Guidelines for selecting the optimum digital camera for use with a microscope.
Different fields of application:
1.Routine use, e.g. in the laboratory, studio or workshop:
In this case, a large number of high-quality images may need to be
prepared over a short period of time. Simple, uncomplicated operation
of the camera is especially important when several people are all
working with the same microscope. For this field of application, we
recommend using a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera with Live
View function. By continuously checking on the camera display, it is
possible to set the exact desired focal plane. The use of a compact
camera is not recommended for quality and ergonomic reasons. If a large
number of images need to be taken in a short period of time, remote
control by computer is the best solution. The images are no longer
stored on the camera’s flash card, but directly on the computer’s hard
drive. The image quality can be checked immediately after the
photograph is taken, and the picture retaken if necessary. The majority
of good cameras can be controlled very well using the computer. As the
camera is controlled via the computer, motion blurs are avoided. Some
models support a live display of the preview image on the computer.
This makes it possible to view the live image without an additional
video monitor.
Our camera recommendation as of [April 2009]:
• Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i,
Nikon D300, Canon EOS 50D, Canon EOS 450D, Nikon D3, Olympus E30
• with Nikon and Olympus, the remote control
software (Nikon Camera Control Pro2 and OLYMPUS Studio 2) is not
supplied with the camera but must be purchased separately.
2. Moderate use in the laboratory, studio or workshop:
In this case, the time pressure is not too great, but nevertheless the
highest image quality is of great importance. Basically, the same
applies as in point 1, but remote control by computer is less of a
priority. The photographs are stored as usual on the camera’s flash
card and are transferred to the computer once they have been taken.
Our camera recommendation as of [April 2009]:
Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i.
Canon EOS 50D, Nikon D300, Canon EOS 450D, Olympus E30
3. Live HD (high definition) video with the microscope for presentations and discussions:
Switching from an analogue CCD or CMOS video camera to a high
definition (HD) video system. Modern DSLR cameras with Live View
function and HDMI video output are very well suited to scientific
discussions. In Live View mode, the camera sends a continuous stream of
live images to the high resolution monitor or HD projector. This way, a
large number of people can view the slide under the microscope and
every time the image detail or magnification changes, they can follow
it in the live image.
For further information, please refer to: In microscopy digital single lens reflex cameras are the better video cameras!
Our camera recommendation as of [April 2009]:
Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i,
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Nikon D3x, Nikon D700
4. Recording videos in HD quality
For further information, please refer to: Are HD single lens reflex cameras the better HD camcorders?
Our camera recommendation as of [April 2009]:
Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i,
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
5. Uncompromising image quality:
In this case, the camera purchase costs are of secondary importance.
High-quality professional cameras are equipped with large-area sensors
and have additional functions for optimising image quality. More
information on this subject is available at: Using full-frame digital
SLR cameras in microscopy
For further information, please refer to: Using full-frame digital cameras in microscopy
We have carried out a special camera evaluation to help you select the perfect digital camera for use with a microscope.
For further information, please refer to: Which digital camera works best with microscopes?
6. Optimum price-performance ratio when using DSLR cameras in microscopy.
If making a new purchase, we would discourage buying a compact camera for the following reasons:
Depending on the field of application, professional DSLR cameras often
only deliver minimal benefits. Even the lower-priced entry-level models
of some camera manufacturers are, to some extent, very well suited to
microscopy and deliver perfect microphotographs. The following camera
features and functions are especially important for microscopy:
Our camera recommendation as of [April 2009]:
Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i, Canon
EOS 450D, Canon EOS 1000D, Olympus E-620, Olympus E-520, Olympus
E-510, Olympus E-420, Olympus E-410, Olympus
E-510, Canon EOS 1000D, Olympus E-330
Related Links
New LM Digital Adapter for:Canon EOS 5D Mark II / Canon EOS 60D / Nikon D3x / Canon EOS 7D / Canon EOS 550D / (Rebel T2i / Kiss X4 Digital) / Canon EOS 1D Mark IV / Sony Alpha 55 / Sony Alpha 580 / Canon EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i / Nikon D3S / Sony Alpha 33 / Sony Alpha 560 / Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III / Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 / Pentax K-7 / Nikon D300S / Nikon D700 / Nikon D3 / Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 / Canon EOS 50D / Olympus E-30 / Nikon D300 / Olympus E-620 / Olympus E-3 / Olympus Pen E-P1 / Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 / Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 / Olympus Pen E-P2 / Olympus Pen E-PL1 / Canon EOS 1D Mark III / Sony Alpha 450 / Olympus E-600 / Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi / Olympus E-330 / Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 / Nikon D5000 / Olympus E-520 / Olympus E-420 / Olympus E-450 / Canon EOS 1000D / Olympus E-510 /
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