Digital microscopy is one of the hottest areas of microscopy today, and there are a few things an average person like us should know about it.
What makes a microscope digital?
A digital microscope is a pair of field optical microscopes and a digital microscope camera that does not require a separate eyepiece. The monitored sample is analyzed and evaluated by viewing it directly on a monitor.
What applications can a digital microscope be used for?
The digital microscope is the optimal tool for analyzing and documenting samples, whether research and development, industrial production and quality testing or laboratory tests.
What are the benefits of digital microscopes?
The most obvious advantage is the ergonomic use of the devices because by displaying the examined images on a monitor, the user can analyze and examine the obtained image in a comfortable position, even with the help of dedicated microscopic software. The ergonomic advantage is particularly noticeable if users have to work a lot with the microscope simultaneously or if the images of the samples are examined in groups. A good example of the latter is an educational situation where the whole group can see the image given by the microscope simultaneously.
What are the limitations of digital microscopes?
The most obvious limitation over traditional microscopes is that digital microscopes always need a power supply like Stereo Zoom microscopes. If there is no eyepiece on a given microscope, then the connection to the computer or monitor must be solved, and the screen required for display must also be provided.
Is the image quality provided by digital microscopes comparable to that of ocular microscopes?
Basically, the two images are the same, although there may be differences in the field of view depending on the microscope camera and eyepiece used. However, there is an important difference due to the two different technologies: a digital microscope that provides a two-dimensional image will not reproduce the sense of the depth of a sample examined through a binocular microscope.
Is it easier to use digital microscopes compared to traditional ocular microscopes?
For an amateur, inexperienced user by all means. Blind image imaging is faster and easier than with a traditional microscope.
Do I need to be a microscope expert in using a digital microscope?
No. More specifically, the digital microscope is the optimal choice for both the novice learner and the experienced professional.
What accessories do I need for a digital microscope?
The requirements of the application greatly influence the tools required. The following questions can make a choice easier:
Need to capture high-detail images quickly? Your optimal choice will be a high-resolution, high-speed digital microscope camera.
Need a live display of a fast-moving pattern? Choose a microscope camera that operates at a speed of at least 30 fps (frames per second).
Do you need to analyze the sample qualitatively or quantitatively? If so, choose microscopic software carefully for yourself.
Do you need balanced images, i.e., both dark and light parts are important? Choose a high-dynamic-range microscope camera that ensures good visibility of dark and light parts at the same time.
An additional choice can be greatly aided by Aventools’ latest product, a microscopy package for Microscopy, in which you get all the components in one package. Among other things, the package includes an aven microscope camera, which you can freely choose according to the parameters that suit your application, from the available pulse and ace-based new cameras specifically designed for microscopic use. In addition to the camera, the package also includes microscopy software and a USB 3.0 cable for easy handling and assembly.
