ID175
Full format sensor (24 × 36 mm) vs. half format sensor in microscopy
Using full format sensors in microscopy does not have as many advantages as it does in conventional photography. In microscopy, however, the image quality depends very much on the type of microscope used.
Particularly at very high magnifications, the quality of the microscope also determines the resolution of the photographs. What limits the image resolution is exclusively the numerical aperture of the lens, and not the number of pixels. Microscopes are complex optical systems, and image improvements resulting from high numbers of pixels cannot be seen, as no new details in the structure can be reproduced through the resolution of the microscope optical system. From our standpoint, a camera’s live view function is considerably more important in microscopy than a high number of pixels. Using the live preview on the LCD display, the focus plane can be adjusted to its optimum setting.
For small magnifications of less than 10x, professional camera (with full format sensors) provide definitely better results.
Full format sensors mainly offer professional features that are not offered by cheaper cameras (or only in part, depending on the pricing policy of the camera manufacturer). Among these are:
* Live view
* Computer control function (USB / LAN / WLAN)
* HDMI (high resolution video output)
* Pivoting LCD display
* High number of pixels, currently 24 megapixels
* Excellent signal-to-noise-ratio of the sensor chip
* Greater colour depth – 14 or 16 bits per channel RGB (Red/Green/Blue)
* Ability to take a series of images (at present, approx. 10 images per second)
* Low shutter release delay (in the millisecond range)
The use of highly corrected plan fluoride or plan apochromatic microscope lenses is highly recommended. These are, however, very expensive, starting at around EUR 1,000. For about the same price, you can purchase a digital SLR camera and a suitable LM digital adapter.
Digital full format SLR cameras are available for around EUR 1,800 or more, and for a good microscope you will pay from EUR 10,000 and up.
Update: 07.04.2011
Canon EOS 1D X / Nikon D4 / Canon EOS 1D Mark IV / Canon EOS 60D / Canon EOS 600D / Sony NEX-5N / Nikon D3S / Canon EOS 5D Mark II / Canon EOS 7D / Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i / Kiss X4 Digital / Pentax K-5 / Sony Alpha 55 / Sony Alpha 580 / Sony NEX-C3 / Sony NEX-7 / Sony Alpha 65V / Sony Alpha 77V / Nikon D3x / Canon EOS 1100D / Nikon D7000 / Sony Alpha 33 / Sony NEX-5 / Sony NEX-3 / Sony Alpha 35 / Olympus E-5 / Pentax K-r / Canon EOS 1D Mark III / Nikon D5100 / Nikon D700 / Nikon D3 / Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 / Olympus E-30 / Olympus E-3 / Olympus E-620 / Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III / Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i / Sony NEX VG10 / Olympus E-600 / Nikon D300S / Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 / Pentax K-x /
 |
|
||
 |
Which digital camera functions best on a microscope? | ||
 |
Convert your digital SLR camera into a professional microscope | ||
 |
Special mounting media for microscopy | ||
 |
Tips and tricks to connect your digital camera and to process digital images |
