Choose the Right Microscope Camera for Digital Microscopy with These Tips
In digital microscopy, the choice of camera is critical. Since it is the one that determines the quality of the digitally acquired image and is the key for both analysis and documentation of the specimens. Selecting the most suitable digital microscope camera very much depends on the desired application. Awareness of different parameters dictating the performance of the camera, sensitivity, color reproduction, live image quality, and resolution helps determine the ideal camera for each application and in turn allows users to reach the full potential of their microscopy system.
Digital camera technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and with new technologies regularly emerging, USB digital microscope cameras are now available that are suited to individual applications. However, with so many digital microscope cameras available in the market, choosing the best digital microscope camera for your system can be a little overwhelming. Worry not though, we are here to help.
Here are a few basic criteria to look into to decide which digital microscope camera is the best.
The most important criteria for choosing the right digital microscope camera is the amount of light in the microscope. The less light available, the less sensitivity of the camera needs to be. The pixel size of 6.45 µm or larger offers excellent light sensitivity offering crystal clear, low-noise images. However, this comes at a trade-off because the more significant the pixel size, the fewer pixels can fit on the sensor thus reducing the resolution.
Resolution is the best-known feature of the USB digital microscope camera. Defined by the pixel size, the resolution is often indicated by the total number of pixels, measured in megapixels (MP). The finer the pixel size, the more of them can fit onto a chip. However, is higher resolution always better? It is a common misconception that higher magnification requires high camera resolution. The opposite is true, and the high camera resolution is only useful when working at low magnifications. For instance, when using a 100X objective, a resolution of 1MP will be sufficient as any additional resolution will increase data volume without providing any extra info. On the other hand, if you use the microscope at low magnification, then you would need high-resolution digital camera to capture all the details that your microscope can deliver.
Increased resolution from a finer pixel size tends to lower the camera’s sensitivity, however, if both resolution and sensitivity are essential, the versatility of CCD featuring pixel binning should be considered.
Most microscope photodetectors have some form of charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) as the image sensor. The CCD contains a two-dimensional array of pixels, and when the image is captured, charge builds up in each pixel. Image capture is then ended, and the information is read out sequentially. Associated electronic devices then reduce the noise, digitize the values and output the digital value for storage in computer memory. Cameras employing CMOS technology, on the other hand, also have a two-dimensional array of photodetectors that convert photons to electrical charge in a manner proportional to the photon energy absorbed. The amplification and digitization steps happen at each sensor in parallel before the info is passed off the chip for storage. The parallel processing dramatically reduces the time it takes to readout image information and prepares the sensor array to capture another image. One of the drawbacks of this increased speed is that it increases pixel-to-pixel variability since each pixel has its separate amplifier circuit.
Color reproduction is the essential element when choosing a camera for digital microscopy. The captured digital images contain data that can lead to patient’s diagnosis and therefore the camera should be able to display color that matches exactly with what the pathologist sees when peeking into the eyepiece of the microscope. Most consumer grade cameras available in the market automatically post-process their images to enhance the saturation of certain colors and as a result, do not accurately capture the original colors. Cameras having RGB filters and color profiling maximize the accuracy of color mixing and this kind of technology will ensure a faithful color reproduction.
These are just a few of the tips to help you choose the right USB digital microscope camera. However, these days the camera’s capabilities are greatly influenced by software, so it is possible to enhance image quality by improving the software by updating it from time to time. If you are looking to but the digital microscope camera in the USA, then
is the place to buy. They are a leading manufacturer of the digital microscope cameras and use quality components to manufacture their products.