TRENDS IN
MICROSCOPY
GT
ision is the UK’s largest independent
microscope supplier and manufacturer
with over 20,000 microscope installations
across the UK alone. With this experience
of products from all major manufacturers and a program of
rigorous microscope and camera testing, we have a unique
insight into the latest trends in microscopy and camera
technology.
There are two optical methods of obtaining images of
features at high magnification, one is to use a conventional
microscope and add a camera to it and the other is to
use a digital microscope which is a microscope with the
camera built-in. Both methods have their advantages and
disadvantages a few of which are outlined below.
d anta es o addin
a camera to a microscope:
1) All the features of the microscope are preserved. For
example, the 3D visual image delivered by a stereo
microscope, essential for many inspection, assembly and
repair tasks.
2) You can select the best camera for the job and one that
fits your budget. Example important choices are
a. Image output eg USB, HDMI, WiFi or SD.
b. Image resolution to 1.3- 0 MP.
c. You can select a camera that is supplied or compatible
with the best software for your job.
d. You can select a camera with the best quality
sensor (incredibly important for image quality and
often overlooked).
e. You may want to attach a camera with a built-in
screen, SD card storage and optionally a USB output
to the computer. (These cameras, once seen, are by
far, the camera of choice in our experience. 0% of all
cameras GT ision have supplied in the last 1 months
have been this type, the image quality is simply
stunning).
3) You can change the camera when the technology is
outdated, without having to change the entire
microscope.
i ital microscopes
ad anta es:
a e a di erent set o
1) Many basic types are very low cost.
Some are semi-portable i.e. handheld but nearly all are
still tethered’ by the USB lead.
3 They are all-in-one’ and therefore appealing and simple
to use. With good manufacturers this is an advantage
because the quality of the optics is maintained and
High Speed USB3
Microscopy Camera
80
PECM Issue 23
A Portable Digital
Microscope
Monozoom Microscope
with WiFi camera
the quality of the built-in camera is also reasonable – for
cheaper makes this absolutely is not the case
4) Very few are truly portable, untethered and with
batteries.
T e reatest disad anta es o di ital microscopes are:
1) Unable to upgrade the camera when out of date or
unsupported.
2) The quality and functionality of the optics often can be
rather limiting.
3) The choice of stands and illumination, in many cases is a
choice of one stand and one type of illumination.
ut or: ob Town
ana in
irector T
www. t ision.co.uk
ision td
Camera with built-in display & measurement
software ‘GXCAM HiCHrome MET’