will require 20MP cameras which will in all probability exceed the resolution of the microscope optics. Generally, higher mega pixel images can provide greater detail over a wider field of view, allow for cropping more detailed areas of interest, and can yield more accurate measurements. This is an area that can play a very important role in selecting the proper camera for a specific application. All dedicated microscope cameras will include some software for driving the camera.
The higher the camera’s pixel resolution is the more likely that it will have a reduced resolution preview. Higher mega pixel cameras, because of their lower resolution previews, will offer focusing aids such as a small portion of the image at full resolution, or a focus indicator bar. In many cases the camera can automatically adjust exposure time, color balance, etc, but a manual override is critical for many microscopy challenges. Some cameras are compatible only with PC’s, but most will support Macs. Many cameras also include plug-ins for popular image analysis software.
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